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OpenSSF May Newsletter

OpenSSF Newsletter – May 2024

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Welcome to the May 2024 edition of the OpenSSF Newsletter, with our latest information on what’s been happening lately and what’s on our radar.

Enhancing Open Source Security: Introducing Siren by OpenSSF

Introducing SIren

In the rapidly changing landscape of cybersecurity threats, collaboration and information sharing are essential. Now, more than ever, the open source community needs a centralized platform to exchange threat intelligence efficiently. Introducing Siren, a threat intelligence sharing platform hosted by Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF), a groundbreaking initiative aims to strengthen the defenses of open source projects globally.

Read More

Join Our Upcoming OpenSSF Tech Talk: Proactive Supply Chain Security with GUAC

Guac

Don’t miss our upcoming Tech Talk, “Proactive Supply Chain Security with GUAC,” on June 6, 2024, at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. In this Tech Talk, you will meet the GUAC maintainers as they cover the project and its recent release, roadmap plans, and how you can contribute.

Cybersecurity threats are constantly and quickly changing, but GUAC can help you stay ahead.

Register Today

Call for Proposals: Submit to Speak at SOSS Community Day Europe

SOSS Community Day EU

Join us in Vienna, Austria, for the Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Community Day Europe 2024. This enriching event will bring together members from across the security and open source ecosystem to exchange ideas and advancements. Formerly known as OpenSSF Days, SOSS Community Days reflect our broader commitment to fortifying the security of open source software. The Call for Proposals (CFPs) is open until June 16.

Read More

Unlock the Keys to Improved Software Security

Unlock the Keys

In today’s digital world, software security is under constant threat. Attackers exploit vulnerabilities, typosquatting, dependency confusion, and even infiltrate developer accounts. To combat these threats, developers must adopt robust security measures.

Read David A. Wheeler’s latest blog, based on his talk at the Open Source Summit North America (OSS NA) 2024, which outlines essential steps for enhancing software security. He highlights the increasing threat of supply chain attacks, both in open and closed source software, and provides practical guidance from the Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF).

Read More

Recap of SOSS Community Day North America 2024

SOSSCDNA1

On April 15, 2024, Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Community Day North America (NA) brought together the open source community in Seattle to delve into discussions surrounding the challenges, overarching solutions, ongoing initiatives, and triumphs in fortifying the open source software (OSS) supply chain. Alongside dedicated SOSS contributors and thought leaders, we embarked on an in-depth exploration of topics such as security best practices, vulnerability discovery, securing critical projects, and the evolving landscape of OSS security.

Read More

Press Release: OpenSSF Taps Bruce Schneier to Discuss AI and OSS Security During Keynote at SOSS Fusion Conference 2024

Keynote Announced

The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) announced that internationally renowned technologist Bruce Schneier will serve as the keynote speaker for its inaugural Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Fusion Conference 2024. Early registration is open for the event, which will take place from Oct. 22 – 23, 2024, in Atlanta, GA.

Register by Aug. 9 for special early bird giveaways! Gain access to interactive workshops, in-depth discussions and valuable sessions about securing open source software

Read More

Spotlight on the OpenSSF AI/ML Working Group

AI/ML Working Group

What do open source software, security, and AI/ML have in common? In this blog, Mihai Maruseac and Jay White from the OpenSSF AI/ML Working Group delve into this intersection. Almost a year ago, experts at the confluence of security and AI/ML united under the OpenSSF umbrella to form this group. Their mission is to secure AI/ML, addressing the rapid spread of AI technology and the increasing frequency of security incidents in AI-related products.

Discover how this working group is tackling the unique challenges posed by the intersection of these critical fields.

Read More

Beyond Scores with OpenSSF Scorecard: Granular Structured Results for Custom Policy Enforcement

Beyond Scores with OpenSSF Scorecard

In this blog, By Adam Korczynski, David Korczynski, Spencer Schrock, Laurent Simon present the OpenSSF Scorecard, a tool to help open source projects reduce software supply-chain risks. The Scorecard analyzes projects based on a series of heuristics, generating scores from 0 to 10—where 0 indicates high-risk practices and 10 signifies adherence to security best practices. These individual scores are combined into an overall Scorecard score.

The broad scope of Scorecard supports various use cases, from risk management to policy-driven decision making. This blog post focuses on a specific use case that allows Scorecard to be tailored to each consumer’s unique requirements through a novel feature called “structured results.” Learn how structured results can enhance your project’s security assessment and policy enforcement.

Read More

Join Us at SOSS Fusion 2024 in Atlanta

SOSS Fusion 24

Don’t miss SOSS Fusion 2024, taking place October 22-23. This event brings together nearly 500 professionals from diverse sectors—ranging from software development to cybersecurity. 

Here’s what you can expect:

  • Expert-led Sessions: Engage with industry leaders through Lightning Talks, presentations, and keynotes, covering key tech trends in AI, Containers, Microservices, and IoT.
  • Unmatched Networking: Connect with top technical minds during our renowned “hallway track,” fostering collaborations to solve current and future challenges.
  • All-Inclusive Access: Register by August 9 for just $399, which includes access to all sessions, breakfast, breaks, and exclusive evening events.

