We live in a hyper-connected digital world. Computing technology, software, hardware, and cloud-based systems present entry points for cybercriminals. It’s more important than ever to secure the software supply chain. Enterprises are largely focused on this objective, particularly those developing iOS applications.
As growing numbers of organizations rely on third-party components, tools, and libraries, supply chain attack risks increase. SMEs are duty-bound to implement comprehensive software supply chain security policies. For iOS applications, with user data and sensitive enterprise information at stake, software supply chain security policies protect against vulnerabilities. They can also ensure compliance with ever-evolving regulatory standards.
Our modern-day software landscape is becoming increasingly complex. Apps routinely rely upon third-party code, open-source libraries, and cloud-based services. This is a reality companies contend with. From a systems perspective, components added to iOS apps potentially increase the risk of vulnerabilities. Cybercriminals can exploit these vulnerabilities for their ends.
Remember that a breach in the software supply chain – like the infamous SolarWinds hack - can have disastrous ramifications. SMEs can lose the trust and credibility of their stakeholders. They can even go into liquidation. As such, enterprises are focusing additional resources on identifying weaknesses in the supply chain and ensuring a robust defensive posture. Organizations must take all necessary steps to safeguard their software supply chains.
Chief among the risks companies face is the lack of visibility into dependencies. In the absence of tracking and management, organizations routinely lose control over the components integrated into their applications. This can lead to outdated/vulnerable code deployed into the production environment, which can prove challenging in enterprise settings. Applications routinely use hundreds of dependencies across multiple projects.
Essential components of a comprehensive security strategy
Whenever iOS applications are under the spotlight, a multilayered approach to supply chain security is needed. Several critical components exist: Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs), Software Composition Analysis (SCA), and Secrets Management. Combined, these elements ensure that companies control the entire software development/deployment pipeline.
Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs)
- SBOMs offer transparency by cataloging all components in an iOS application. An inventory of components makes it easy for teams to identify security weaknesses. Plus, this makes monitoring of third-party libraries and code change tracking possible. Companies can automate the creation and management of SBOMs, allowing them to remain compliant with regulations like HIPAA and GDPR.
- SCA (Software Composition Analysis) tools allow enterprises to analyze code bases and identify open-source vulnerabilities. Other weaknesses include potential threats, licensing risks, and anomalies. Remember, SCA tools scan the network for malicious code or outdated source code. The integrity of iOS security is sacrosanct. Companies cannot afford to overlook performance-reducing elements. Therefore, SCA is integrated into the CI/CD pipeline. This prevents security risks from reaching production.
- Secrets Management entails protecting sensitive information, including API keys, encryption keys, and access tokens. Secrets leakage—typically hidden in code repositories and collaboration tools—can lead to unauthorized access, which may result in serious security breaches. A centralized approach to secrets management is an effective way to protect sensitive data during the software development lifecycle.
Shift-left security has proven to be a highly effective strategy for securing iOS applications. This approach embeds security measures in the development process early on, which is better than waiting for weaknesses to be detected in the final stages. Security checks like SAST (Static Application Security Testing) and DAST (Dynamic Application Security Testing) can be integrated into the development tools.
This ensures that weaknesses are identified and addressed before they reach the final product. Automating the security processes is a great way to bolster the entire system. This prevents bottlenecks and burdens on development teams. For iOS apps, early integration ensures smoother deployments.
Supply chain complexity and legal compliance
Modern-day software development is about much more than securing code. Enterprises must navigate a strict regulatory landscape. Compliance with measures such as NIST 800-53 as well as Executive Order 14028 are mandatory. Companies that fail to comply are subject to strict penalties. Enterprises managing iOS apps must adhere to regulatory requirements. This serves the long-term viability of their products and services. Visibility and compliance checks in the development process make it easy for organizations to maintain secure postures.
Concluding remarks
Companies today recognize the need for comprehensive software supply chain security policies. This is particularly true of iOS apps in enterprise environments. Companies must embrace a multilayered security approach by integrating SBOMs and SCA. And it’s equally important to prioritize a shift-left security practice. It’s about so much more than preventing data breaches; it’s about maintaining the trust of stakeholders. It’s about ensuring compliance and fostering an innovative approach to the entire system. These measures are designed to future-proof the whole development process.