What Is a Software Bill of Materials, and How Does It Relate to EA?

A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is essentially a detailed inventory of all the components that make up a software application. This includes open-source libraries, third-party modules, and their associated licenses, versions, and patch statuses. By providing a clear and comprehensive overview of the software supply chain, Software Bills of Materials enable organizations to better understand and manage their applications. 

As cloud adoption has increased and cyber attacks have become more sophisticated, SBOMs have emerged as an important aspect of cybersecurity in software supply chains. They allow security teams to quickly identify potential vulnerabilities and license risks associated with the components used in an application. By understanding the dependencies and their associated licenses, organizations can take proactive steps to mitigate risks and ensure compliance. 

This article explains what a SBOM is, its role in bolstering cybersecurity risk management, and how it relates to an enterprise’s architecture.
Jump to:

• What is a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)?
• What is in a Software Bill of Materials?
• Importance and Benefits of SBOMs: Why Do Organizations Need a Software Bill of Materials?
• Who Should Have a Software Bill of Materials?
• Software Bill of Materials Regulation in the US
• Impact of SBOM Regulation on Enterprises
• SBOM Formats
• How is a Software Bill of Materials Created?
• Software Bill of Materials Example
• Best Practices and Strategies for SBOM Creation and Usage
• How Do SBOMs Connect to an Enterprise’s Architecture?
• Aligning SBOM Processes with Business Objectives and IT Strategy
• SBOMs: Challenges and Considerations for Enterprises
• How to Get a Software Bill of Materials
• How SBOMs Empower Organizations With Better Control Over Software and Risk

What is a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM)?

A Software Bill of Materials is a comprehensive list of all the software components, dependencies, and metadata associated with an application. It’s a valuable tool for understanding the composition of a software application and managing its associated risks.

SBOM Meaning

America’s Cyber Defense Agency CISA defines a software bill of materials (SBOM) as "a nested inventory, a list of ingredients that make up software components." This inventory also includes direct dependencies, indirect dependencies, and transitive dependencies. By providing a more granular level of detail into what is being used in software, SBOMs offer greater transparency over potential cybersecurity and compliance risks.

SBOMs are critical assets for software supply chain risk management. They help organizations identify and mitigate potential security vulnerabilities, license compliance issues, and operational downtime.

What is in a Software Bill of Materials?

There are several different types of SBOMs; however, at a minimum, a SBOM should contain the following information about application components:

• Supplier names
• Associated licenses
• Versions in use
• Dependencies
• Sub-dependencies that the dependencies link to
• Authors of the SBOM data
• Timestamps for the data

An appropriate analogy could be that SBOMs function like ‘recipe’ lists that include all the ‘ingredients’ used in creating a software application.

The pace of modern software development often leads to developers incorporating code from open source repositories into their applications. It’s therefore crucial for SBOMs to provide a deep level of security transparency into adopted open source code and software as well as that developed in-house. By providing a complete inventory of a codebase including the open source components, licenses, versions, and vulnerabilities, SBOMs can help organizations improve the overall security of their software.

Open Source Components

An SBOM typically includes a detailed list of all the open source components used in the application. This information can be invaluable for organizations that want to understand the composition of their software and identify any potential risks associated with these components.

Open Source Licenses

The SBOM also lists the licenses that govern each open source component. This information is important for ensuring compliance with licensing requirements and avoiding legal issues. Understanding the licensing terms of each component can help organizations avoid copyright infringement and other legal pitfalls.

Open Source Versions

The SBOM includes the specific versions of each open source component used in the application. This information is essential for tracking updates and patches and ensuring that the application is using the latest and most secure versions of these components.

Open Source Vulnerabilities

The SBOM may also include information about known vulnerabilities in the open source components used in the application. This information can help organizations prioritize security updates and mitigate potential risks.

Importance and Benefits of SBOMs: Why Do Organizations Need a Software Bill of Materials?

Software Bills of Materials are essential for organizations to ensure the security, compliance, and overall health of their software applications. By providing a comprehensive inventory of components and their associated information, SBOMs enable organizations to make informed decisions and mitigate technology risk effectively.

Enhancing Software Transparency and Security

Vulnerability Management and Compliance

By maintaining up-to-date SBOMs, organizations can streamline vulnerability management processes. It enables them to identify and address security vulnerabilities promptly, reducing the likelihood of exploitation by malicious actors. Moreover, SBOMs aid in ensuring compliance with relevant security standards and regulations, such as those outlined by the International Standards Organization (ISO), NIST, and GDPR.

