Final answer:
Static code analysis in the IDE environment is the best method to assess an internally developed ERP tool throughout its lifecycle, as it detects security vulnerabilities early in the development process and aligns with the organization's preference for continuous security assessment. The correct option is (A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The student has asked about the best method to assess the security of a new version of an organization's internally developed Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) tool, with a preference for assessment activities to occur throughout the lifecycle rather than post-deployment. Considering the organization's preference for continuous security assessment, the best choice among the given options would be A. Static code analysis in the IDE environment. This method allows for the identification of security vulnerabilities within the code during the development phase itself, ensuring these issues can be addressed before they are integrated into later versions or the production environment. By scanning the code without executing it (statically), potential security flaws like buffer overflows, SQL injection vulnerabilities, or other common weaknesses can be detected early on.
Option B, penetration testing of the UAT (User Acceptance Testing) environment, might be useful but is performed at a later stage, which might not align with the organization's preference for continuous assessment. Options C and D, focusing on the production environment, are also carried out post-deployment, which doesn't fit the organization's approach. Lastly, option E, peer review, although beneficial for code quality and security, is less comprehensive than static code analysis and may not catch all vulnerabilities.
Overall, static code analysis is a proactive and efficient method to ensure the security integrity of the software throughout its development, adhering to the principles of a secure software development lifecycle.