The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) has partnered with key US cyber agencies [3], including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Science and Technology Directorate (S&T) [4] [6], to launch Protobom [1] [2] [4] [5] [7] [9], a new open-source project aimed at simplifying the management of Software Bill of Materials (SBOMs) for organizations.
Description
Protobom [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9], the inaugural project from a consortium of seven software supply chain security startups supported by the Department of Homeland Security [8], enables organizations to create and interpret SBOMs, merge SBOM data with external vulnerability records, and enhance SBOM adoption and interoperability across applications [9]. By providing a format-neutral data layer [2] [5] [6] [7] [9], Protobom streamlines SBOM creation and empowers organizations to proactively manage the risks associated with their open-source dependencies [4]. The tool has been accepted into the Open Software Security Foundation as a sandbox project [8], with plans for integration by enterprise developers supplying the federal government, contractors like Lockheed Martin [8], and SBOM management vendors [8]. Companies such as TestifySec and Manifest Cyber are gearing up to integrate Protobom into their products in the near future. The integration of Protobom into applications can provide real-time information on vulnerabilities and patches [3], improving software supply chain visibility and security [5] [7] [9]. An SBOM serves as a structured inventory that identifies software components and their supply chain relationships [1], aiding in software security and risk management [1] [2] [7] [9]. The launch of Protobom by OpenSSF is seen as a significant step forward in securing open-source software [1].
Conclusion
The introduction of Protobom by OpenSSF [1], in collaboration with key US cyber agencies, marks a significant advancement in enhancing software supply chain security. By simplifying SBOM management and promoting interoperability, Protobom has the potential to improve the overall security posture of organizations and mitigate risks associated with open-source dependencies. The integration of Protobom into various applications, including those used by federal government suppliers and contractors, is expected to have a positive impact on software security and risk management practices in the future.
References
[1] https://beamstart.com/news/cisa-dhs-st-and-openssf-17132835243803
[2] https://menafn.com/1108101298/CISA-DHS-ST-And-Openssf-Announce-Global-Launch-Of-Software-Supply-Chain-Open-Source-Project
[3] https://www.bankinfosecurity.com/new-tool-aims-to-simplify-streamline-sbom-adoption-a-24872
[4] https://www.infosecurity-magazine.com/news/us-government-openssf-sbom-tool/
[5] https://openssf.org/press-release/2024/04/16/cisa-dhs-st-and-openssf-announce-global-launch-of-software-supply-chain-open-source-project/
[6] https://sdtimes.com/security/openssf-cisa-and-dhs-collaborate-on-new-open-source-project-for-creating-sboms/
[7] https://www.linuxfoundation.org/press/cisa-dhs-st-and-openssf-announce-global-launch-of-software-supply-chain-open-source-project
[8] https://www.techtarget.com/searchITOperations/news/366581277/DHS-funding-breathes-fresh-life-into-SBOMs
[9] https://finance.yahoo.com/news/cisa-dhs-t-openssf-announce-160000447.html
