Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) Handbook

The Microsoft Security Development Lifecycle (SDL) Handbook outlines Microsoft’s formal process for integrating security and privacy best practices into every phase of software development. It provides detailed guidance on threat modeling, secure design, code analysis, testing, and incident response planning. Designed for software engineers, architects, and project managers, the handbook serves as the foundational framework for building secure, resilient applications across Microsoft’s product ecosystem.

Michael Howard and Steve Lipner

1. Introduction
• The Need for Secure Software
• Origins and Goals of the SDL
• Integrating Security into the Development Process

2. The Security Development Lifecycle Overview
• SDL Phases and Activities
• Roles and Responsibilities
• Applying SDL to Different Development Models

3. Requirements Phase
• Defining Security and Privacy Requirements
• Risk Assessment and Compliance Objectives
• Documentation and Baseline Standards

4. Design Phase
• Threat Modeling and Attack Surface Analysis
• Secure Design Principles
• Using Design Reviews and Checklists

5. Implementation Phase
• Secure Coding Practices
• Static Code Analysis and Tools
• Managing Third-Party Components

6. Verification Phase
• Security Testing and Fuzzing
• Penetration Testing
• Reviewing and Tracking Security Bugs

7. Release Phase
• Final Security Review (FSR)
• Incident Response Planning
• Signing and Deployment Procedures

8. Response Phase
• Handling Vulnerabilities Post-Release
• Coordinated Disclosure and Patch Management
• Continuous Improvement of the SDL

9. Tools, Training, and Metrics
• Developer Education and Awareness
• Measuring Security Performance
• Recommended SDL Tools and Resources

10. Appendices
• Glossary of Key Terms
• Sample Checklists and Templates
• References and Further Reading