Software Bill of Material (SBOM)

What is Software Bill of Material (SBOM)?

The Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is a comprehensive list of all components, libraries, and dependencies that make up a software application. It serves as a detailed inventory that outlines the various elements included in the software, including their versions, licenses, and sources.

An SBOM enhances transparency and security by enabling organizations to manage and track the components within their software, allowing them to identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with licensing requirements, and facilitate easier updates and maintenance.

Key features of an SBOM include:

• Component Identification: Each component and its version included in the software is listed.
• Licensing Information: Details about the licensing of each component, which helps in compliance and legal considerations.
• Dependency Relationships: Information on how components depend on one another, which is essential for understanding the structure of the software.
• Source Information: The origin of each component, whether it is an open-source library, proprietary software, or an internally developed module.

SBOMs are increasingly considered essential in software supply chain security as they provide critical information needed to assess and manage risks associated with software dependencies. They can be generated using various tools and can be formatted in standard ways, such as SPDX, CycloneDX, or other common SBOM formats.