Experience the future of technology and security at SOSS Fusion 2024!

Register

Sponsor

News from CNCF: CloudNativeSecurity Con

Discover the forefront of cybersecurity in cloud-native environments at CloudNativeSecurityCon, the premier conference showcasing cutting-edge trends, best practices, and innovative solutions. Engage with industry experts and professionals as we delve into the dynamic landscape of securing cloud-native infrastructure and applications. Exciting news: schedule is now live! Don’t miss out—secure your spot by registering today!

In the News

Meet OpenSSF at These Upcoming Events!

Get Involved in OpenSSF

You’re invited to…

See You Next Month

We want to get you the information you most want to see in your inbox. Have suggestions for next month’s newsletter about the OpenSSF? Let us know at marketing@openssf.org and see you next month! 

Regards,

The OpenSSF Team

Week at a Glance – Mar 4

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Community Updates

Metrics & Metadata WG

The Working Group “Metrics & Metadata” (formerly “Identifying Security Threats”) started three years ago by releasing the first version of the paper “Threats, Risks, and Mitigations in the Open Source Ecosystem” to help open source maintainers and contributors identify threats in the development cycles of a project and evaluate risks in the open source ecosystem. 

Keeping in mind this purpose, the Working Group has continued to work on projects that could help open source consumers to better evaluate the health of open source projects. 

We do this by collecting, curating, and communicating relevant metrics and metadata from open source projects and the ecosystems of which they are a part. 

Working Group Calendar: Metrics & Metadata WG meeting on Tuesday @ 6 PM (UTC) every 2 weeks.

Slack Channel: #wg_metrics_and_metadata

GitHub Repositories:

Projects:

  • SECURITY INSIGHTS Specification
  • Risk Assessment Dashboard SIG

Luigi Gubello (Co-Lead of Metrics & Metadata Working Group)

Micheal Scovetta (Co-Lead of Metrics & Metadata Working Group)

Last Updates:

  • We have improved the Docker container to run the SECURITY INSIGHTS Validator (ossf/si-tooling) by making it easier to use.
  • We have published a GitHub Action (luigigubello/security-insights-validator-ga) to run the SECURITY INSIGHTS Validator directly in the GitHub Workflows.
  • We are actively working on the release v1.1 of the SECURITY INSIGHTS specification.

Everyone is welcome, and we appreciate contributions, questions, feedback, and help because they assist us in improving our work. 🌸 Don’t be afraid if you don’t work in the info security field; we genuinely value contributions from individuals with diverse backgrounds 🦄.

OpenSSF Supports White House’s Efforts to Build More Secure and Measurable Software

Efforts to Build More Secure and Measurable Software
The US Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) report Back to the Building Blocks: A Path Toward Secure and Measurable Software, was released today. The report provides valuable insights into strategies to improve software security. This paper emphasizes the importance of proactive measures in mitigating vulnerabilities by examining pivotal principles such as memory safety, measurements, and metrics to help enhance software security. The OpenSSF supports efforts like this from the public sector, which improve the security of open source software.  Read more.

SOSS Community Day North America (NA) Agenda Live

SOSS Community Day register now

We’re excited to announce that the agenda for Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Community Day NA on April 15, 2024 is now available! Join us for a day of technical talks, panels, and a Table Top Exercise (TTX). SOSS Community Day is co-located with Open Source Summit North America in Seattle, WA.  Read more.

Golden Egg Award: Celebrating Exceptional Contributions in the OpenSSF Community

Golden Egg AwardIn Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF), we shine a light on those who go above and beyond in enriching our community. The Golden Egg Awards recognize individuals as the driving force behind innovation. Read more.

In the Headlines

Don’t Forget…

SOSS

 

 

 

This Week at OpenSSF – Feb 26

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Community Updates

SOSS Task Force – Trusted Repository Security Initiative (TRSI-TF)

Advocating for Transparent and Secure Practices

  • Embrace Transparency and Security: Advocate for open, secure practices to foster a trusted, innovative environment.
  • Champion Trusted Communities: Join a proactive network using the “Scorecard” to elevate security in package ecosystems.
  • Innovate with the DNS System: Help forge a layered trust system, enhancing security across repositories.
  • Vet Beyond the Norm: Be part of a vanguard validating security beyond DNS, setting the highest standards.

To join, simply fill out this Doodle Poll to show your interest!

Open Source Security Integration and Enhancement Task Force (OSSIE-TF)

Fortifying the Backbone of Software Supply Chains

  • Unite for Security Standards: Help craft universal security protocols and guidelines to protect package managers and users against prevalent threats.
  • Collaborate for a Safer Ecosystem: Work alongside diverse package managers and dedicated working groups to exchange vital threat intelligence, strengthening our collective defense.
  • Specialize in Threat Modeling: Take on the challenge of differentiating between malicious threats and vulnerabilities within top repositories. Your insights will safeguard platforms like NPM, PyPI, Gradle, Maven, and more.
  • Together, let’s build a secure and resilient software infrastructure.

