What SCA does
SCA tools scan your project’s code and dependencies to identify the open source libraries and components you’re using. This includes packages from repositories like npm, NuGet, Maven, Python Package Index, and even the base images used in container deployments. The process goes beyond simple vulnerability scanning; it also assesses the licences associated with each component, helping you understand your legal obligations. A key byproduct of SCA is the creation of a Software Bill of Materials (SBOM), a formal record of the components used.
SCA in Australian tenants today
For AU mid-market organisations, SCA is becoming increasingly vital. Microsoft Defender for Cloud DevOps Security provides integrated SCA capabilities, while GitHub Dependabot automatically identifies and alerts developers to vulnerable dependencies. Many AU organisations are incorporating SCA into their CI/CD pipelines to proactively identify and remediate risks before deployment. Alignment with the ACSC Essential Eight, particularly control E3 (segment network traffic), and the OAIC’s Privacy Act 2024, which mandates data breach notification, underscores the importance of SCA for managing third-party risk.