Small and medium-sized businesses are particularly vulnerable due to limited IT and security resources and expertise, which can hinder their ability to build software for government agencies and contractors.

Standards exist to help these businesses stay in the game and remain competitive in a crowded software market, however. Specifically, the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF). NIST Special Publication 800-218 provides a comprehensive guide to the SSDF, developing secure software, reducing vulnerabilities, and mitigating risks.

This article guides SMBs through implementing NIST 800-218, enhancing their security posture, and ensuring compliance with industry standards.

Understanding NIST 800-218

The NIST 800-218 standard improves software security by integrating security practices into the software development lifecycle. It focuses on four primary objectives:

Protecting the software from tampering and unauthorized access
Ensuring that the software is developed securely from the ground up
Detecting and responding to vulnerabilities effectively
Leveraging existing security resources and tools

NIST 800-218 differs from other NIST standards, such as NIST 800-53 or NIST 800-171, specifically targeting the software development process. It provides a detailed framework for integrating security at every stage of the SDLC, from planning and design to deployment and maintenance.

Key Components of NIST 800-218

The framework is built around a set of core practices categorized into four main categories:

Prepare the Organization (PO): Establish foundational practices that prepare an organization to adopt secure development practices.
Protect the Software (PS): Implement practices to protect all software components.
Produce Well-Secured Software (PW): Ensure software is developed securely and maintained throughout its lifecycle.
Respond to Vulnerabilities (RV): Develop processes to identify and remediate vulnerabilities in software.

How Can SMBs Effectively Implement NIST 800-218?

Successful implementation of NIST 800-218 requires careful preparation:

Detailed Assessment and Planning: It’s crucial that SMBs conduct an in-depth assessment of their current cybersecurity posture. This involves evaluating existing policies, procedures, tools, and technologies. It should also identify specific weaknesses and vulnerabilities that need to be addressed. The assessment should result in a comprehensive report that outlines the current state of cybersecurity and provides recommendations for improvements.
Establishing Clear Objectives: Define measurable objectives for implementing NIST 800-218. These objectives should align with the organization’s business goals and cybersecurity strategy. Examples of objectives include reducing the number of software vulnerabilities, achieving compliance with specific regulations, and improving incident response times.
Building and Training the Team: Building a cybersecurity team involves selecting individuals with the necessary software development, cybersecurity skills, and expertise. Training and awareness programs are essential to ensure all team members understand their roles and responsibilities. Regular training sessions should be conducted to keep the team updated on the latest cybersecurity trends and practices.

Starting On Your SSDF Journey

Begin by developing a detailed implementation plan that outlines the scope, timeline, and resources required. Secure management buy-in and allocate the necessary budget for the project. The plan should include milestones, deliverables, and a communication strategy to inform all stakeholders.

Integrating Secure Software Development Lifecycle Practices

Integrate security practices into each phase of the SDLC:

Requirements Analysis: Identify security requirements early in the development process.
Design: Incorporate security features and controls into the software design.
Implementation: Follow secure coding practices and conduct code reviews.
Testing: Perform security testing, including vulnerability assessments and penetration testing.
Deployment: Ensure secure deployment practices like environment hardening and configuration management.
Maintenance: Continuously monitor and update the software to address new vulnerabilities.

Implementing Key Practices and Controls

Focus on implementing the key practices and controls outlined in NIST 800-218:

Protecting the Software: Implement access controls, encryption, and secure coding practices to protect the software from tampering and unauthorized access.
Producing Well-Secured Software: Follow best practices for secure software development, such as code reviews, static analysis, and safe design principles.
Responding to Vulnerabilities: Establish a vulnerability management process to detect, assess promptly, and remediate vulnerabilities.
Leveraging Existing Resources and Tools: Enhance security by utilizing existing security tools and resources, such as automated testing tools, security frameworks, and open-source libraries.

