Application security is arguably the most critical priority in the executive order, and preparing for stricter guidelines and higher levels of security in applications and the broader software supply chain should begin today. Contrast Security has announced it enables organizations to make the software bill of materials (SBoM) mandate a reality.

By leveraging its influence in the market and relationship with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), Contrast — and its Application Security Platform — directly supports the majority of the goals of President Joe Biden’s executive order to improve the nation’s cybersecurity.

Contrast customers can generate an SBoM directly in a way that meets the specifications of the OWASP’s CycloneDX SBoM standard and the Presidential Executive Order. The capability is available through a simple API or a command through the Contrast command-line interface (CLI).

Contrast has also been working closely with NIST on the implementation of the executive order on cybersecurity. The executive order directs NIST and the National Security Agency (NSA) to jointly publish guidelines covering the definition of critical software, software security testing, software labeling, and SBoM use.

Contrast has been an active participant in the NIST workshops process and submitted six separate position papers on various issues. Currently, Contrast is working with NIST to help implement the software labeling program called for in the executive order.