Mitigating Cybersecurity Incidents

Typical vulnerability analysis tools don’t inspect individual open-source components within applications, although any one of these components may contain vulnerabilities or obsolete code that can put you at risk. An example of this type of exposure was demonstrated with the Log4j vulnerability that enabled the massive cybersecurity attack that spread to SolarWinds customers in 2020. The SolarWinds supply chain attack highlighted the importance of understanding and monitoring software supply chains comprehensively. With SBOMs in place, organizations can more quickly assess the impact of such incidents, identify affected components, and take appropriate remedial measures to mitigate risks.

The SolarWinds attack was not a novel incident, however. One of the first widespread and significant software supply-chain events, the OpenSSL “Heartbleed” vulnerability, happened back in 2014. Heartbleed put the systems relying on OpenSSL at risk, allowing malicious actors to extract sensitive information due to a relatively simple software flaw.

The triage process for the Heartbleed exposure was unwieldy and painstaking, and wider SBOM adoption at the time would have eased remediation of the wider damage caused. Had an organization like the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) had access to SBOM information on OpenSSL, a more immediate assessment of the sprawl could have led to a more targeted response and potentially enabled proactive investment and security before the incident.

Who Should Have a Software Bill of Materials?

Software Bills of Materials provide support and insight to a range of stakeholders in organizations across various industries. Understanding the benefits of SBOMs and implementing them can bring significant benefit to organizations, their suppliers, and their customers.

Software Developers

Software developers benefit greatly from SBOMs by gaining a clear understanding of the components used in their applications. This knowledge helps them identify potential conflicts, dependencies, and vulnerabilities, enabling them to make informed decisions during development and maintenance. SBOMs can also assist developers in selecting appropriate licenses and addressing compliance requirements.

Operations and DevOps Teams

Operations and DevOps teams rely on SBOMs to streamline deployment, configuration management, and troubleshooting processes. By understanding the components and their dependencies, these teams can more effectively manage application environments and identify and address issues promptly.

Security Teams

Security teams find SBOMs invaluable for identifying and mitigating security risks. By analyzing the components and their associated vulnerabilities, security teams can prioritize security updates, patch vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate security measures to protect the application.

Compliance Officers and Auditors

Compliance officers and auditors rely on SBOMs to demonstrate compliance with various regulations and industry standards. SBOMs provide the necessary transparency and traceability to ensure that organizations meet their compliance obligations and avoid legal and financial risks.

Software Vendors and Suppliers 

Software vendors and suppliers benefit from providing SBOMs to their customers. By offering transparency into the components used in their products, vendors can build trust with their customers, demonstrate compliance, and mitigate risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities.

Software Customers and End-Users

Software customers and end-users can benefit from SBOMs by gaining a better understanding of the components used in the products they purchase. This information can help them make informed decisions and ensure that the software aligns with their security and compliance requirements.

Software Bill of Materials Regulation in the US

Overview of the Regulatory Landscape in the US

In recent years, the US has witnessed a significant push toward the adoption of software bill of materials regulations, driven by executive orders and legislative efforts aimed at enhancing cybersecurity measures. Key agencies and standards bodies, such as NIST and the CISA, have been instrumental in shaping what SBOM is or should look like in practice.

Executive Orders and Legislation Driving SBOM Adoption

Executive orders issued by the White House have emphasized the importance of SBOM in securing the US’ digital infrastructure. In response to growing threats and potential vulnerabilities, President Biden issued Executive Order 14028 in May 2021. This order defined security measures that must be followed by any software publisher or developer that does business with the federal government. These orders mandate federal agencies to implement SBOM practices and require vendors to provide SBOMs for software products sold to the American government.

Legislative initiatives have also been introduced to formalize SBOM requirements across various sectors. These efforts aim to standardize SBOM practices, enhance supply chain security, and improve overall cybersecurity posture.

Furthermore, in December 2022, Section 3305 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023 was signed, authorizing the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to establish cybersecurity standards for medical devices, including mandating that manufacturers of cyber devices provide a software bill of materials for the components contained within a given device.  

These are just a few examples of the recent measures driving the adoption and prioritization of SBOM in practice.

