In today’s complex software development and IT environments, supply chain security has become a top priority for organizations worldwide. With growing reliance on third-party software components and open-source libraries, vulnerabilities can easily propagate across the supply chain, putting businesses at risk of cyberattacks.

Two powerful tools that help organizations bolster supply chain security are Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and penetration testing. While they serve different purposes, when combined, SBOM and penetration testing provide a comprehensive approach to identifying and mitigating risks.

This article explores how SBOM and penetration testing work together to strengthen supply chain security and why every organization should adopt both as part of their cybersecurity strategy.

What is an SBOM?

A Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) is essentially an inventory list of all components, libraries, and dependencies used within a software application. It provides detailed visibility into the software supply chain, including third-party and open-source components.

Why SBOM Matters

  • Transparency: SBOMs increase transparency by revealing the exact components making up your software.

  • Risk Identification: They enable organizations to quickly identify vulnerable or outdated components that could introduce security risks.

  • Compliance: Many regulatory standards and cybersecurity frameworks now require organizations to maintain and share SBOMs to prove software integrity.

SBOM in Cybersecurity

An SBOM acts as the first line of defense in supply chain security by allowing security teams to track and manage risks associated with software components. However, it’s important to understand that while SBOM provides component visibility, it doesn’t assess how those components behave in a running system — this is where penetration testing plays a crucial role.

What is Penetration Testing?

Penetration testing, often referred to as pen testing, is a simulated cyberattack against your systems to identify security weaknesses before malicious hackers can exploit them.

Types of Penetration Testing Relevant to Supply Chain Security

  • Web Application Penetration Testing: Focuses on vulnerabilities in web applications.

  • API Penetration Testing: Examines security weaknesses in application programming interfaces.

  • Infrastructure Penetration Testing: Assesses risks in servers, networks, and hardware.

Penetration testing mimics real-world attacks, providing actionable insights into vulnerabilities that might not be apparent from simply reviewing software components or configurations.

How SBOM and Penetration Testing Complement Each Other

1. Comprehensive Risk Visibility

SBOM provides a detailed inventory of software components, making it easier to identify vulnerable third-party libraries or outdated dependencies. However, knowing which components are vulnerable isn’t enough. Penetration testing takes this a step further by actively probing your applications and infrastructure for exploitable weaknesses caused by those vulnerabilities.

Together, SBOM and penetration testing give organizations full-spectrum visibility into both the components and how they function in the real world.

2. Prioritizing Security Efforts

SBOMs may reveal numerous vulnerabilities due to the complexity of modern software. Penetration testing helps prioritize these findings by demonstrating which vulnerabilities can actually be exploited by attackers in your environment.

By combining both, organizations can focus remediation efforts where they matter most, optimizing resource allocation.

3. Continuous Supply Chain Security

Software supply chains are dynamic; new vulnerabilities emerge constantly, and software components are frequently updated or replaced. Integrating SBOM scanning tools with regular penetration testing — ideally as part of a continuous security program like Blacklock PTaaS — helps organizations maintain ongoing awareness and protection against emerging supply chain risks.

SBOM Scanning Tools and Their Role

Modern SBOM scanning tools automate the process of analyzing software components and flagging known vulnerabilities or compliance issues. These tools scan software inventories and match components against vulnerability databases.

Internal Link: Using SBOM scanning tools enables organizations to detect supply chain risks early and improve their cybersecurity posture.

While automated SBOM scanning is invaluable, it is not a substitute for the nuanced, hands-on approach that penetration testing provides.

Integrating Penetration Testing with SBOM for Maximum Effectiveness

Organizations looking to strengthen supply chain security should adopt a strategy combining SBOM scanning and penetration testing. Here’s how to implement this:

Step 1: Generate and Maintain an Accurate SBOM

Start by generating an up-to-date SBOM for all critical software assets. Keep this inventory current as components change.

Step 2: Use SBOM Scanning Tools Regularly

Deploy automated SBOM scanners to continuously monitor for newly disclosed vulnerabilities in your components.

Step 3: Schedule Regular Penetration Testing

Plan penetration testing engagements targeting high-risk systems identified through SBOM scans. This includes web application penetration testing and API penetration testing to uncover weaknesses that scanners might miss.

Step 4: Remediate Based on Combined Insights

Prioritize fixes based on the combined results of SBOM scanning and penetration testing reports to ensure the most critical vulnerabilities are addressed promptly.

Challenges and Considerations

While integrating SBOM and penetration testing offers many benefits, organizations should be aware of the following challenges:

  • Complexity of Supply Chains: Modern applications can include thousands of components, making SBOM generation and management challenging.

  • Resource Allocation: Regular penetration testing requires expertise and budget, so leveraging penetration testing as a service can be a cost-effective solution.

  • Continuous Monitoring: Both SBOM and pen testing need to be ongoing processes to stay ahead of evolving threats.

Why Partner with Blacklock Security for Supply Chain Security

Blacklock Security offers comprehensive solutions to enhance supply chain security by combining SBOM scanning and expert penetration testing services.

By integrating these services, Blacklock helps organizations stay compliant, reduce risk, and secure their software supply chains effectively.

Conclusion

Supply chain security is a critical aspect of modern cybersecurity strategies. The combination of Software Bill of Materials (SBOM) and penetration testing provides organizations with comprehensive visibility and actionable insights into vulnerabilities that may affect their software and infrastructure.

SBOM offers transparency into software components, while penetration testing validates how these components behave under attack, revealing exploitable weaknesses. Together, they enable organizations to prioritize remediation efforts, maintain continuous security, and meet regulatory compliance requirements.

To strengthen your supply chain security, consider leveraging the combined power of SBOM scanning tools and penetration testing services through trusted providers like Blacklock Security. This holistic approach ensures your software ecosystem remains resilient against evolving cyber threats.