Security Development Lifecycle Analysis (SDLC)
Evaluate the product's safety risk throughout its evolution cycles.
Table of Contents:
What is a Security Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Analysis?
The Security Development Lifecycle (SDLC) is a systematic process that integrates security into all phases of software development, from initial planning to post-implementation maintenance. Unlike traditional approaches that treat security as an "add-on layer" at the end of development, the SDLC incorporates security practices and controls at every stage of the process.
This proactive approach allows vulnerabilities to be identified and mitigated before the software goes into production, significantly reducing the costs associated with correcting security flaws and potential data breaches.
For startups working with enterprise customers, implementing a structured SDLC not only strengthens product security but also provides demonstrable evidence of commitment to security, an increasingly critical factor in due diligence processes and RFPs.
Different Security Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Models
There are several SDLC frameworks and models adapted to different development contexts. The most relevant for startups include:
Microsoft SDL Model
Developed by one of the pioneers in development security, this model is divided into seven main phases: Formation, Requirements, Design, Implementation, Verification, Release, and Response. Ideal for teams with more structured development processes.
DevSecOps Model
It integrates security into agile and DevOps methodologies, focusing on automation, continuous validation, and collaboration between development and security teams. Perfect for startups with rapid development cycles and frequent deliveries.
SAMM (Software Assurance Maturity Model)
Developed by OWASP, it offers a phased approach to implementing security, allowing organizations to assess their current practices and improve incrementally. It is particularly useful for growing startups that need to scale their security practices.
NIST 800-64 Model
A more formal approach based on NIST standards, which provides additional rigor and is preferred by startups working with government or highly regulated clients.
What is assessed in a Security Development Lifecycle ?
An effective SDLC assesses different security aspects at each stage of development:
1. In the requirements phase, the following are assessed: • Data classification and sensitivity levels • Applicable regulatory requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, etc.) • Potential threats and attack surfaces • Authentication and authorization requirements
3. During the development phase, the following are performed: • Static code analysis (SAST) • Secure code reviews • Optimization of the use of secure libraries and components • Compliance with secure coding standards
2. In the design phase, the following are reviewed: • Security architecture • Threat modeling • Secure design principles (least privilege, defense in depth) • Security design improvements
4. The testing phase includes: • Penetration testing • Dynamic Security Analysis (DAST) • Fuzz testing • Vulnerability scanning
5. In the implementation phase, the following are verified: Secure configuration Infrastructure hardening Secure management of secrets and credentials Implementation protections
6. In the maintenance phase, the following are prioritized: • Continuous security monitoring • Patch and update management • Incident response procedures • Security updates
The 4 fundamental steps of an effective SDLC
1. Requirements Establishment and Threat Modeling
Key Activities: Define security requirements, identify sensitive assets and data, perform threat modeling, establish risk acceptance criteria.
Deliverables: Security requirements document, threat model, initial risk matrix.
2. Secure Design and Implementation
Key Activities: Security design reviews, adherence to secure coding standards, static code analysis, secure dependency management.
Deliverables: Security architecture documentation, SAST results, evidence of code reviews.
3. Verification and Validation
Key Activities: Penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, secure configuration review, security control validation.
Deliverables: Security test reports, evidence of vulnerability remediation, secure configuration documentation.
4. Implementation and Response
Key Activities: Secure implementation, continuous monitoring, incident response procedures, patch and update management.
Deliverables: Incident response plan, security metrics, update procedures, security status reports.
Who needs to implement a SDLC? Why?
Tech Startups with Enterprise Clients
Large corporate clients and government entities increasingly require evidence of secure development practices. A structured SDLC provides this evidence and facilitates due diligence processes.
Startups in Regulated Sectors
Fintech, healthtech, and edtech face specific regulatory requirements that mandate secure development practices and sensitive data protection by design.
Startups Handling Sensitive Data
Any company that processes personal, financial, or confidential information needs a systematic approach to protecting this data throughout the entire application lifecycle.
Startups in the Scaling Phase
As teams and code complexity grow, a SDLC provides structure and consistency in security practices, preventing technical security debt from accumulating.
