Abstract
This article explores the concept of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) as an essential tool in modern software development and cybersecurity frameworks. The SBOM acts as a detailed inventory of all software components, dependencies, and associated metadata within an application. By providing transparency, facilitating risk mitigation, and supporting regulatory compliance—particularly for software products intended for U.S. federal agencies—the SBOM strengthens software security. Through a detailed examination of SBOM implementation, benefits, and associated technologies—such as composition analysis and binary detonation—this article highlights the SBOM’s role in fostering a secure development environment.
Introduction
The Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is a comprehensive list detailing every software component, dependency, and metadata associated with an application. By cataloging software parts, it enables organizations to manage software more effectively and enhances visibility into potential security risks. The significance of SBOMs lies in their ability to offer transparency, build trustworthy software, and address cybersecurity challenges—especially relevant in compliance-heavy environments. This article aims to provide an in-depth analysis of SBOMs, their roles in cybersecurity and compliance, and how they integrate into modern software frameworks.
