Episode 50 — System and Services Acquisition — Part Two: Security engineering and supplier controls
Security engineering integrates protection principles into product and service design, ensuring risks are mitigated before deployment. Under NIST 800-53, acquisition processes must verify that suppliers follow secure development practices, perform vulnerability testing, and deliver verifiable results. For the exam, candidates should understand that supplier controls extend beyond initial selection—they require continuous oversight, including code review, penetration testing, and supply chain risk analysis. Security engineering bridges policy intent with technical execution, embedding controls like encryption, logging, and secure configurations directly into architecture. When done correctly, it eliminates costly post-deployment remediation.
In practice, managing supplier controls involves structured reviews of development documentation, test results, and independent assurance reports. Contract clauses define reporting frequency, remediation timelines, and access rights for audits. Supplier risk monitoring combines public intelligence, vulnerability disclosures, and performance data to track ongoing compliance. Mature programs integrate engineering reviews with acquisition milestones, ensuring security checkpoints occur before major approvals. This approach transforms procurement from a transactional activity into a sustained partnership built on verifiable trust. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