Compliance Requirements for Enterprises

With these regulatory pressures, compliance with SBOM regulations has become increasingly important and relevant for some enterprises operating in the US and vendors to the US government. Compliance requirements vary depending on the industry and the nature of the software products developed or procured. However, common elements include:

• Mandates to produce and maintain SBOMs for software products.
• Requirements to share SBOMs with relevant stakeholders, including customers, vendors, and regulatory authorities.

Adherence to specific standards and guidelines outlined by agencies such as NIST and CISA.

Learn how Enterprise Architecture platforms like Ardoq can ease the effort needed for always-on compliance through data-driven risk assessments. 

Impact of SBOM Regulation on Enterprises

The introduction of SBOM regulations has had a significant impact on enterprises across various industries. These regulations have necessitated changes in software development, procurement, and risk management practices, while also introducing new compliance requirements.

The Effects of SBOM Regulation

Software development and procurement practices: SBOM regulations necessitate changes in software development and procurement practices. Developers must effectively document and track software components, while procurement teams must ensure that SBOM requirements are incorporated into vendor contracts and purchasing processes.

Risk management: SBOM regulation enhances risk management practices by providing visibility into software supply chains. Enterprises can better assess and mitigate cybersecurity risks associated with software components, thus bolstering their overall security posture.

Compliance and Consequences of Non-Compliance

Compliance with software bill of materials regulations is not merely a box to check for vendors selling to the US government; it's also a strategic imperative. IT leaders must champion the integration of SBOMs into their cybersecurity frameworks to mitigate risks and ensure a resilient digital future.

SBOM compliance ensures that enterprises can effectively manage software risks, protect sensitive information, and uphold the integrity of their digital infrastructure.

Non-compliance with SBOM regulations can have far-reaching consequences for enterprises such as:

Security vulnerabilities: Without a comprehensive SBOM, enterprises risk overlooking critical software vulnerabilities, exposing them to potential cyber threats.

Legal ramifications: Failure to adhere to SBOM regulations may result in legal penalties and reputational damage, especially in industries or markets with specific compliance requirements.

SBOM Formats

To facilitate the creation, sharing, and consumption of SBOMs, various formats have been developed. These formats ensure interoperability and standardization, making it easier for different tools and systems to process and understand SBOM data. Here are some of the most commonly used SBOM formats:

• SPDX
• CycloneDX
• Common Platform Enumeration (CPE)

How is a Software Bill of Materials Created?

Creating an accurate and up-to-date SBOM is an essential step in understanding, managing, and securing software applications. While manual listing is possible for small applications, automated methods are generally more efficient and accurate. By integrating SBOM generation into the software delivery lifecycle (SDLC), organizations can ensure that SBOMs are created consistently and remain up-to-date. Here are some common methods for creating SBOMs:

• Manually listing the components of an application: This method involves identifying each component, its version, and the license that governs its use. While manual listing can be time-consuming and error-prone, it may be suitable for small or simple applications.
• Automatically generating an SBOM after building an application: Many software development tools and build systems can automatically generate SBOMs after an application is built. These tools analyze the application's code and dependencies to identify the components used and their associated metadata. This method is often more efficient and accurate than manual listing.
• Automatically generating an SBOM as part of the SDLC: Integrating SBOM generation into the SDLC can ensure that SBOMs are created consistently and accurately throughout the development process. This can be achieved by using tools and processes that automatically generate SBOMs at various stages of the SDLC, such as during code analysis, build, or deployment.

Software Bill of Materials Example

This example Software Bill of Materials provides a list of the components used in an example web application. 

For each component, the table includes the following information:
Component name: A main component of the software, such as commercial or internally developed software, firmware or an open source library.
Version: The current version of the component in use in the software. This should be updated if the version is updated.
License: The owner of the license and any other relevant information, such as expiry date.
Source: The organization or individual responsible for developing and maintaining the component.
Sub-dependencies: Any software components that are used by the component in the "Component name" column.
Vulnerabilities: A list of software vulnerabilities known to affect the component or any sub-dependencies.

Best Practices and Strategies for SBOM Creation and Usage

While not all organizations are under regulatory pressure to maintain or provide SBOMs; however, they still offer vital visibility that aids governance, compliance, and cybersecurity efforts. Here are some strategies for organizations that are developing a SBOM program due to regulatory requirements or to improve their security posture:

Tap Cross-Functional Expertise

Organizations should ensure they have a cross-functional team involving cybersecurity, legal, and compliance experts to successfully and more smoothly implement the management or generation of SBOMs, depending on the business needs. As with any new process that touches people and technology, the Enterprise Architecture team should be involved to lend insight into potential dependencies or roadblocks.

