Source URL: https://www.dazz.io/blog/building-vs-buying-an-aspm-solution
Source: CSA
Title: Build vs. Buy: Make the Right ASPM Decision
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AI Summary and Description: Yes
Summary: The text discusses the challenges technology teams face in deciding whether to build or buy an Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) solution, drawing an analogy to the early ’90s phenomenon, Tamagotchis. It emphasizes the predominant issues of maintenance, data management, and automation in ASPM solutions, which are crucial for effective security operations.
Detailed Description:
The text draws parallels between the nostalgic concept of Tamagotchis and the build vs. buy dilemma many technology teams face while considering the creation of Application Security Posture Management (ASPM) solutions. The narrative illustrates how exciting initial technology projects can morph into burdens requiring constant attention and upkeep. Here are the major points discussed:
– **Overview of Build vs. Buy Debate**:
– The initial allure of building a solution is likened to the excitement of owning a Tamagotchi, which quickly turns into a demanding responsibility.
– Organizations may feel attracted to developing their own solutions but often find the maintenance and upkeeping cumbersome.
– **Key Considerations for ASPM Solutions**:
– **Data Ingestion and Quality**:
– **Data heterogeneity**: The challenges of reconciling inconsistencies between various monitoring tools used within an organization.
– **Data quality**: The need to manage duplicates and missing values to ensure accuracy.
– **Data storage**: Long-term storage of data can be costly and complex, especially for historical vulnerability tracking.
– **API versioning**: The constant changes in APIs can break custom solutions, requiring dedicated resources to maintain.
– **Actioning Data to Reduce Remediation Time**:
– Emphasizes the importance of root cause analysis, which can help teams resolve vulnerabilities more efficiently.
– Without effective tracking back to code-level issues, teams may struggle to implement permanent fixes.
– **Automated Remediation Needs**:
– Many security teams still engage in extensive manual work, even though automation is in place. Efficient ASPM solutions should automate:
– Code fixes.
– Assignment of issue ownership.
– Custom logic for dynamically adjusting SLAs and severity levels.
– **Visualization and Reporting**:
– The necessity of building robust reporting systems to communicate security status to stakeholders, which can be resource-intensive.
– **Long-Term Value and Maintenance**:
– Highlighting the ongoing effort needed to maintain a self-built ASPM solution, including:
– Adaptations to technology changes and team shifts.
– The risk of “tribal knowledge” loss if key personnel leave the organization.
– Consideration of opportunity costs where maintenance may take precedence over other critical security initiatives.
– **Final Considerations**:
– The decision to build or buy should involve careful assessment of execution risks, costs, and unique circumstances of the organization to ensure effective ASPM management.
Overall, the piece provocatively suggests that, akin to Tamagotchis, the perceived novelty of building a tailored technology solution can lead organizations to create burdens that could ultimately detract from their operational effectiveness in security and compliance management.