What is ISO 27001 Annex A 8.4 in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 8.4 is a documented process to restrict program source code access. It integrates directly into business-as-usual tools like SharePoint and Jira. This control prevents unauthorised modifications and protects sensitive logic. Management must approve all repository permissions to maintain operational security.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Reliance on automated SaaS platforms leads to surface-level compliance. These “Black Box” tools often pull data from GitHub but ignore management oversight. Auditors want to see the Jira workflow where you approved the access. We check SharePoint versioning to ensure policies are active. Automated ticks cannot replace the human intent found in your internal repositories. If security is decoupled from daily operations: the audit will fail.
| ISO 27001:2013 Control | ISO 27001:2022 Control | Primary Focus |
|---|---|---|
| A.9.4.4 Restriction of access to program source code | A.8.4 Access to source code | Ensures source code is not accessible to unauthorised personnel. Includes library management. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 8.4 (Step-by-Step)
Implement source code access by using your existing organisational tools. This ensures security is a cultural habit: not a software installation. Focus on SharePoint, Jira, and Confluence for all records.
- Draft your access policy in SharePoint to define clear roles.
- Identify all sensitive repositories and classify them by risk.
- Use Jira tickets for developers to request repository permissions.
- Ensure managers sign off on every request within Jira.
- Keep a master list of authorised users in Confluence.
- Perform quarterly access reviews and log them in SharePoint.
ISO 27001 Annex A 8.4 Audit Evidence Checklist
Auditors look for manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and operational intent. Ensure all files reside in your primary repositories.
- Approved Source Code Policy with version history in SharePoint.
- Audit trail of Jira tickets showing access approvals.
- Meeting minutes from management reviews of repository access.
- Screenshots of repository permissions matching the approved list.
- Logs of administrative actions within the code hosting platform.
Relational Mapping
Annex A 8.4 connects to several other ISO 27001 requirements:
- Clause 5.3: Assigns roles for code ownership.
- Annex A 8.3: Governs general information access restriction.
- Annex A 8.32: Relates to secure coding practices.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you manage access to your primary source code?
Manager: We use a Jira workflow. Developers must justify their request. The CTO then approves it digitally.
Auditor: How do you verify that only authorised users have access?
Manager: We perform a monthly check. We record this review on a Confluence page for management oversight.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Description | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS dashboard while permissions are outdated. | Switch to internal Jira workflows for access management. |
| Over-privileged Access | Developers having ‘admin’ rights on all repositories. | Enforce the principle of least privilege via SharePoint policy. |
| Missing Audit Trail | Granting access via chat messages with no formal record. | Formalise all requests into your Jira system. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001 Annex A 8.4?
The Bottom Line: It is the requirement to restrict access to your source code. You must document who has access and why. Manage this through your internal SharePoint and Jira systems. This prevents unauthorised changes to your sensitive software assets.
How do I implement source code access controls?
The Bottom Line: Use Jira for access requests and SharePoint for policy storage. Avoid third-party SaaS compliance tools. They separate security from your daily development work. Internal records provide the best evidence for an auditor.
Why do auditors prefer SharePoint over SaaS tools?
The Bottom Line: SharePoint proves management intent and version control. Auditors want to see that you own your data. SaaS tools often lack the context of your specific business operations. Internal repositories show a higher level of security maturity.