Cigital, SANS Institute Roll Out Software Security Self-Measurement With BSIMM

PRESS RELEASE

DULLES, VA, October 8, 2009—Cigital, Inc., the largest consulting firm specializing in software security and quality in the world, and The SANS Institute, the most trusted and by far the largest source for information security training and certification, announce the release of the BSIMM Begin . BSIMM Begin is a Web-based study focused on introductory activities covered in the full Building Security In Maturity Model (BSIMM) . BSIMM Begin will significantly broaden BSIMM data collection to include self-reported data from firms just starting software security initiatives.

BSIMM was released in March 2009 based on data from nine firms. Since then, the size of the formally gathered data pool has nearly tripled and will soon be capable of providing back to the community statistically significant facts and guidance on how organizations are getting software security done.

In addition to formal BSIMM efforts, BSIMM Begin aims to significantly broaden data collection. To keep the survey manageable, the scope has been limited to the BSIMM Level 1 activities. The goals of this survey are two-fold: to provide participants with a solid understanding of where they stand with respect to foundational software security activities; and to provide an understanding of where they stand relative to everyone else that participates. BSIMM Begin will broaden the collective understanding of what "keeping up" really means.

The BSIMM Begin survey can be accessed from the landing site: http://bsi-mm.com/begin/

Dr. Gary McGraw, Cigital CTO and world-renowned software security authority said, "The BSIMM provides a new understanding of what is actually happening out in the world when it comes to software security initiatives. BSIMM Begin is exciting because it will broaden our data set to include small to medium size firms just getting started with software security. In BSIMM work we let the data speak for themselves and leave the pontification to others."

"Software security is a critical issue for CSOs and CISOs today," said Derek Slater, CSO magazine editor in chief. "There is value in conducting this type of research, and value adding our audience's voice to research. We're looking forward to reviewing and sharing the results."

The Software Assurance Forum for Excellence in Code (SAFECode), a non-profit organization exclusively dedicated to increasing trust in information and communications technology products and services through the advancement of effective software assurance methods supports BSIMM Begin. SAFECode executive director, Paul Kurtz stated, "BSIMM is unique in its data driven, observation-based nature. SAFECode supports BSIMM Begin as a constructive scientific initiative to improve software assurance."

"The application layer is now that most significant attack vector for cyber criminals and other adversaries. The BSIMM Begin model has the potential to be an important source of information for software security initiatives," said Mason Brown, Director of SANS. "If you are serious about improving software security, you would be remiss if you didn't consider the information BSIMM provides."

BSIMM Begin does not take the place of a full BSIMM assessment. For example, the full BSIMM expects an organization to have a formalized software security group (SSG) charged with carrying out or directing BSIMM activities. BSIMM Begin does not assume the existence of an SSG. In fact, it's of interest to find who is carrying out various introductory software security activities without an SSG. BSIMM Begin data will be segregated in a separate set of results and examined accordingly. The data will be published under the Creative Commons once they have been properly vetted and analyzed.

Take the BSIMM Begin survey at http://bsi-mm.com/begin.

About Cigital Cigital, Inc. is the largest software security and quality consulting firm in the world. Established in 1992, Cigital plans and implements initiatives that help organizations ensure their applications are secure and reliable while also improving how they build and deploy software. Our recognized experts apply a combination of proven methodologies, tools, and best practices to meet each client's unique requirements. Cigital has enabled some of the most well-known organizations in financial services, communications, insurance, hospitality, online gaming, e-commerce, and government to reduce their mission-critical software business risks. Cigital is headquartered outside Washington, D.C. with regional offices in the U.S., Europe, and India.

About SANS SANS is the most trusted and by far the largest source for information security training and certification in the world. More than 95,000 security professionals have been trained by SANS. SANS also develops, maintains, and makes available at no cost, the largest collection of research documents about various aspects of information security, and it operates the Internet's early warning system - Internet Storm Center. SANS was established in 1989 as a cooperative research and education organization. Its programs now reach more than 215,000 security professionals around the world. Through SANS, a range of individuals from auditors and network administrators, to chief information security officers are sharing the lessons they learn and are jointly finding solutions to the challenges they face. At the heart of SANS are the many security practitioners in varied global organizations from corporations to universities working together to help the entire information security community.

Contact: Terri Randolph Cigital 703-404-5757 [email protected]

Contact: Mason Brown Director, the SANS Institute SANS 301-951-0102 x108 [email protected]