Not sure where security fits in your software development lifecycle? Hint – it’s more than just testing. Let’s break it down.

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01 – Planning and requirements analysis: Define security objectives early

Security starts in the earliest stages of the SDLC. Identify security objectives, consider compliance needs, and conduct threat modelling to assess risks. Establish policies, outline risk mitigation strategies, and make security a foundational part of project planning.

02 – Design: Strengthen security architecture with design reviews

The design phase sets the system’s foundation – secure design principles, architecture reviews, and threat modelling should ideally be standard practice. A well–thought-out security architecture will make implementing controls more effective and reduce downstream risks.

Psst… Perceptive makes adding security to these first couple of stages much easier! 😉 

03 – Implementation/Development: Adopt secure coding practices

Security must be embedded in the development process. Use secure coding guidelines, automated tools to detect vulnerabilities, and enforce security–focused code reviews. Adding static code analysis and manual reviews will ensure your codebase remains resilient to threats.

04 – Testing: Integrate security testing into CI/CD

Security testing helps ensure your software can withstand attacks. Implement penetration testing, dynamic application security testing (DAST), and automated security checks in CI/CD pipelines. Make sure you regularly update your test suites to keep ahead of emerging threats.

05 – Deployment: Enforce secure configurations and monitoring

Security doesn’t stop after testing. Secure your deployment environments with hardened configurations, proper secrets management, and by disabling unnecessary services. Implement continuous monitoring tools that detect suspicious activity and vulnerabilities.

06 – Operation/Maintenance: Conduct audits, train teams, and prepare for incidents

Ongoing security practices, and a continuous improvement mindset, are crucial. Regular security audits, threat intelligence, and proactive monitoring will all help keep your systems secure. Incident response plans ensure rapid action when breaches occur, and continuous training keeps your team ready to mitigate threats effectively.

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Building security into your SDLC isn’t just about reducing risk – it’s about fostering a culture where security is a continuous priority. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with small steps, integrate what you can, and iterate from there. That’s why we created Perceptive: to make security conversations simple and actionable from the start.