Startups preparing for capital raising
Investors are increasingly paying attention to security posture as part of their due diligence, especially in Series A and later rounds.
Examples of SDLC for different sectors
Fintech
Focus: Financial data protection, PCI-DSS compliance, and strong authentication.
Example: A payments startup implemented SDLC with an emphasis on transaction threat modeling, reducing critical vulnerabilities by 87% and accelerating its PCI-DSS certification process.
Healthtech
Focus: Medical data privacy, HIPAA compliance, critical data integrity
Example: An electronic medical records startup incorporated automated security testing into its CI/CD pipeline, detecting potential vulnerabilities before each release and demonstrating ongoing compliance to hospital clients.
B2B SaaS
Focus: Customer data segregation, access management, SOC 2 compliance
Example: An HR SaaS platform implemented SDLC with a focus on secure multi-tenancy architecture, facilitating the achievement of SOC 2 certification in half the estimated time.
Marketplace/Platforms
Focus: API security, fraud protection, transaction security
Example: A B2B marketplace implemented SDLC with an emphasis on API security and fraud prevention, reducing security incidents by 92% during its hypergrowth phase.
Main challenges in implementing a SDLC
Balancing Speed and Security
Startups need to move quickly, and security processes can be perceived as obstacles. The key is to automate security controls and integrate them into existing workflows.
Resource and Knowledge Limitations
Many startups lack dedicated security specialists. Solutions such as automated tools, specific training, and simplified frameworks can mitigate this limitation.
Adapting to Agile Methodologies
Traditional SDLC models were designed for waterfall development. Adapting to agile environments requires iterative and incremental approaches to security.
Constantly Evolving Threats
The threat landscape is constantly changing, requiring constant updates to security knowledge and practices.
Third-Party Dependencies
Most modern software incorporates third-party libraries and services, the security of which is beyond the direct control of the development team.
What is a Safety Practices Statement (SPD)?
A Security Practices Declaration (SPD) is a formal document that describes the security practices implemented during the development of a software product. It provides transparency about the security controls and secure development practices incorporated into the product.
Key components of an SPD:
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Overview of the security approach
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Security frameworks and standards followed
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Secure development practices implemented
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Security testing performed and overall results
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Vulnerability management process
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Commitment to post-release security maintenance
Benefits of an SPD:
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Transparency with customers and users about security practices
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Competitive differentiation in markets where security is valued
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Acceleration of sales processes by anticipating security questions
How does MINO implement SDLC?
At MINO, we have developed a pragmatic and adaptable approach to implementing SDLC in startups, based on experience and industry best practices:
SDL Maturity Assessment
We begin with an assessment to understand current practices and define a realistic roadmap based on the level of maturity, available resources, and specific needs.
Modular SDL Framework
Our framework allows for incremental implementation of security controls, prioritizing those with the greatest impact based on each startup's specific context.
Automation and Integration
We prioritize the automation of security controls and their integration into existing CI/CD pipelines, minimizing friction in development processes.
Predefined Templates and Resources
We provide templates for threat modeling, security requirements, and other SDLC artifacts, significantly reducing implementation effort.
Contextualized Training
We offer specific training modules for different roles (developers, QA, DevOps), focused on the specific needs of each team.
Metrics and Continuous Improvement
We implement a metrics system that allows you to visualize progress in security maturity and prioritize areas for improvement.
Boost development security with MINO
Implementing an effective SDLC doesn't have to be an overwhelming or expensive process.
With the right approach, even startups with limited resources can establish secure development practices that:
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- Significantly reduce the risk of costly vulnerabilities
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- Meet regulatory and enterprise customer requirements
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- Create competitive differentiation in markets where security matters
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- Build trust with customers, investors, and users
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MINO simplifies this process by providing:
SDL Maturity Assessment: Identify your starting point and define a realistic roadmap
Adaptive SDL Framework: Progressive implementation tailored to your resources and priorities
Tools and Templates: Predefined resources that lower the barrier to entry
MINO GRC Integration: Unified view of your security posture, including SDL practices
MINO Seal for Secure Development: Demonstrate your commitment to security to customers and partners