Learn some effective techniques for managing security dependencies in your projects. Security dependencies are the relationships that affect the security of your project or its outcomes.

What I have seen working for both App teams and Security teams is working with Security Engineers or Architects in the early phase of the project. Obtaining the list of security requirements from the security team that app team is supposed to work against. Documenting these requirements early is helpful for the security organization as well as the Technology/Engineering organization.

What are effective techniques for managing project dependencies related to security?

Managing project dependencies related to security is a crucial skill for any project manager or team leader. Security dependencies are the relationships between different tasks, resources, or deliverables that affect the security of the project or its outcomes. For example, a security dependency might be that a software update requires a security audit before it can be deployed, or that a data transfer needs encryption and authentication protocols. Security dependencies can introduce risks, delays, or conflicts if they are not identified, tracked, and resolved effectively. In this article, you will learn some effective techniques for managing security dependencies in your projects.

1 Identify security dependencies

The first step in managing security dependencies is to identify them as early as possible in the project planning phase. You can use tools such as dependency matrices, network diagrams, or Gantt charts to map out the logical and temporal relationships between different project activities and deliverables. You should also consult with your stakeholders, team members, and security experts to identify any security requirements, standards, or regulations that apply to your project. By identifying security dependencies, you can avoid surprises, plan ahead, and allocate resources accordingly.

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Yogesh Gaur

Architect at NBCUniversal Media, LLC
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What I have seen working for both App teams and Security teams is working with Security Engineers or Architects in the early phase of the project. Obtaining the list of security requirements from the security team that app team is supposed to work against. Documenting these requirements early is helpful for the security organization as well as the Technology/Engineering organization.

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2 Communicate security dependencies

The second step in managing security dependencies is to communicate them clearly and consistently to all relevant parties. You should document and share your security dependency analysis with your project sponsor, client, team, and any other stakeholders who might be affected by them. You should also establish clear roles and responsibilities for managing and resolving security dependencies, and assign owners and deadlines for each dependency. Communication is key to ensure that everyone is aware of the security implications of their actions, and that any changes or issues are reported and addressed promptly.

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3 Monitor security dependencies

The third step in managing security dependencies is to monitor them throughout the project execution phase. You should use tools such as dashboards, reports, or alerts to track the status and progress of each security dependency, and to identify any deviations, risks, or dependencies that emerge during the project. You should also conduct regular reviews and meetings with your team and stakeholders to discuss and update the security dependency analysis, and to resolve any conflicts or problems that arise. Monitoring security dependencies will help you to maintain control, quality, and security of your project.

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Adnan Ali Khan N.

Accounting | Finance | Budgeting & Forecasting | Financial Modelling | External Audit | Internal Audit | Operations Audit | Internal Controls | Risk Assurance & Compliance | Project Costing | Management Accounting
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In my experience, communicating security dependencies is a crucial aspect of ensuring a robust and resilient security posture within any project or organization. Thoroughly document all identified security dependencies. Share the security dependency analysis with all relevant stakeholders, including the project sponsor, client, team members, and any other individuals or groups affected by the dependencies. Clearly define roles and responsibilities for managing and resolving security dependencies. Make it explicit who is responsible for monitoring, addressing, and reporting on each security dependency. This helps in prioritizing tasks and ensures that dependencies are resolved in a timely manner.

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4 Mitigate security dependencies

The fourth step in managing security dependencies is to mitigate them whenever possible. Mitigation means reducing the impact or likelihood of a security dependency by taking preventive or corrective actions. For example, you might mitigate a security dependency by prioritizing or rescheduling a task, by adding or removing a resource, by changing a scope or specification, or by implementing a contingency plan. Mitigation will help you to avoid or minimize disruptions, delays, or failures caused by security dependencies.

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Chris Buchheit, CISSP, CCSP, CISM, PMP
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Prioritize, inform stakeholders early, escalate when needed, manage the schedule and budget accordingly. Leverage agile techniques so you can still make progress in other areas despite dependencies.

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5 Learn from security dependencies

The final step in managing security dependencies is to learn from them and improve your processes and practices for future projects. You should conduct a post-project evaluation and a lessons learned session with your team and stakeholders to identify and document the security dependencies that occurred, how they were handled, and what outcomes they had. You should also collect and analyze feedback, data, and metrics related to security dependencies, and use them to identify gaps, weaknesses, or opportunities for improvement. Learning from security dependencies will help you to enhance your skills, knowledge, and performance as a project manager or team leader.

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6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are effective techniques for managing project dependencies related to security?

1

2

3

4

5

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1 Identify security dependencies

2 Communicate security dependencies

3 Monitor security dependencies

4 Mitigate security dependencies

5 Learn from security dependencies

6 Here’s what else to consider

Critical Thinking

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What are effective techniques for managing project dependencies related to security?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Identify security dependencies

2 Communicate security dependencies

3 Monitor security dependencies

4 Mitigate security dependencies

5 Learn from security dependencies

6 Here’s what else to consider

Critical Thinking

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