SBOM Explained: An enterprise guide to security risk management

In recent years, software companies have increasingly adopted strict compliance measures, driven by factors such as security, product development, compliance, and supply chain risk management. A key element in this shift is the Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), which functions like a recipe detailing all dependencies and components in a software product, essential for managing complex software ecosystems and identifying vulnerabilities. With rising cyber threats, companies must prioritize security, often using SBOMs to track and patch vulnerabilities promptly. The U.S. government's 2021 mandate requiring software companies to provide SBOMs for government dealings underscores the importance of transparency and security in supply chains, prompting similar measures globally. SBOMs also enhance product development by ensuring up-to-date, legally compliant components, thereby facilitating better risk management, transparency, and faster time-to-market. Tools like Cosign, incorporated by companies such as BoxyHQ (now Ory), help companies in regulated industries meet these new standards, emphasizing the growing importance of SBOMs in modern software development and security practices.