To join, simply fill out this Doodle Poll to show your interest!

End User Group – OpenSSF End User Working Group

Driving OpenSSF Mission for Better Security

  • Mission: Ensure the End User’s distinct and impactful voice is heard in the development and delivery of the technical vision of the Open Source Security Foundation.
  • Objectives:
    • Represents the interests of public and private sector organizations that primarily consume open source.
    • Ensures the use cases for end user consumption of Open Source software are factored into OSSF programs.
    • Provides resources to develop and implement efficient strategies, processes, tools, and best practices that secure software supply chains.
    • Aims to educate other consumers on the risks associated with supply chain security.
  • OpenSSF Community Calendar Events:
    • End User WG meeting on Thursday @ 9 am CST every 2 weeks
    • End User WG -Refining Architecture and Threat Modelling meeting every Monday @ 11.30 am CST every week.

Please join our team and work with us to identify threats, provide guidance on ingestion of open source software from an end user’s perspective. Let us together raise awareness of these issues and provide detailed guidance on how to mitigate threats with the Open Source supply chain to make it secure.

Reach out to operations@openssf.org if interested to participate and join our End User WG group.

Submit to Speak at SOSS Fusion 2024

CFP Open

The Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Fusion Conference by the OpenSSF is a leading event for open source professionals, uniting diverse experts from software developers to CISOs and tech pioneers. It’s not just an event; it’s a push toward a more secure digital future. Read more.

OpenSSF Responds to US CISA RFI on Cybersecurity Risk and Secure by Design Software

Cybersecurity Risk and Secure by Design Software

OpenSSF has submitted a response to the Request For Information (RFI) on Shifting the Balance of Cybersecurity Risk: Principles and Approaches for Secure by Design Software issued by the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA). Read more.

In the Headlines

Don’t Forget…

SOSS

OpenSSF Week at a Glance – Feb 20

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Announcing the First Ever SOSS Fusion Conference: How You Can Get Involved

Register-Now
We are thrilled to announce the first ever Secure Open Source Software (SOSS) Fusion Conference 2024, a two-day conference hosted by the OpenSSF in Atlanta, GA. Set to take place on October 22-23, 2024, at The Hotel at Avalon, this event is dedicated to Securing Open Source Software (SOSS). The event registration is now open, and we invite you to join this event to contribute to the discussions around open source software security.

 

OpenSSF Participates in Department of Commerce Consortium Dedicated to AI Safety

OpenSSF Participates in Department of Commerce Consortium Dedicated to AI Safety

The Open Source Security Foundation (OpenSSF) is participating in the Biden-Harris Administration’s first-ever Consortium Dedicated to AI Safety, led by the US Department of Commerce. We join over 200 leading artificial intelligence (AI) stakeholders in supporting the development and deployment of trustworthy and safe AI along with other Linux Foundation (LF) projects including LF AI & Data, SPDX, and C2PA. 

 

Linux Kernel Achieves CVE Numbering Authority Status

linuxkernelachievesCVE
The Linux kernel has achieved a significant milestone in open source software security. It has been authorized as a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA) by the CVE Program. Being a CNA enables the Linux kernel team to manage the vulnerabilities with more accuracy and higher quality in the future.  As Linux Foundation Fellow Greg Kroah-Hartman pointed out in his blog: “This announcement is just the first step, allowing us to be the manager of the CVE allocation process for Linux.”

 

Scaling Up Supply Chain Security: Implementing Sigstore for Seamless Container Image Signing

scalingupsupplychainsecurity
In this case study, we will explore how Yahoo leverages Sigstore, in concert with Athenz, an open source platform for managing X.509 certificates, as an internal Certificate Authority, to sign and verify container images.

 

Alpha-Omega 2023 Annual Report

AO-Annual-Report-Blog-Image
In 2023, Alpha-Omega provided ten grants to eight organizations totalling over $2.8 million dollars, with an average grant size of just over $350,000. Together with OpenSSF, Alpha-Omega’s mission is to catalyze sustainable security improvements within the most critical open source projects and ecosystems. Read the blog for key highlights from 2023.

 

In the Headlines

Don’t Forget…

SOSS

OpenSSF Newsletter: January 2024

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Open Source Security Foundation(OpenSSF) – Who We Are

The OpenSSF is a diverse global community dedicated to making the world a better place through open source software. Join us in enhancing the security of open source, and together, let’s create a safer world. Check out our new video!

OpenSSF Election Results for Technical Advisory Council and Representatives to the Governing Board

We are thrilled to kick off 2024 by announcing the OpenSSF representatives to the Governing Board and the establishment of a new and expanded Technical Advisory Council elected by the community. Congratulations, and we look forward to a great year ahead!

Election Image TAC