Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations Certification Program by Tonex
Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations is a practitioner-level, two-day program that turns NIST SP 800-218 guidance into repeatable engineering behaviors. Participants learn how to build security into planning, design, implementation, testing, release, and sustainment without slowing delivery. The program connects SSDF outcomes to day-to-day SDLC decisions such as defining secure requirements, setting guardrails for code changes, managing third-party components, and improving release confidence. Learners translate SSDF practices into clear roles, artifacts, and checkpoints that work in modern Agile teams and CI and CD pipelines. The cybersecurity impact is immediate because teams reduce exploitable weaknesses earlier, strengthen accountability for secure outcomes, and improve audit readiness for regulated environments. A stronger cybersecurity posture also supports customer trust by making security expectations visible, measurable, and consistently met across products. By the end, participants can assess current maturity, prioritize practical improvements, and communicate SSDF alignment to stakeholders with confidence.
Learning Objectives
- Explain SSDF purpose and practice groups
- Translate SSDF into SDLC checkpoints
- Define secure design and coding requirements
- Integrate security into Agile execution
- Embed controls into CI and CD workflows
- Validate evidence for compliance expectations
- Strengthen cybersecurity outcomes across releases
Audience
- Software Engineers
- DevOps and DevSecOps Teams
- Product Managers
- Security Engineers
- Cybersecurity Professionals
Prerequisites
- Basic software development knowledge
Program Modules
Module 1: SSDF Overview and Practice Mapping
- SSDF structure and intent
- Practice groups and outcomes
- Artifact and evidence concepts
- Role alignment and ownership
- SDLC phase crosswalk
- Common adoption pitfalls
Module 2: Governance, Policy, and Accountability Setup
- Security roles and RACI
- Policy to engineering translation
- Risk acceptance workflow
- Training and onboarding plan
- Metrics and reporting model
- Supplier governance triggers
Module 3: Secure Requirements and Design Controls
- Security requirements baseline
- Threat modeling inputs
- Architecture risk review
- Abuse case definition
- Data protection decisions
- Design approval evidence
Module 4: Secure Coding and Build Integrity
- Secure coding standards
- Dependency risk management
- Secrets handling discipline
- Code review security gates
- Build provenance practices
- Change control enforcement
Module 5: Verification, Testing, and Defect Handling
- Test strategy for security
- Static analysis governance
- Dynamic testing integration
- Vulnerability triage process
- Fix validation criteria
- Security regression controls
Module 6: Release, Operations, and Continuous Alignment
- Release readiness checklist
- Deployment security safeguards
- Logging and monitoring needs
- Patch and update policy
- Incident feedback loops
- Maturity assessment planning
Exam Domains
- Software Supply Chain Assurance
- Secure Development Compliance Management
- Vulnerability Disclosure and Response
- Security Metrics and Program Governance
- Application Security Architecture Review
- Continuous Assurance and Audit Evidence
Course Delivery
The course is delivered through expert-led lectures, guided discussions, structured exercises, and facilitated group activities focused on applying SSDF to real SDLC workflows. Participants receive curated readings, practical templates, and case examples that support implementation planning and stakeholder communication. Emphasis is placed on producing usable outputs such as practice mappings, ownership models, and evidence checklists that fit Agile and DevOps delivery.
Assessment and Certification
Participants are assessed through knowledge checks, structured assignments, and an end-of-course gap assessment deliverable aligned to Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations. Upon successful completion of the course, participants will receive a certificate in Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations.
Question Types
- Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Scenario-based Questions
Passing Criteria
To pass the Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations Certification Training exam, candidates must achieve a score of 70% or higher.
Build a practical SSDF roadmap your teams can execute immediately. Enroll in Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF) – Foundations Certification Program by Tonex and standardize secure delivery across your SDLC.