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PUBLICATIONS

Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) Version 1.1: Recommendations for Mitigating the Risk of Software Vulnerabilities

Published

Author(s)

Karen Scarfone, Murugiah Souppaya, Donna Dodson

Abstract

Few software development life cycle (SDLC) models explicitly address software security in detail, so secure software development practices usually need to be added to each SDLC model to ensure that the software being developed is well-secured. This document recommends the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – a core set of high-level secure software development practices that can be integrated into each SDLC implementation. Following such practices should help software producers reduce the number of vulnerabilities in released software, mitigate the potential impact of the exploitation of undetected or unaddressed vulnerabilities, and address the root causes of vulnerabilities to prevent future recurrences. Because the framework provides a common vocabulary for secure software development, software acquirers can also use it to foster communications with suppliers in acquisition processes and other management activities.
Citation
Special Publication (NIST SP) - 800-218
Report Number
800-218
NIST Pub Series
Special Publication (NIST SP)
Pub Type
NIST Pubs

Download Paper

https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-218
Local Download

Keywords

secure software development, Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF), secure software development practices, software acquisition, software development, software development life cycle (SDLC), software security.
Trustworthy platforms, Information technology and Cybersecurity and privacy

Citation

Scarfone, K. , Souppaya, M. and Dodson, D. (2022), Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) Version 1.1: Recommendations for Mitigating the Risk of Software Vulnerabilities, Special Publication (NIST SP), National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://doi.org/10.6028/NIST.SP.800-218, https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=934124 (Accessed October 20, 2025)

Issues

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Created February 3, 2022, Updated November 29, 2022
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