Application security management (ASM) is a strategic and systematic approach to protecting software applications throughout their entire lifecycle—from design and development through deployment, maintenance, and retirement. It encompasses a comprehensive framework of activities, policies, and controls aimed at proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating security vulnerabilities and risks inherent in applications, preventing unauthorized access, data breaches, and service disruptions.

Effective ASM integrates secure coding practices into development workflows, combines rigorous security assessments with proactive threat modeling, and requires continuous monitoring alongside swift incident response planning. By embedding security considerations seamlessly into the software development process—often through a DevSecOps approach—organizations can significantly reduce their application attack surface, safeguard sensitive information, and ensure the integrity and resilience of their digital services against evolving cyber threats while maintaining compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks.