The SSE-CMM® is a process reference model. It is focussed upon the requirements for implementing security in a system or series of related systems that are the ITS domain. Within the ITS domain the SSE-CMM® Model is focussed on the processes used to achieve ITS, most specifically on the maturity of those processes. There is no intent within the SSE-CMM® Model to dictate a specific process to be used by an organization, let alone a specific methodology. Rather the intent is that the organization making use of the SSE-CMM® Model should use its existing processes, be those processes based upon any other ITS guidance document. The scope encompasses:

• the system security engineering activities for a secure product or a trusted system addressing the complete lifecycle of: concept definition, requirements analysis, design, development, integration, installation, operation, maintenance end de-commissioning;
• requirements for product developers, secure systems developers and integrators, organizations that provide computer security services and computer security engineering;
• applies to all types and sizes of security engineering organizations from commercial to government and the academe.

While the SSE-CMM® is a distinct model to improve and assess security engineering capability, this should not imply that security engineering should be practised in isolation from other engineering disciplines. On the contrary, the SSE-CMM® promotes such integration, taking the view that security is pervasive across all engineering disciplines (e.g., systems, software and hardware) and defining components of the model to address such concerns. The Common Feature “Coordinate Security Practices” recognizes the need to integrate security with all disciplines and groups involved on a project or within an organization. Similarly, the Process Area “Coordinate Security” defines the objectives and mechanisms to be used in coordinating the security engineering activities.

This International Standard has a relationship to TR 15504, particularly part 2, as both are concerned with process improvement and capability maturity assessment. However, TR 15504 is specifically focussed on software processes, whereas the SSE-CMM is focussed on security.

This International Standard has a closer relationship with the new versions of 15504, particularly CD 15504-2, and is compatible with its approaches and requirements.