vulnerabilities identified in the API

 implement strong input validation, secure session management, and rate-limiting mechanisms to prevent abuse of API endpoints.

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Rationale

This approach provides a direct and holistic solution to the vulnerabilities identified in the API.

• Strong Input Validation: This directly addresses the "flaws in input validation" by ensuring that the API only accepts properly formatted data, which prevents injection attacks and other malicious inputs.

• Secure Session Management: This addresses the "flaws in session management" by implementing secure practices that prevent attackers from hijacking user sessions.

• Rate-Limiting: This is a key control for preventing brute-force attacks and abuse of API endpoints, which is a crucial part of a complete API security strategy.

By implementing these controls, Olivia can fix the underlying vulnerabilities and create a robust defense against future attacks.

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Adopt the Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) to benchmark security practices across all development phases and drive structured improvements.

Rationale

The Software Assurance Maturity Model (SAMM) is an open framework designed specifically for evaluating and improving an organization's software security posture.

• Maturity Model: SAMM provides a clear roadmap for driving continuous improvement, which is exactly what leadership has tasked Sarah with.

• Comprehensive: It benchmarks security practices across all development phases, providing a holistic view of the organization's security posture.

• Best Practice: As an OWASP project, it is a recognized industry best practice for integrating security into the software development lifecycle.