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Application & OT Security · Foundational

Software Assurance (SwA)

The level of confidence that software is free from vulnerabilities and functions as intended throughout its life cycle.

Definition

Software assurance combines secure development practices, verification and validation, supply chain controls and sustainment to justify trust in software. It is the core concept of the ISC2 CSSLP certification. Assurance is evidence-based: tests, reviews, attestations and provenance demonstrate that the software meets its security requirements.

Example

An agency requires code review evidence and an SBOM from a supplier as part of software assurance.

Exam tip

CSSLP frames everything as software assurance; look for answers that provide evidence, not just intent.

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