The phrase refers to the desire to find and obtain, at no cost, an electronic document, in portable document format, that explains or details methodologies for creating software where security considerations are paramount throughout the development lifecycle. This includes practices such as threat modeling, secure coding guidelines, and security testing integrated into each stage, as opposed to being an afterthought. A potential user might be seeking a resource offering concrete steps and explanations for implementing these security practices in their projects.
The importance of such documentation stems from the escalating costs associated with security breaches and vulnerabilities in modern software systems. Proactively incorporating security into software development reduces the likelihood of exploitable flaws, minimizing financial losses, reputational damage, and potential harm to users. Historically, security was often addressed late in the development process, leading to costly and time-consuming remediation efforts. Consequently, a shift towards prioritizing security early on is now considered a best practice. The availability of accessible resources detailing these practices is vital for widespread adoption.