Champion Education

Prioritize education on SBOMs for functions that will be most impacted such as application security, threat intelligence, security operations center, supplier security, developers and internal auditors. Equip teams with the knowledge needed to ensure the organization is compliant and provide training on SBOM-related practices and procedures.

Invest in Technology and Automation

Invest in advanced tools and technologies that specialize in generating SBOMS or maintaining SBOM libraries to ease maintenance efforts and improve accuracy. Some tools offer additional value by triaging vulnerabilities, one of the more complex, expensive, and time-consuming aspects when it comes to SBOM usage. 

Integrate SBOM Creation Into Development Processes

To embed this into the business culture, integrate SBOM generation into your software development life cycle (SDLC), ensuring it becomes a standard practice. This reduces the burden on teams and enhances efficiency. Establish robust processes for creating, maintaining, and sharing SBOMs across the organization.

Engage With Regulatory Bodies

Stay informed about evolving SBOM regulations and engage with regulatory bodies. Proactively participate in discussions and provide feedback to shape future compliance requirements. Collaborate with industry peers and participate in standards development efforts to influence SBOM requirements.

Collaborate With Suppliers

Establish clear communication channels with software suppliers to get a better understanding of their SBOM compliance efforts and work collectively to meet regulatory expectations.

How Does a Software Bill of Materials Connect to an Enterprise’s Architecture?

SBOMs contain a level of detail deeper than most enterprises would model to inform most decision-making and strategic planning. However, they are particularly relevant to cybersecurity architecture, one aspect of which is accounting for potential threat intelligence. Threat intelligence can be enriched by the transparency that SBOMs offer into an application’s software components and potential vulnerabilities. They should be seen as one part of the enterprise’s overall security and risk management toolkit.

On an organizational level, developing a SBOM program is a significant change project that will impact people and processes. The team leading the efforts to develop the program may not fully understand all the people who need to be involved or the dependencies. Architectural insights can help the team developing the SBOM program to better understand the resources they need, who needs to be involved, and what the successful implementation of the SBOM program is reliant on from a technical perspective.

A data-driven EA platform like Ardoq could help to identify and visualize these interdependencies, generate reports for key stakeholders, and provide dashboards for monitoring key performance indicators for the SBOM project’s implementation.

Aligning SBOM Processes with Business Objectives and IT Strategy

Successful software bill of materials implementation hinges on aligning SBOM processes with overarching business objectives and IT strategy. This entails understanding the unique needs and priorities of the organization and tailoring SBOM practices to support them. 

Whether it's enhancing cybersecurity, streamlining software procurement, or ensuring regulatory compliance, SBOM processes must align closely with strategic goals to maximize their impact and value. To ensure robust alignment, enterprises should: Here are some fundamental steps to guide enterprises in achieving robust alignment.

• Define and clearly articulate business objectives related to security, compliance, and supply chain resilience. Understand how SBOM processes can contribute to achieving these objectives.
• Evaluate IT strategy and identify key strategy components such as software development, vendor management, and cybersecurity. Determine where SBOM processes can intersect and bring value to these strategic areas.
• Integrate SBOM data into the organization's risk management processes. This ensures that vulnerabilities identified through SBOMs align with broader risk mitigation strategies.
• Implement key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the impact of SBOM processes on achieving business objectives. Continuously monitor and refine these processes based on performance metrics.

By strategically aligning SBOM processes with business objectives and IT strategy, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture, achieve regulatory compliance, and fortify the overall resilience of their software supply chain.

