According to IBM, security breaches cost companies an average of $4.45 million per incident. The question is not whether you should strengthen your cybersecurity posture but how to do so in a structured and sustainable way. This is where the OWASP SAMM (Software Assurance Maturity Model), a framework designed to help organizations measure, improve, and scale their software security practices, comes in.
But what makes OWASP SAMM so relevant to CISOs, CTOs, and technology leaders? In this article, we’ll explain what it is and why it’s indispensable to your cybersecurity strategy and explain how CyScope’s offensive security platform, backed by more than 450 expert ethical hackers, can simplify its implementation.
What is OWASP SAMM, and why should you care?
The OWASP SAMM is an open-source maturity model that enables companies to systematically assess and improve their software development life cycle (SDLC) security processes. Unlike other frameworks, SAMM is not a static checklist, but a flexible guide that adapts to the size, industry, and specific objectives of each organization.
OWASP SAMM Key Components
- Business Functions: Critical areas such as governance, design, implementation, and operations.
- Security Practices: Specific activities (e.g. risk management, security testing) grouped into 15 practices.
- Maturity Levels: Levels (from 0 to 3) that measure the progress of each practice.
For a CISO or CTO, this translates into a clear roadmap for prioritizing investments, complying with regulations (such as ISO 27001), and measurably reducing risks.
Download our guide: ISO 27001 vs PCI DSS: A Guide for Your Company’s Security
3 reasons why OWASP SAMM is essential for your business
1. Leave reactive security behind
60% of companies take action after an attack. With SAMM, you can identify vulnerabilities in the early stages of development, saving remediation costs and avoiding reputational crises.
2. Align teams and processes
Does your development department work in departments concerning the security department? SAMM integrates all stakeholders under a common language, facilitating collaboration between DevOps, engineers, and leaders.
3. Adaptability to change
Whether you are adopting new technologies (cloud, AI) or scaling operations, SAMM offers a dynamic framework to keep security in pace with innovation.
OWASP SAMM and CyScope: The Perfect Combination
Implementing the OWASP SAMM can seem overwhelming, especially if your team lacks offensive security. This is where our platform becomes your strategic ally:
1. PTaaS (Penetration Testing as a Service) for each SAMM phase
- Assessment phase: We perform on-demand penetration tests to identify gaps in your applications, aligning with SAMM practices such as Security Testing.
- Improvement phase: Discover detailed reports with actionable recommendations to move up the maturity level.
2. Bug Bounty Programs: Continuous assessment
Our community of more than 450 expert ethical hackers simulates real attacks to ensure that the improvements implemented with SAMM are effective and long-lasting.
What every CISO and CTO should know about OWASP SAMM
- It’s not an expense, it’s an investment: Companies that implement SAMM reduce costs associated with emergency patching by up to 40%.
- Boosts customer and partner confidence: Demonstrates that security is a strategic pillar, not an afterthought.
- Scalable for any industry: Fintech, healthcare, retail… SAMM adapts to your specific challenges.
You might be interested: What is OWASP and why is it essential for your company?
Conclusion: The future of cybersecurity is proactive maturity
OWASP SAMM is not just a technical framework; it is a philosophy that transforms security into a continuous, measurable process aligned with business objectives.
And here’s the good news: you don’t have to walk this path alone. Our offensive security platform, designed to integrate frictionlessly with methodologies like SAMM, puts cutting-edge technology and the talents of hundreds of expert ethical hackers at your disposal.
Want to discover how OWASP SAMM and CyScope can raise the maturity of your cybersecurity? Schedule a free demo and discover how to optimize your security processes.
