Welcome to this guide on Application Security Requirements. If you are new to ISO 27001, you might feel overwhelmed by the technical jargon. Do not worry. We are here to make it simple. At ISO27001.com, we believe that good security is about clarity and common sense.
Annex A 8.26 is often called “Application security requirements”. It sounds complex, but it is actually quite straightforward. It means you must figure out what security measures your software needs before you build or buy it. You cannot just add security at the end. It has to be there from the start.
Table of contents
What is Annex A 8.26?
This control asks you to identify information security requirements for your applications. This applies whether you develop software in-house or purchase it from a vendor. You need to ensure that the software protects the information it processes.
Think of it like building a house. You would not build the walls and roof first and then try to squeeze in the plumbing later. You plan the plumbing before you lay the first brick. Application security works the same way. You must define your security needs during the design phase.
Why is this important?
Software is often the weak link in an organisation. Hackers love to exploit bugs in web applications to steal data. If you do not define your security requirements early, you might build a system that is full of holes. Fixing these holes later is expensive and difficult. Doing it right the first time saves you money and keeps your data safe.
How to Implement the Control
Implementing this control involves a few key steps. You need to integrate security into your project management process. Here is how you can do it.
Identify Security Requirements Early
When you start a new software project, you must ask questions about security immediately. What kind of data will this app handle? Is it sensitive personal data? Who needs access to it? The answers will tell you what security features you need. You might need encryption, strong passwords, or multi-factor authentication.
Consider the Environment
Where will the application live? An app on a public website faces different threats than an app on a secure internal network. You must adjust your requirements based on the risks. If your app processes payments over the internet, you need very strict controls. If it just tracks the lunch menu for the office, you might need less.
Formalise the Process
You should create a standard checklist or template for security requirements. This ensures you do not forget anything. Your developers or vendors should use this for every project. It makes security a habit rather than an afterthought.
Buying Software vs Building Software
The rules apply to both scenarios but in different ways.
If you build software, you need secure coding standards. You must train your developers to write secure code. You should also test the code for security flaws before you release it.
If you buy software, you must demand security from your vendor. Ask them for evidence of their security testing. Make sure their product meets your specific security requirements before you sign the contract.
What We Expect as Your Certification Body
When an auditor from a certification body like ISO27001.com visits you, we look for evidence. We do not just take your word for it. We need to see that you are actually doing what you say.
Documentation is Key
We will ask to see the specifications for your recent software projects. We want to see a section dedicated to security requirements. If we look at a project plan and see zero mention of security until the final testing phase, that is a problem. We want to see that security was discussed in the initial meetings.
Testing and Validation
We expect to see results from security tests. Did you scan the code for vulnerabilities? Did you fix the issues that were found? We want to see a trail of evidence that shows you identified a risk, built a control for it, and tested that control.
Sign-off and Approval
Who approved the security requirements? We look for a sign-off from a security manager or a relevant stakeholder. This shows that someone with authority reviewed the risks and agreed to the plan.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
We see many organisations struggle with the same issues. Avoid these mistakes to ensure a smooth audit.
- Ignoring Legacy Systems: Do not just focus on new apps. You must consider security when you update old systems too.
- Vague Requirements: Do not just say “make it secure”. Be specific. Say “passwords must be 12 characters long” or “data must be encrypted at rest”.
- Trusting Vendors Blindly: Do not assume a big software company is secure. Always verify their claims.
Next Steps for You
You can start today by reviewing your current project management process. Look at your last three software projects. Can you find the document where security requirements were defined? If not, create a simple security requirements template for your next project.
Implementing Annex A 8.26 protects your business and satisfies your auditor. It moves security from a roadblock to a building block. If you need more guidance on templates or specific examples, you can always visit us at ISO27001.com.