SBOMs: Challenges and Considerations for Enterprises

Despite the potential benefits of SBOMs for software supply chain security and increasing regulatory pressure for adoption, SBOMs present vendors and end-users alike with new challenges:

• Technical Complexity: Managing SBOMs for complex software systems can be technically challenging, especially in environments with diverse technologies and platforms.
• Organizational Silos: Lack of collaboration and communication between different departments can hinder SBOM implementation efforts for vendors, leading to fragmented and incomplete SBOMs.
• Resource-Intensive: For consumers, maintaining a large SBOM inventory means an equally significant resource needs to be assigned to constantly verify and address flagged vulnerabilities. For vendors, there is the risk of expensive response resources. While SBOMs require vendors to provide sufficient assurance of reasonable steps, the definition of “reasonable” varies from customer to customer and across markets.
• False Positives: Even when consumers leverage specialized SBOM tooling to scan and triage for relevant vulnerabilities, it’s possible these tools will flag vulnerabilities that may not be relevant or applicable due to the way a software component is used in a given application. Another false positive is when malicious actors report vulnerabilities that don’t exist. In both situations, time and resources are wasted in investigating the potential vulnerability.
• Unregistered Vulnerabilities: Unfortunately, not all vulnerabilities are registered. This means that they are harder to detect and require vendors to invest in additional tools or resources for flagging and handling these on a case-by-case basis.
• Lack of Standards: While there is guidance on what SBOMs should contain and the format they should be in, there is no current unified industry standard for how a SBOM should be presented, making it challenging for both vendors to compile and consumers to consume.
• Keeping SBOM Documentation Up-to-Date: With continuous software deployment, SBOMs are also quickly out of date. The challenge for vendors is ensuring their SBOM documentation provided to consumers is kept as updated as possible while consumers struggle with how to get a real-time view of the vulnerabilities that is valuable and actionable.

SBOM Considerations for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs)

For SMEs, implementing SBOM practices may present unique challenges, for example, relating to restricted internal resources and access to knowledge. However, SMEs can overcome these hurdles by:

• Prioritizing Risk: Focus on identifying and mitigating high-priority risks associated with critical software components.
• Leveraging Outsourced Solutions: Consider outsourcing SBOM management to specialized vendors or service providers to overcome resource constraints and technical challenges.
• Collaborating With Peers: Engage with industry associations, consortia, or peer networks to share best practices and lessons learned in SBOM implementation.

How to Get a Software Bill of Materials

Obtaining a Software Bill of Materials can be done in several ways:

1. Request from the Vendor
If you are purchasing software from a vendor, you can request an SBOM as part of the procurement process. Many vendors are now providing SBOMs as a standard part of their product offerings. When making your request, be specific about the format and level of detail you require.

2. Generate it Yourself
For open-source software or applications developed in-house, you can generate an SBOM using various tools and techniques. Some popular tools for SBOM generation include:

• CycloneDX: A machine-readable format for SBOMs that is widely adopted.
• SPDX: A standard for representing software package metadata.
• SWID Tag: A lightweight format for software identification.
• Dependency analysis tools: Many programming languages and build systems have built-in dependency analysis tools that can generate SBOMs.

3. Use Third-Party Services
There are several third-party services that can help you generate SBOMs for your applications. These services often offer additional features, such as vulnerability scanning and compliance reporting.

Key Considerations When Obtaining an SBOM:

• Format: Ensure that the SBOM is in a format that is compatible with your tools and systems.
• Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of the SBOM to ensure that it accurately reflects the components used in your application.
• Currency: Obtain the most recent version of the SBOM to reflect any updates or changes to the software components.
• Completeness: Ensure that the SBOM includes all relevant information, such as component names, versions, licenses, and vulnerabilities.

By following these guidelines, you can effectively obtain and use SBOMs to improve the security, compliance, and management of your software applications.

How SBOMs Empower Organizations With Better Control Over Software and Risk

Software bills of materials are crucial for enterprises aiming to fortify their cybersecurity, ensure compliance, and optimize operational processes. While challenges exist, proactive adoption and adherence to best practices will position organizations for success in the ever-evolving landscape of software management.

As software applications continue to rely on open-source libraries and third-party components, the importance of SBOMs will only grow. It is the responsibility of engineering leaders to recognize the value of SBOM management and invest in the necessary tools to ensure its effective implementation within their organizations.

Updates to regulations require businesses to maintain careful oversight of their own software components, which bolsters the mitigation of associated cybersecurity risks. Businesses must also seek visibility into their software supply chains to ensure SBOM requirements are incorporated into vendor contracts, protecting their supply chain.

Software Bill of Materials: Improve Transparency and Security With Ardoq

A crucial document outlining the components and dependencies of a software application, the Software Bill of Materials is a cornerstone for software supply chain security. While the Software Bill of Materials concept is still evolving, there's a growing emphasis on automation, standardization, and user-friendly interfaces. Technological advancements are expected to streamline SBOM implementation and usage, making them a more accessible tool in enterprise IT.