Maintaining and Improving Security Posture

Extend your security posture to your entire organization with specific and ongoing practices:

Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Continuous monitoring involves using automated tools to detect real-time security incidents and anomalies. Regularly review and update security practices based on the latest threat intelligence and vulnerability data. Implement a feedback loop incorporating lessons from security incidents and assessments into the security strategy.
Regular Audits and Assessments: Regular audits and assessments are essential to ensure security practices remain effective and compliant with NIST 800-218. These audits should be conducted by independent third parties to provide an objective evaluation of the security posture. The findings from these audits should be used to improve the security program continuously.
Incident Response and Recovery Plans: Develop and maintain an incident response plan to ensure a swift and effective response to security incidents. Conduct regular drills and exercises to test the plan’s effectiveness.

Benefits of NIST 8000-218 for SMBs

Implementing NIST 800-218 offers numerous benefits for SMBs:

Enhanced Security Posture: By integrating security practices into the SDLC, SMBs can reduce the risk of software vulnerabilities and protect their systems from cyber threats.
Regulatory Compliance: Adopting NIST 800-218 helps SMBs meet regulatory requirements, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, which mandate robust cybersecurity measures.
Customer Trust and Competitive Advantage: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity can enhance customer trust and provide a competitive edge in the market.
Cost Savings: Investing in secure software development can prevent costly data breaches and reduce the need for expensive post-incident remediation.

Regulatory compliance can prevent fines and legal repercussions, while customer trust can increase business opportunities and loyalty. Moreover, the proactive approach to cybersecurity can reduce the likelihood of severe financial losses due to cyber incidents.

Challenges for NIST 800-218 (and Solutions)

SMBs may face several challenges when implementing NIST 800-218, including limited resources, lack of expertise, and resistance to change. Here are some practical solutions:

Limited Resources: Prioritize security investments based on risk assessments and focus on high-impact areas. Leverage free or low-cost security tools and resources.
Lack of Expertise: To bridge the skills gap, consider outsourcing to cybersecurity experts or consultants. Invest in training and development programs for internal staff.
Resistance to Change: Foster a culture of security awareness by highlighting the benefits of cybersecurity and involving employees in the implementation process.
Overcoming Limited Resources: SMBs often operate with tight budgets and limited resources. To overcome this challenge, prioritize security investments based on risk assessments. Focus on high-impact areas that offer the greatest return on investment. Leverage free or low-cost security tools and resources from reputable organizations like NIST and OWASP.
Bridging the Expertise Gap: SMBs may lack the in-house expertise to effectively implement NIST 800-218. Consider outsourcing to cybersecurity experts or consultants who can provide guidance and support. Additionally, invest in training and development programs to build internal capabilities and ensure employees have the skills to maintain a strong security posture.
Addressing Resistance to Change: Resistance to change is a common challenge when implementing new cybersecurity practices. To address this, foster a culture of security awareness by highlighting the benefits of cybersecurity and involving employees in the implementation process. Provide clear communication about the importance of NIST 800-218 and how it aligns with the organization’s goals. Encourage a collaborative approach by seeking input and feedback from employees at all levels.

Get Your Business Aligned with NIST 800-218. Trust Continuum GRC

Implementing NIST 800-218 can significantly enhance the security posture of SMBs, helping them protect their software, meet regulatory requirements, and gain a competitive edge. While the process may seem challenging, careful planning, dedicated resources, and a commitment to continuous improvement can lead to successful implementation. By adopting NIST 800-218, SMBs can build a strong foundation for secure software development, safeguarding their business and customers in an increasingly digital world.

Continuum GRC is a cloud platform that stays ahead of the curve, including support for all certifications (along with our sister company and assessors, Lazarus Alliance).

We are the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized compliance and risk management solution worldwide.

Continuum GRC is a proactive cyber security® and the only FedRAMP and StateRAMP-authorized cybersecurity audit platform worldwide. Call 1-888-896-6207 to discuss your organization’s cybersecurity needs and learn how we can help protect its systems and ensure compliance.

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Implementing NIST 800-218 for Small and Mid-Size Businesses