Overview
The OWASP Cheat Sheet Series is a collection of concise, actionable security guidance documents maintained by the global OWASP community. Unlike lengthy specifications or abstract frameworks, these cheat sheets provide practical, implementation-ready guidance that developers and security professionals can immediately apply. For Identity and Access Management, OWASP cheat sheets cover authentication, authorization, session management, credential storage, and attack prevention—essential references for building secure identity systems. The series is free, open-source, and continuously updated to address emerging threats. Good looks like development teams referencing OWASP guidance as standard practice, security requirements traceable to OWASP recommendations, and reduced vulnerabilities in identity-related code.
Architecture & Reference Patterns
Pattern 1: Security Requirements Traceability
Map security requirements to OWASP cheat sheets for implementation guidance:
Security Requirement → OWASP Cheat Sheet Reference → Implementation
↓ ↓ ↓
"Implement MFA" MFA Cheat Sheet Code/Configuration
"Secure passwords" Password Storage CS Argon2id hashing
"Prevent CSRF" CSRF Prevention CS Token implementation
Pattern 2: Secure Development Lifecycle Integration
Embed OWASP guidance at each SDLC phase:
- Design: Reference cheat sheets for security architecture decisions
- Development: Use as coding standards for security controls
- Review: Include in code review checklists
- Testing: Validate against cheat sheet recommendations
Pattern 3: Developer Training Curriculum
Structure security training around OWASP cheat sheets relevant to identity:
- Authentication and Session Management fundamentals
- Credential handling and storage
- Authorization patterns
- Attack prevention techniques
Key Decisions
| Decision | Options | Recommendation | Notes / Gotchas |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adoption scope | Reference as needed, Mandatory standards, Training curriculum | Mandatory for identity-related code | Consistent security requires consistent standards |
| Integration approach | Documentation only, Code review checklists, Automated scanning | All three | Layered enforcement ensures adoption |
| Update tracking | Ad-hoc, Quarterly review, Automated alerts | Quarterly review | Cheat sheets update; stay current |
| Customization | Use as-is, Add organization-specific guidance | Add organization context | Base on OWASP, extend for specifics |
| Training delivery | Self-service reading, Formal training, Hands-on labs | Formal training with labs | Reading alone doesn't build skills |
| Compliance mapping | None, SOC 2/ISO alignment, Full framework mapping | SOC 2/ISO alignment | Demonstrates compliance through best practices |
Implementation Approach
Phase 0: Discovery
Inputs: Current development practices, security training status, vulnerability history, compliance requirements Outputs: Gap analysis against relevant OWASP cheat sheets, training needs assessment, priority areas, implementation plan
Phase 1: Design
Inputs: Gap analysis, development workflow, team structure Outputs: Cheat sheet adoption strategy, integration points (code review, CI/CD), training curriculum, success metrics
Phase 2: Build & Integrate
Inputs: Adoption strategy, development tools, training requirements Outputs: Code review checklists created, security scanning rules configured, training materials developed, reference documentation published
Phase 3: Rollout
Inputs: Built materials, training plan, communication strategy Outputs: Developer training completed, code review process updated, scanning integrated, adoption metrics tracked
Phase 4: Operate
Inputs: Adopted practices, operational procedures Outputs: Ongoing training for new hires, quarterly cheat sheet reviews, vulnerability trend analysis, continuous improvement
Deliverables
- OWASP cheat sheet adoption strategy
- Code review checklists based on relevant cheat sheets
- Developer training curriculum
- Security scanning rules aligned with OWASP guidance
- Quick reference guides for development teams
- Compliance mapping documentation
- Adoption metrics dashboard
Risks & Failure Modes
| Risk | Likelihood | Impact | Early Signals | Mitigation |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Developer resistance to additional standards | M | M | Complaints, workarounds, non-compliance | Executive sponsorship, demonstrate value, integrate into workflow |
| Guidance becomes outdated | M | M | Cheat sheets updated but practices not | Quarterly reviews, update notifications |
| Checkbox compliance without understanding | M | M | Vulnerabilities despite "following guidance" | Hands-on training, verify understanding |
| Inconsistent adoption across teams | H | M | Some teams follow, others don't | Central standards, automated enforcement |
| Over-reliance on cheat sheets for complex decisions | L | M | Inappropriate simplification | Combine with security architecture review |
KPIs / Outcomes
- Developer training completion rate (target: 100% for relevant roles)
- Code review compliance with OWASP checklists (target: 100%)
- Identity-related vulnerabilities (track reduction over time)
- Security scanning findings aligned with OWASP (measure improvement)
- Time to remediate OWASP-related findings (track efficiency)