Tech Stack Evaluation
Evaluating Security Readiness in the Tech Stack
This prompt helps engineering and IT teams evaluate the security readiness of their tech stack. It focuses on identifying vulnerabilities, ensuring compliance with industry standards, and implementing best practices to protect against threats.
Responsible:
Engineering/IT
Accountable, Informed or Consulted:
Engineering
THE PREP
Creating effective prompts involves tailoring them with detailed, relevant information and uploading documents that provide the best context. Prompts act as a framework to guide the response, but specificity and customization ensure the most accurate and helpful results. Use these prep tips to get the most out of this prompt:
Compile a list of current tech stack components, including third-party tools and integrations.
Identify existing security protocols and past incidents to inform the evaluation.
Define compliance and regulatory requirements relevant to the organization.
THE PROMPT
Help evaluate [specific software startup]’s tech stack for security readiness to protect against vulnerabilities and threats. Focus on:
Vulnerability Assessment: Recommending tools and processes, such as, ‘Conduct scans using tools like Snyk, OWASP ZAP, or Nessus to identify security gaps in code and dependencies.’
Data Security and Encryption: Suggesting analysis, like, ‘Evaluate whether sensitive data is encrypted at rest and in transit and if the stack complies with security best practices.’
Access Controls: Including verification checks, such as, ‘Review role-based access controls (RBAC), authentication protocols, and API permissions for potential weaknesses.’
Compliance and Standards: Proposing evaluations, like, ‘Ensure that the stack aligns with regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, or ISO 27001 where applicable.’
Incident Response Readiness: Recommending preparedness measures, such as, ‘Evaluate logging, monitoring, and alerting systems to detect and respond to security breaches effectively.’
Provide a comprehensive framework to evaluate and enhance the security readiness of the tech stack, ensuring it aligns with both current and future security needs. If additional details about tools or compliance requirements are needed, ask clarifying questions to refine the evaluation.
Bonus Add-On Prompts
Propose strategies for incorporating regular penetration testing into the security evaluation process.
Suggest methods for aligning tech stack security with zero-trust architecture principles.
Highlight techniques for ensuring third-party integrations meet security standards.
Use AI responsibly by verifying its outputs, as it may occasionally generate inaccurate or incomplete information. Treat AI as a tool to support your decision-making, ensuring human oversight and professional judgment for critical or sensitive use cases.
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE
Focus on specific security challenges, such as API vulnerabilities or database protection.
Include tips for automating vulnerability scanning in CI/CD pipelines.
Propose ways to integrate security training for developers and IT staff into the evaluation process.
Highlight tools like Splunk or Palo Alto Prisma Cloud for monitoring and threat detection.
Add suggestions for creating a post-evaluation action plan to address critical vulnerabilities.
WHEN TO USE
During regular security audits or after a significant system update.
When preparing for compliance certifications or regulatory reviews.
To proactively address emerging threats or vulnerabilities.
WHEN NOT TO USE
For systems with minimal security risks or low sensitivity data.
If the organization lacks the resources to act on identified vulnerabilities.