A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering Secure Software Development for Defense Contractors
A step-by-step system to build compliant, auditable code that stands up to federal review cycles
$199 one-time
30-day money-back guarantee
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12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Stop scrambling to meet security review standards after code freeze
The situation this course is for
Development teams in defense-adjacent roles routinely face rework when security compliance is treated as a final-phase checklist rather than an embedded practice. This leads to delayed deliveries, audit findings, and missed opportunities to lead on secure design. The pressure is rising as CMMC 2.0 and zero-trust architecture mandates tighten across DoD supply chains.
Who this is for
Mid-career software developer at a defense contractor who owns or contributes to federal project deliverables requiring security validation. They are technically strong but lack a structured method to align development with compliance frameworks. They want to be known for delivering code that doesn’t just work , it passes review.
Who this is not for
Developers working exclusively on internal tools with no compliance requirements, or those focused only on front-end consumer applications without security audit exposure.
What you walk away with
- Deliver code packages with pre-embedded compliance evidence for CMMC, NIST 800-171, and FedRAMP
- Reduce post-development security rework by aligning controls with development sprints
- Build reusable templates for secure architecture documentation and attestation
- Position yourself as the go-to developer for secure software standards within your delivery team
- Ship first-time-approved builds for audit-bound releases
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Understanding the Federal Secure Development Landscape
Lay the foundation by exploring current mandates shaping secure software in defense contracting, including CMMC 2.0, NIST 800-171, and zero-trust architecture requirements. Learn how these frameworks translate into development expectations and review criteria.
12 chapters in this module
- Overview of CMMC 2.0 and its impact on software deliverables
- How NIST 800-171 maps to secure coding practices
- Zero-trust principles in application design
- FedRAMP security control expectations for developers
- Common audit findings in software packages
- Timeline of federal cybersecurity mandates
- Role of developers in compliance validation
- How compliance reduces delivery risk
- Security as a feature, not a phase
- Integrating compliance into sprint planning
- Key stakeholders in the review process
- Building credibility through documentation
Module 2. Secure Development Lifecycle Integration
Embed security controls from initiation through deployment by aligning SDLC phases with compliance requirements. Learn how to structure each stage to generate evidence, not just code.
12 chapters in this module
- Initiation phase: defining security requirements
- Design phase: threat modeling and architecture reviews
- Development phase: secure coding standards
- Testing phase: automated security scanning
- Deployment phase: configuration hardening
- Maintenance phase: patch management and logging
- How to document decisions for audit
- Version control for compliance tracking
- Integrating security into CI/CD pipelines
- Creating audit trails for code changes
- Using pull requests for control validation
- Generating evidence at each lifecycle stage
Module 3. Threat Modeling for Defense Applications
Apply structured threat modeling techniques to anticipate and mitigate risks early. Use STRIDE and DREAD to identify vulnerabilities before coding begins.
12 chapters in this module
- Introduction to STRIDE threat categorization
- Mapping threats to system components
- Using data flow diagrams for analysis
- Prioritizing threats with DREAD scoring
- Documenting threat mitigation strategies
- Integrating findings into design specs
- Collaborating with security teams
- Updating models with new requirements
- Common threat patterns in government apps
- Avoiding over-engineering controls
- Generating audit-ready threat reports
- Reusing models across projects
Module 4. Secure Coding Standards and Patterns
Adopt coding practices that prevent common vulnerabilities. Focus on input validation, authentication, and secure data handling in real-world scenarios.
12 chapters in this module
- Input validation to prevent injection attacks
- Secure authentication and session management
- Proper error handling and logging
- Secure cryptographic implementations
- Avoiding hardcoded credentials
- Secure API design principles
- Handling sensitive data in memory
- Cross-site scripting (XSS) prevention
- Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) protection
- Secure file upload and processing
- Using approved libraries and dependencies
- Code review checklists for security
Module 5. Automated Security Testing Integration
Integrate static and dynamic analysis tools into your workflow to catch issues early. Learn how to interpret results and prioritize fixes.
12 chapters in this module
- Choosing the right SAST tool for your stack
- Configuring SAST for minimal false positives
- Integrating SAST into CI/CD pipelines
- Using DAST for runtime vulnerability detection
- Interpreting scan results for development teams
- Prioritizing findings by risk level
- Creating actionable tickets from scan output
- Automating remediation tracking
- Validating fixes with re-scans
- Maintaining tool configurations
- Reporting security test coverage
- Building trust with auditors through transparency
Module 6. Compliance Evidence Packaging
Structure deliverables to include built-in compliance evidence. Learn what auditors look for and how to package it seamlessly.
