An SBOM or Software Bill of Materials is a list of the software components used in an application. It includes information such as the component name, version, and license. SBOMs are becoming increasingly important for startups, as they can help to improve security, compliance, and efficiency. Essential data points within an SBOM can differ based on the specific format employed; however, some common data points encompass:
SBOMs can help startups to identify security vulnerabilities in their software supply chain. By knowing which software components are used in their products, startups can more easily track the provenance of their components and identify any potential vulnerabilities. This can help to mitigate the risk of supply chain attacks, which are becoming increasingly common. SBOMs help startups to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities early in the development process. This can help to prevent attackers from exploiting these vulnerabilities. They can help startups to comply with security regulations. Many regulations, such as the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), require organizations to have an SBOM for their software products. By having an SBOM, startups can demonstrate that they are taking steps to protect their software from security vulnerabilities. SBOMs can help startups to improve the efficiency of their software development processes. By knowing which software components are used in their products, startups can more easily track dependencies and identify potential conflicts. This can help to save time and money during the software development process. Organizations can use an SBOM to track their license compliance requirements. Many open source components are licensed with requirements to provide clear component license information to the consumer. In addition, some copyleft licenses are also require source code availability and publication. Using an SBOM can help with these compliance requirements.
There are several open-source SBOM tools available that can help organizations create and manage SBOMs for their software applications. These tools vary in terms of their features, ease of use, and the specific aspects of SBOM they focus on. Depending on your organization's needs, you can choose the tool that aligns best with your software development and management practices. Keep in mind that SBOM practices are continuously evolving, and new tools may emerge over time to address specific needs and challenges.
If you prefer a commercial solution, Sonatype Lifecycle provides a solid SBOM solution as part of their ecosystem. I have used this in the past. The integration is relatively easy, and it provides developer friendly reporting that makes remediating vulnerabilities relatively easy. I have not used it, but the Mend Supply Chain Defender also gets good reviews.
In short, the SBOM helps organizations understand the software's composition, track its components, manage vulnerabilities, ensure compliance, and make informed decisions about its use. Including an SBOM in your SDLC process can help eliminate some future headaches.