Software Lifecycle Management

In this blog post, we will explore how software lifecycle management can contribute to the IT security of online stores and what best practices should be implemented.

What is Software Lifecycle Management?

Software lifecycle management refers to the process of planning, developing, deploying, and maintaining software throughout its entire lifecycle. The goal of SLM is to maximize the quality and security of the software while minimizing costs and risks. In the context of online stores, SLM encompasses everything from the initial requirements analysis to the decommissioning of the software.

The Importance of SLM in the Context of IT Security

Online stores are frequent targets of cyber attacks, including data breaches, hacking, and other security incidents. Efficient SLM helps minimize such risks by ensuring that security considerations are integrated into every step of the development process. By identifying and managing security risks early, developers can ensure that the final software is robust and less susceptible to attacks.

The Phases of the Software Lifecycle

1. Planning: The planning phase is the foundation of any software project. This stage sets the course for the software's success. One of the most critical tasks in this phase is risk analysis, systematically reviewing all conceivable vulnerabilities and threats that could impact the software. This phase is crucial because identified risks influence the development and implementation of security measures. In addition to risk analysis, stakeholder analysis is vital. At this initial stage, the software project should be closely aligned with business goals, which directly influences the prioritization of security measures. Additionally, selecting the technology stack and framework is crucial. These decisions should be thoroughly considered for their security implications to ensure that the technology is not only functional but secure. Furthermore, clear security requirements are defined during the planning phase. These requirements establish what security objectives need to be achieved and how they can be verified. It is important that these requirements are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART criteria).
2. Development: Following the planning, the development phase begins. In this phase, code that forms the basis of the software is written. Security measures are particularly critical here. A key tool is coding guidelines, which ensure that code is secure from the outset. These guidelines help developers avoid known pitfalls and enhance the quality of the code. Regular code reviews are another essential element, where other developers check the code for errors and security vulnerabilities, significantly improving the software's quality and security. Security tests should also be implemented to check the code for weaknesses and security risks before the software is released. Deployment: In the deployment phase, the developed software is released in a production environment. Before release, it is critical to conduct comprehensive security tests. These tests ensure that all previously identified security requirements are met and that no new vulnerabilities have arisen.
3. Another important aspect of this phase is implementing mechanisms for automatic update searches and installations. These mechanisms ensure that the software stays up-to-date and that security vulnerabilities discovered post-release can be quickly remedied. Additionally, the security of the production environment must be ensured, strictly separate from development and testing environments.
4. Maintenance: The final phase of software lifecycle management is maintenance. During this phase, the software is continuously monitored and maintained. Regular security audits are important to ensure that the software remains protected against new threats. During maintenance, a well-defined incident response plan is essential to respond to security incidents. Also, processes for patch management and version control should be detailed, which are crucial to maintain the integrity and security of the software over the long term.

In summary, security is crucial in every phase of the software development cycle. From planning through development and deployment to maintenance, security considerations must be integrated and continually updated to ensure the software's integrity and confidentiality. This integrated security approach helps minimize risks and creates a robust foundation for software security.

Best Practices for SLM in Online Stores

Automation:
Automating SLM processes like Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) can help reduce security risks by minimizing human errors and enabling quick responses to security threats.

Training and Awareness:
Developers and other involved parties should be regularly trained in security practices.

Compliance and Standards:
Compliance with industry standards and legal requirements, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), is essential.

Incident Response Planning:
There should be a clear plan for responding to security incidents, including communication strategies and technical steps for damage control.

Software Lifecycle Management at maxcluster

Software lifecycle management is a critical aspect of our corporate strategy, aimed at developing and maintaining efficient, secure, and customer-oriented software solutions. Our approach combines both internally developed and externally sourced software components to provide optimal service to our customers. Here we detail how we design this process in our company.

The first step in software lifecycle management in our company is the planning phase. Here we first carefully examine what specific requirements our customers have for the software they wish to deploy in their business environment. This analysis includes an assessment of required functionalities, performance expectations, and security requirements. Based on this, we decide which software solutions to select—whether to customize an existing internal solution or procure external software.

Important considerations in this phase also include license management, the impact on existing backup systems, configuration for optimal performance, and monitoring of service availability. We also evaluate how to efficiently integrate these solutions into our Management Center, offering our customers a centralized, user-friendly operating environment.

In the development and implementation phase, the focus is on integrating the selected software into our existing infrastructure. Internally developed software is agilely evolved. The various software projects are updated by the development department as soon as changes are available (e.g., corrections or new features). External dependencies (libraries and frameworks) must be checked and kept up-to-date as far as possible (LTS versions). Should security issues be detected in integrated dependencies (CVEs), an update is made as soon as possible. The software is built in a CI/CD pipeline, using tools (ESLint, Sonarqube, PHP CodeSniffer, NPM Audit, license checking...) to help developers identify issues. In addition, additional security audits are conducted at regular intervals by external service providers.

For externally sourced software, we first install the software on our servers and adjust it according to the specific requirements and the existing technological infrastructure. This includes installation on clusters to ensure high availability and scalability. Our development teams work closely together to ensure that the integration proceeds smoothly and the software is seamlessly embedded into our web stack.

The maintenance phase is crucial for the longevity and security of the deployed software solutions. Our approach includes a monthly, fixed "Update Day" when all systems are brought up to date by our IT teams. This includes both security updates and functional upgrades. By regularly updating, we ensure that we always use the most current versions of the software, including new major versions as soon as they are available.

A crucial aspect of our maintenance strategy is the continuous monitoring of critical security vulnerabilities. Should an urgent update be necessary to mitigate potential security risks, our teams have the ability to respond immediately and perform necessary updates between the regular update days.

Conclusion

For online stores, software lifecycle management is an indispensable tool in the fight against cyber threats. By integrating security into every step of the software development process, shops can not only protect their data but also strengthen the trust of their customers. In conclusion, well-thought-out SLM forms the basis for a long-term successful and secure e-commerce platform.

With a thorough implementation of these strategies and practices, online shops can build a more robust defense against the constantly evolving threats in cyberspace.

Published on 02.05.2024 | Software Lifecycle Management | DW