10 Best Practices for Tracking Third-Party Components in Software

Managing third-party components is crucial to ensuring security, compliance, and overall software integrity in today's fast-paced software development landscape. With 98% of organizations having experienced breaches due to third-party components in the past two years, it's imperative to implement robust tracking and management practices. Here are ten best practices to help your team effectively manage third-party components.

1. Use Software Composition Analysis (SCA) Tools

- Benefit: Automates the discovery and analysis of software components.

- Key Features: Dependency scanning, vulnerability detection, license compliance, and CI/CD integration.

- Example: Tools like SonarQube and Veracode can help identify and mitigate risks early in the development cycle.

2. Keep an Updated Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)

- Benefit: Provides a comprehensive inventory of all software components.

- Key Elements: Component details, supplier info, license information, dependencies, and security status.

- Importance: An up-to-date SBOM helps in identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities effectively.

3. Set Clear Rules for Using Third-Party Components

- Benefit: Ensures consistent and secure selection of components.

- Guidelines: Evaluate project needs, maintenance frequency, security history, and legal compliance.

- Approval Process: Establish a structured process for evaluating and approving new components.

4. Update and Patch Components Regularly

- Benefit: Fixes vulnerabilities and enhances performance.

- Strategy: Use automatic tools, plan update schedules, and regularly check for vulnerabilities.

- Impact: Regular updates prevent security breaches and maintain software reliability.

5. Check for Vulnerabilities Often

- Benefit: Identifies and prioritizes security risks.

- Methods: Use vulnerability databases, SCA tools, and manual code reviews.

- Action Plan: Rank issues, schedule fixes, and have contingency plans for known vulnerabilities.

6. Set Up Automated Monitoring and Alerts

- Benefit: Provides real-time alerts on potential issues.

- Tools: Dependabot, which notifies you of security vulnerabilities in dependencies.

- Alert Types: Critical updates, vulnerabilities, and license changes to enable swift action.

7. Include Component Checks in CI/CD Pipeline

- Benefit: Ensures component safety and compliance before deployment.

- Implementation: Integrate tools like SonarQube and Sonatype Nexus into your CI/CD pipeline.

- Outcome: Early detection and resolution of issues, ensuring safe code deployment.

8. Train Teams on Component Best Practices

- Benefit: Builds awareness and ensures proper use of third-party components.

- Training Methods: Workshops, online courses, and regular meetings.

- Focus Areas: Security risks, component selection, integration, and updates.

9. Plan for Component End-of-Life (EOL)

- Benefit: Ensures software stability and security by managing outdated components.

- Steps: Identify EOL components, evaluate alternatives, and plan timely updates.

- Considerations: Compatibility, security, performance, and vendor support.

10. Review Component Usage Regularly

- Benefit: Optimizes component utilization and maintains software health.

- Review Process: Regular audits of components to identify obsolete or insecure parts.

- Evaluation Criteria: Performance, relevance, safety, and alignment with project goals.