Why is Software Assurance Important?
Software is everywhere. It controls business systems, critical infrastructure, personal computers and PDAs to name a few. As the global dependence on information and communications technology has grown, users have become increasingly concerned over the integrity, security and reliability of software, hardware and services, especially those in the government, critical infrastructure and enterprise sectors. The number of software vulnerabilities reported to the US CERT increased from dramatically from 1020 in 2000 to 6601 in 2006. Cyber attacks are becoming more stealthy and sophisticated, creating a complex and dynamic risk environment for IT-based operations that users are working to better understand and manage. Similarly, IT vendors have undertaken significant efforts to reduce IT vulnerabilities, improve resistance to attack and protect supply chain integrity.