12 chapters in this module
- Understanding auditor expectations
- Required documentation for CMMC Level 2
- Creating system security plans (SSPs)
- Developing security control narratives
- Mapping controls to code artifacts
- Including test results in deliverables
- Versioning evidence with code
- Using standardized templates
- Preparing for evidence walkthroughs
- Handling auditor follow-up questions
- Maintaining confidentiality of evidence
- Delivering clean, organized packages
Module 7. Secure Configuration Management
Ensure environments are hardened and consistent. Learn how to manage configurations to meet security baselines.
12 chapters in this module
- Using CIS benchmarks for hardening
- Automating configuration with IaC
- Managing secrets securely
- Enforcing least privilege access
- Auditing configuration changes
- Maintaining configuration drift logs
- Validating environments pre-deployment
- Using configuration management databases
- Integrating with change control processes
- Documenting configuration decisions
- Handling emergency changes
- Generating compliance reports
Module 8. Incident Response Readiness for Developers
Prepare for security incidents by understanding your role in detection, response, and recovery. Learn how to support IR teams effectively.
12 chapters in this module
- Understanding the incident response lifecycle
- Recognizing signs of compromise in logs
- Escalation procedures for developers
- Preserving evidence during an incident
- Supporting forensic investigations
- Participating in post-incident reviews
- Updating code based on findings
- Hardening systems after breaches
- Communicating during incidents
- Testing response plans with dev input
- Documenting lessons learned
- Improving resilience through code
Module 9. Third-Party Risk in Software Dependencies
Assess and manage risks from open-source and commercial libraries. Learn how to maintain a secure software bill of materials (SBOM).
12 chapters in this module
- Understanding SBOM requirements
- Generating SBOMs with automated tools
- Analyzing dependencies for vulnerabilities
- Monitoring for new CVEs
- Establishing approval processes
- Maintaining an approved component list
- Handling license compliance
- Updating dependencies securely
- Communicating risks to stakeholders
- Auditing third-party usage
- Integrating SBOM into deliverables
- Responding to supply chain attacks
Module 10. Secure DevOps and CI/CD Pipeline Hardening
Harden your CI/CD pipelines to prevent unauthorized changes and ensure integrity. Learn how to build trust in automated systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Securing pipeline configuration files
- Implementing role-based access control
- Signing and verifying artifacts
- Using immutable build environments
- Auditing pipeline activity
- Preventing unauthorized deployments
- Integrating security gates
- Validating pipeline integrity
- Handling secrets in pipelines
- Monitoring for anomalous behavior
- Documenting pipeline controls
- Preparing pipelines for audit
Module 11. Documentation That Stands Up to Review
Create clear, concise, and auditor-friendly documentation. Learn how to write narratives that demonstrate compliance without over-explaining.
12 chapters in this module
- Writing effective control narratives
- Using consistent terminology
- Linking documentation to code
- Creating visual architecture diagrams
- Documenting decision rationales
- Maintaining version history
- Organizing documentation for review
- Using templates for consistency
- Avoiding unnecessary detail
- Highlighting key compliance points
- Preparing for documentation walkthroughs
- Updating docs with system changes
Module 12. Becoming the Trusted Developer on Security
Position yourself as the go-to resource for secure development. Learn how to lead, mentor, and influence without formal authority.
12 chapters in this module
- Building credibility through consistent delivery
- Sharing knowledge with peers
- Leading secure coding workshops
- Creating internal best practices
- Influencing architecture decisions
- Mentoring junior developers
- Collaborating with security teams
- Presenting at internal reviews
- Publishing internal guidance
- Tracking and sharing success metrics
- Earning recognition from leadership
- Scaling your impact across teams
How this maps to your situation
- CMMC 2.0 compliance for defense software
- FedRAMP-aligned development practices
- Zero-trust architecture implementation
- Audit-ready code delivery
Before vs. after
Before
Delivering code that passes technical review but requires rework for compliance audits.
After
Shipping fully documented, secure builds that meet federal standards on first submission.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: 90 minutes per week for 12 weeks, or accelerate at your pace.
If nothing changes
Without structured integration of compliance into development, teams face recurring rework, delayed deliveries, and missed opportunities to lead on high-visibility projects. Developers who don't differentiate on security will be seen as interchangeable, not essential.
How this compares to the alternatives
Generic secure coding courses focus on vulnerabilities but ignore compliance packaging. This course is tailored to defense contractors who must deliver not just secure code, but auditable proof of it.
Frequently asked
Is this course focused on compliance or coding?
It bridges both. You’ll learn secure coding techniques and how to package them for compliance review , so your code ships with built-in evidence.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will this help with CMMC 2.0?
Yes. Every module aligns with CMMC 2.0 practices, especially those related to secure development and evidence generation.
$199 one-time. 90 minutes per week for 12 weeks, or accelerate at your pace..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours