ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Control 8.25
Abstract of Control 8.25: Secure development life cycle
ISO 27001 Annex A Control 8.25 Secure Development Life Cycle (SDLC) is a framework for embedding security into every phase of software and system development. From planning and design to deployment and maintenance, this control ensures that your processes are built to protect confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Control Type
- Preventive
Information Security Properties
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
Cybersecurity Concepts
- Protect
Operational Capabilities
- Application Security
- System and Network Security
Security Domains
- Protection
Objective of Control 8.25
You need a structure that ensures security is not an afterthought but an integral part of your development process. This control focuses on applying defined rules and practices to build secure systems and software while reducing vulnerabilities.
Purpose of Control 8.25
The purpose of this control is to ensure that security requirements are integrated into the design, development, and deployment phases of software and systems. By doing so, your organization can minimize security risks, enhance application and system resilience, and comply with regulatory or business obligations.
Requirements for a Secure Development Life Cycle
1. Separate Development, Test, and Production Environments
Combining these environments is like leaving a door unlocked—it invites risks. Keep development isolated from testing and production. This ensures that untested changes don’t accidentally disrupt critical systems.
2. Follow Secure Coding Guidelines
Your programming languages need clear, secure coding standards. These guidelines help prevent common vulnerabilities like injection attacks or buffer overflows. Ensure every developer on your team knows and follows these practices.
3. Address Security in the Design Phase
Think of security requirements as part of your blueprint. During specification and design, outline how your software will defend against threats. Incorporate mechanisms for authentication, authorization, and data encryption.
4. Integrate Security Checkpoints
Every project milestone should include a security review. Incorporate regular assessments to ensure compliance with your secure development rules. Address gaps before moving to the next phase.
Considerations for Specialized Applications
Transactional Services
Applications that manage transactions should include mechanisms for verifying data integrity and user identities. For example, use hashing or digital signatures to validate data exchanged between parties. Authorization processes must also define who can approve or sign key documents.
Electronic Ordering and Payments
Applications supporting online payments or orders should secure sensitive information, such as payment details and transaction histories. Store transaction records on secure, private systems and implement encryption for communication between parties.
Best Practices for Implementing Secure Development
1. Testing for Vulnerabilities
Don’t release code until it’s been rigorously tested. Use automated tools to scan for vulnerabilities, conduct penetration testing, and run regression tests. These methods help uncover hidden risks that could compromise your system.
2. Use Secure Repositories
Your source code and configuration files need a secure home. Repositories should have restricted access, version control, and monitoring to prevent unauthorized changes or leaks.
3. Secure Version Control
Version control systems ensure you track every modification to your codebase. Add authentication measures and logging to ensure accountability and prevent unauthorized changes.
4. Outsourcing Development? Demand Compliance
If you rely on third-party developers, make sure they adhere to your secure development rules. Audit their processes to verify alignment with your security requirements.
Empowering Your Development Team
Training and Knowledge Building
Your developers should have the skills to recognize and address vulnerabilities. Training on secure coding, vulnerability identification, and mitigation techniques is essential. This isn’t a one-time effort—make it part of their ongoing professional development.
Capability to Prevent and Fix Issues
Developers need tools and processes to identify vulnerabilities in real time. Equip them with automated testing tools and ensure they follow a clear process for resolving security issues.
Navigating Licensing Requirements
Software licensing can introduce unexpected risks. Evaluate licensing terms during development to avoid compatibility issues or future costs. Consider open-source alternatives where possible but ensure these tools meet your security standards.
Templates To Support Secure Development Life Cycle
Secure Development Policy Template
A policy template outlines the principles and rules your organization will follow for secure software and system development. This template typically includes:
- Coding standards for various programming languages.
- Security requirements for each SDLC phase.
- Roles and responsibilities for developers, testers, and project managers.
Risk Assessment Template
A risk assessment template helps you identify and evaluate potential vulnerabilities in your development process. Use it to document:
- Threats to development, testing, and production environments.
- Risks associated with third-party tools or services.
- Mitigation strategies for identified risks.
Configuration Management Template
Use this template to document how source code, configuration files, and related assets are managed securely. It can include:
- Guidelines for secure repositories.
- Access control measures for configuration files.
- Version control practices.
Outsourcing Assurance Checklist
When outsourcing development, this checklist helps you evaluate vendor compliance with your secure development requirements. It typically includes:
- Vendor security policies and practices.
- Audit requirements for outsourced processes.
- Contract clauses related to security adherence.
Secure Coding Guidelines Template
This detailed template provides programming-specific guidance for writing secure code. It covers:
- Language-specific best practices.
- Prevention strategies for common vulnerabilities like SQL injection or cross-site scripting.
- Examples of secure coding techniques.
Supplier Risk Assessment Template
This template is essential if you outsource development or rely on third-party tools. It allows you to assess:
- Security measures implemented by suppliers.
- Compliance with your secure development policies.
- Potential risks introduced by the supplier’s tools or processes.
Connecting Control 8.25 with Other ISO 27001 Controls
Relevant Controls
- Control 8.27 (Secure Development Practices): Details overarching secure development principles.
- Control 8.28 (Secure Coding): Offers guidelines for creating secure code.
- Control 8.29 (Testing): Focuses on rigorous system and security testing.
- Control 8.31 (Environment Separation): Stresses the need for isolated environments.
- Control 8.4 & 8.9 (Secure Repositories): Covers secure management of source code and configurations.
- Control 5.8 (Security in Project Management): Guides security integration into project lifecycles.
