During the recent CISA conference, experts in cybersecurity discussed the limitations of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and emphasized the importance of creating and updating software asset inventories. Rebecca McWhite, the cyber supply chain risk management technical lead at NIST, expressed her views on the nascent nature of SBOM and its limited value in proactive use by departments and agencies.

McWhite’s observations were echoed by other industry professionals, including Lorenc, who highlighted the misplaced emphasis on SBOMs as a panacea for software security issues. According to Lorenc, organizations should prioritize the creation and maintenance of accurate software asset inventories over relying on SBOMs. He emphasized that without a clear understanding of the systems in use, querying SBOMs for software components would be ineffective.

The consensus among experts is that SBOMs are not a one-size-fits-all solution for software security. While they can provide valuable information about the components of a software system, their utility is limited by the lack of accurate asset management practices in many organizations. As Lorenc pointed out, without a robust asset management system in place, the information provided by SBOMs may not significantly enhance incident reporting or security measures.

In light of these considerations, it is essential for organizations to prioritize the establishment of comprehensive software asset inventories. By maintaining up-to-date records of software components and systems, organizations can better monitor their security posture and respond to potential threats more effectively. This proactive approach to software management can complement the use of SBOMs and enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

The emphasis on software asset inventories as a critical component of cybersecurity strategy underscores the need for organizations to adopt a holistic approach to risk management. Instead of relying solely on SBOMs, organizations should invest in robust asset management practices that enable them to track and monitor their software systems effectively. This strategic shift in focus can improve incident response capabilities and strengthen overall cybersecurity resilience in the face of evolving threats.

In conclusion, while SBOMs remain a valuable tool for software security, their effectiveness is contingent on the presence of accurate software asset inventories. By prioritizing the creation and maintenance of these inventories, organizations can enhance their cybersecurity posture and better protect against emerging threats. By adopting a comprehensive approach to risk management that integrates both SBOMs and software asset inventories, organizations can build a stronger foundation for secure and resilient IT operations.

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