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Microsoft To Expand Security Lifecycle Expertise

Microsoft is crossing the aisles to see the security process through from start to finish -- not just internally, but for outside software developers too.

• By Jabulani Leffall
• September 18, 2008

The software giant wants to support developers in building fortified apps, starting at the design and development phase with SDL.

SDL is a "software security assurance process" that has been in place as part of Microsoft's internal architectural policy, going as far back as 2004, explained Steve Lipner, Microsoft's senior director of security engineering strategy for the Trustworthy Computing Group, in a Microsoft-published Q&A.

The SDL methodology, he said, has led to security improvements in flagship products such as Windows Vista and SQL Server. In recent months, hackers have favored attacks on SQL Server solutions via the Internet, although Microsoft has explained the vulnerability as due to insecure Web pages and Web applications.

SDL allows development managers and IT policy-makers to "assess the state of their secure software development practices and to create a vision and road map for reducing customer risk," Lipner explained.

In an effort to broaden its SDL practices, Microsoft is planning a three-pronged rollout, beginning in November.

First, Microsoft plans to make its SDL optimization model (PDF) freely available via a download on MSDN.

Second, if IT pros want to consult security experts, Redmond is forming a "SDL Pro Network," which will be available in November. The network will include trained independent channel partners and Microsoft staff members in the United States and Europe.

Microsoft also generally plans to share its SDL concepts with independent software vendors, partners and customers as a means to achieving security and privacy throughout the "entire computing ecosystem."

Finally, Microsoft plans to release an SDL Threat Modeling Tool 3.0 (PDF) in November. The tool is similar to risk assessment and analysis solutions used to map enterprise IT security.

Microsoft's SDL announcement is part of the company's broader outreach on security. In August at the Black Hat Conference, Microsoft promoted a more collaborative effort on security issues. It also promised for greater transparency during its security patch release cycles.