Aqua Security Software Supply Chain Security

Aqua Security's Software Supply Chain Security solution manages ensuring the integrity and security of the software development and distribution process. This solution is built around a comprehensive technical architecture that integrates multiple layers of security and monitoring.

At its core, Aqua's approach involves end-to-end visibility and protection of the software supply chain, from the development environment to the deployment phase. This includes scanning code and images at every release phase to identify vulnerabilities, Infrastructure as Code (IaC) misconfigurations, exposed secrets, and malware. The platform automates DevSecOps practices, ensuring that security controls are integrated into every stage of the application lifecycle, thereby shifting security left to prevent issues from reaching production.

The technical architecture relies on automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities in third-party libraries and dependencies, as well as static and dynamic analysis tools to find security flaws within the codebase. Continuous Integration (CI) environments are configured to run these scans on every code commit, providing immediate feedback and enabling rapid remediation. Additionally, the platform monitors the security posture of DevOps tools and verifies the integrity of artifacts as they move through the pipelines.

Key operational considerations include the need for robust configuration management and the use of checklists to control processes. For example, before code is merged into a main branch, checklists can ensure that code reviews for known vulnerabilities, adherence to secure coding standards, and completion of all tests are conducted. This ensures that critical security steps are not overlooked.

The solution also aligns with industry standards such as Supply-chain Levels for Software Artifacts (SLSA) and The Update Framework (TUF), providing a structured approach to achieving higher levels of security and compliance. The CIS Software Supply Chain Security Guide, developed in collaboration with Aqua Security, offers over 100 foundational recommendations that can be applied across various technologies and platforms, further enhancing the security posture.

However, there are operational limitations to consider, such as the potential for increased complexity in managing and integrating multiple security tools and the need for continuous monitoring and updating to keep pace with evolving threats. Additionally, the cost of retaining and analyzing large amounts of security data can be significant, especially in multi-environment setups.