Proactive adoption of Software Bills of Materials can offer businesses a competitive advantage and position them for future commercial and regulatory requirements. It’s essential for enterprises to understand the benefits of SBOMs, and integrate SBOM best practices into their overall business and IT strategies. The Ardoq platform provides an ideal environment for creating and managing Software Bills of Materials, contributing to an organization’s improved compliance and reduced risk.

Book a demo to learn more.

FAQs about Software Bills of Materials

Why is a Software Bill of Materials Important?

A Software Bill of Materials is crucial for managing and securing software applications. Here are some key reasons why SBOMs are important:

• Security: SBOMs help identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities by providing visibility into the components used in an application and their associated risks.
• Compliance: Many regulations and industry standards require organizations to have a clear understanding of the components used in their software. SBOMs can help demonstrate compliance with these requirements.
• Risk Management: By understanding the components and their dependencies, organizations can better assess and manage risks associated with their software.
• Supply Chain Management: SBOMs provide transparency into the software supply chain, allowing organizations to identify potential vulnerabilities and risks associated with third-party components.
• Cost Optimization: SBOMs can help identify redundant or unnecessary components, leading to cost savings and improved efficiency.

How Does a Software Bill of Materials Improve Security in EA?

SBOMs significantly improve security in Enterprise Architecture by providing the following benefits:

• Vulnerability Identification: SBOMs allow organizations to identify vulnerabilities in the components used in their applications, enabling them to take proactive measures to mitigate risks.
• Risk Assessment: By understanding the components and their dependencies, organizations can assess the overall risk profile of their applications and prioritize security efforts.
• Supply Chain Security: SBOMs provide visibility into the software supply chain, allowing organizations to identify potential risks associated with third-party components and take appropriate measures to mitigate them.
• Compliance: SBOMs can help organizations demonstrate compliance with security regulations and industry standards.

Who Creates and Maintains a Software Bill of Materials?

The responsibility for creating and maintaining SBOMs typically lies with the software development and security teams. However, in larger organizations, this task may be shared among multiple teams or assigned to a dedicated SBOM specialist.

What is the Difference Between SCA and SBOM?

While SBOM and Software Composition Analysis are closely related, they serve different purposes:

• SBOM: A Software Bill of Materials provides a comprehensive list of all the components used in an application, including their versions, licenses, and metadata.
• SCA: Software Composition Analysis is a process that uses tools to identify and analyze the components used in an application. SCA can be used to generate SBOMs, but it also provides additional insights into the components, such as vulnerabilities and licensing risks.

What is the Difference Between BOM and SBOM?

While the terms "Bill of Materials" (BOM) and "Software Bill of Materials" are often used interchangeably, there are some key differences.

Bill of Materials

A BOM is a list of components used in a physical product. It typically includes information such as:

• Component name: The unique identifier for each component.
• Quantity: The number of components required.
• Part number: The specific identification number for the component.
• Description: A detailed description of the component.
• Price: The cost of the component.

BOMs are essential for manufacturing, inventory management, and cost control in physical products.

Software Bill of Materials

An SBOM is a list of software components used in an application. It includes information such as:

• Component name: The name of the software component.
• Version: The specific version of the component.
• License: The license that governs the use of the component.
• Source: The organization or individual responsible for developing and maintaining the component.
• Dependencies: Any additional software components required by the component.
• Vulnerabilities: Any known vulnerabilities associated with the component.

While both BOMs and SBOMs are used to document the components of a product, they serve different purposes and contain different types of information. BOMs are focused on physical products, while SBOMs are specifically for software applications.

The Evolution of SBOM

The concept of SBOMs has gained significant traction in recent years due to increasing concerns about software security and supply chain vulnerabilities. As organizations have become more aware of the importance of SBOMs, there has been a growing demand for tools and standards to facilitate their creation and use. This has led to the development of various SBOM formats, such as CycloneDX and SPDX, and the integration of SBOM generation into software development processes.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US has played a pivotal role by announcing a standardized timeline for SBOMs, reinforcing their significance in post-quantum cryptography and software security. The international community increasingly recognizes the importance of SBOMs for software management. In 2023, the Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry (METI) in Japan formulated a guide for introducing SBOMs, emphasizing safety and security.

Discover how the Ardoq platform’s collaborative, crowd-sourcing functionality can help you ease compliance and reduce risk exposure in your organization.