Assessing the Security of Your Application Development Shop

Training Introduction

Background

As organizations increasingly rely on custom-built software and digital solutions, application security becomes a critical concern. Vulnerabilities introduced during the software development lifecycle (SDLC) can expose systems to breaches, data loss, and reputational damage.

Security is no longer just an IT issue—it’s a core business risk. Assessing the security posture of your application development shop is essential to prevent vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and build resilient, secure software systems.

 

Purpose of the Training

This course equips participants with the skills and knowledge to assess the security practices, policies, and controls within an application development environment. It provides practical techniques to evaluate software development processes, identify security gaps, and recommend improvements based on best practices such as OWASP, DevSecOps, and secure coding standards.

 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Understand security risks across the Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
• Evaluate secure coding practices and developer awareness.
• Assess governance, tools, and controls in the development environment.
• Identify vulnerabilities in processes, pipelines, and code repositories.
• Recommend improvements to enhance security maturity.

 

Target Audience

• Internal and external IT auditors
• Application development managers
• DevOps and DevSecOps teams
• Security analysts and architects
• Risk and compliance professionals

 

Training Approach

• Modules: 5 structured modules (2–3 hours each)
• Methods: Expert-led sessions, hands-on exercises, checklists, real-world case studies
• Deliverables: Templates, assessment tools, and a certificate of completion

 

Course Content:

Module 1: Introduction to Application Security and the Secure SDLC

Objectives:

• Understand key application security risks.
• Introduce the Secure Software Development Lifecycle (S-SDLC).
• Recognize common threats and compliance drivers.

Key Topics:

• OWASP Top 10 security risks
• Stages of the SDLC and security touchpoints
• Regulatory requirements (e.g., GDPR, PCI-DSS, ISO/IEC 27034)
• Secure SDLC models: Microsoft SDL, NIST SP 800-64

Activities:

• Group discussion: Past application vulnerabilities and consequences
• Quiz: OWASP Top 10 threats and SDLC alignment

Module 2: Assessing Development Team Practices and Awareness

Objectives:

• Evaluate the development team’s security culture and capabilities.
• Identify gaps in secure coding knowledge and practices.
• Examine how security is integrated into team workflows.

Key Topics:

• Developer training and awareness programs
• Secure coding standards (e.g., CERT, CWE, SEI)
• Code review practices and peer validation
• Threat modeling and developer responsibilities

Activities:

• Checklist review: Secure developer onboarding program
• Exercise: Analyze a sample codebase for secure coding gaps

Module 3: Assessing Security in Tools, Environments, and Pipelines

Objectives:

• Evaluate the security of CI/CD pipelines and development tools.
• Identify vulnerabilities in source code repositories and build environments.
• Understand DevOps vs. DevSecOps practices.

Key Topics:

• Source control systems (e.g., Git): access controls and audit trails
• CI/CD pipeline security (Jenkins, GitHub Actions, etc.)
• Secrets management and artifact repositories
• DevSecOps integration: shift-left security

Activities:

• Practical review: Assess a sample CI/CD pipeline for security controls
• Group exercise: Build a secure DevOps checklist

Module 4: Testing and Monitoring for Application Security

Objectives:

• Examine security testing methods and their integration into development.
• Review vulnerability scanning, static/dynamic code analysis, and penetration testing.
• Evaluate monitoring and incident response processes for applications.

Key Topics:

• SAST, DAST, IAST, and RASP tools
• Integration of security testing into CI/CD
• Logging, alerting, and application-specific monitoring
• Vulnerability management and patching processes

Activities:

• Tool demo or simulation: Analyze SAST/DAST results
• Workshop: Design a secure testing and monitoring workflow

Module 5: Maturity Assessment and Reporting

Objectives:

• Use maturity models to assess the overall security posture.
• Develop findings and recommendations.
• Communicate risks and improvements to technical and non-technical stakeholders.

Key Topics:

• OWASP SAMM or BSIMM frameworks for maturity assessment
• Risk prioritization and reporting structure
• Building an application security roadmap
• Reporting techniques for executives vs. developers

Activities:

• Hands-on: Perform a mini security maturity self-assessment
• Role play: Present findings to executive and development teams

 

Conclusion and Certification

• Summary of key learnings
• Final quiz or practical evaluation
• Open discussion: Application security challenges and best practices
• Certificate of Completion awarded

 

Optional Training Materials

• Secure SDLC assessment checklist
• Secure code review guide
• CI/CD pipeline security template
• OWASP SAMM maturity model toolkit
• Participant workbook and facilitator slides