This policy defines the minimum mandatory application security controls for all software used by your organization, whether developed in-house or bought from vendors, to protect critical data and support compliance efforts like ISO 27001:2022.
-
Standardize Security
Establish a uniform checklist of security features and practices, adapted for environments with limited in-house technical resources.
-
Mitigate Vulnerabilities
Ensure all applications have embedded, verifiable security controls that mitigate common software vulnerabilities.
-
Ensure Vendor Compliance
Hold software vendors and cloud providers accountable by including enforceable security requirements in all contracts.
-
Achieve Compliance
Supports your efforts to achieve ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and meet GDPR, NIS2, and DORA obligations.
Read Full Overview
The Application Security Requirements Policy - SME is designed to fortify the cybersecurity framework of small to medium enterprises by establishing essential security protocols for all applications, whether internally developed or externally sourced. This policy is crucial in safeguarding sensitive customer, employee, and business data from unauthorized access, misuse, or destruction. It plays a vital role in helping organizations achieve ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification and comply with GDPR and NIS2 regulations, thereby mitigating operational risks associated with unsecured software deployments. The policy is comprehensive, covering a broad spectrum of applications, systems, tools, and platforms used within an organization. It applies to software developed in-house, commercial software, SaaS, or cloud-based systems that process, store, or transmit personal and sensitive data. The scope extends to developers, IT support personnel, software vendors, and cloud service providers, ensuring that all stakeholders are aligned with the organization's security objectives. One of the key objectives of this policy is to embed verifiable security controls within applications to counter common vulnerabilities. It mandates formal testing, review, and validation processes before any application is moved to production, ensuring that security measures are not only implemented but also effective. Additionally, the policy emphasizes secure handling of user credentials, session data, and access rights, enhancing the overall security posture of business-critical systems. The policy also stipulates that applications must include secure logging, audit capabilities, and monitoring features to detect and respond to suspicious activities promptly. This comprehensive approach helps reduce legal and compliance risks by ensuring that applications meet all regulatory security requirements. For SMEs, this policy is particularly beneficial as it provides a consistent and auditable approach to application security, tailored for environments with limited in-house technical resources. By implementing this policy, SMEs can maintain a high level of security and compliance, instilling confidence in stakeholders and customers alike. The relief of having a structured, reliable security framework in place cannot be overstated, offering peace of mind and assurance of data integrity and confidentiality. Overall, the Application Security Requirements Policy - SME serves as a cornerstone for building a resilient cybersecurity infrastructure, empowering organizations to confidently navigate the complexities of modern digital threats while ensuring compliance and operational efficiency.
What’s Inside
- Purpose, Scope, and Objectives
- Roles and Responsibilities (GM, Application Owner, IT)
- Governance and Vendor Management
- Baseline Security Features (e.g., Input Validation, Encryption)
- Application Testing and Verification
- Use of Open Source Components
- Risk Treatment and Exception Handling
- Enforcement and Compliance
Built for Leaders, By Leaders
This isn't just a document; it's a defensible business tool. Written by certified cybersecurity experts, this policy is designed to be practical for small and medium enterprises. It provides clear, actionable steps that you can implement without a large security team, giving you the confidence that your applications are secure and compliant under audit.
Framework Compliance
🛡️ Supported Standards & Frameworks
This product is aligned with the following compliance frameworks, with detailed clause and control mappings.
| Framework | Covered Clauses / Controls |
|---|---|
| ISO/IEC 27001:2022 |
Clause 8.1
|
| ISO/IEC 27002:2022 |
Controls 8.25-8.26
|
| NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 |
SA-11
SI-10
|
| EU GDPR |
Article 25
|
| EU NIS2 |
Article 21(2)(a)
Article 21(2)(e)
|
| EU DORA |
Articles 9(2)(c)
Article 10(2)(c)
|
| COBIT 2019 |
BAI03
|
Part of a Complete ISMS Toolkit
This policy is one of 37 documents in our complete ISMS for SME Toolkit, designed for comprehensive compliance.
100%
ISO 27001:2022
95%
EU NIS2
90%
EU GDPR
85%
EU DORA
Related Policies
This policy is directly supported by and contributes to the enforcement of the following SME-aligned security policies to ensure comprehensive alignment across your security program.
Governance Roles & Responsibilities Policy (P2S)
Assigns responsibility for approving applications, enforcing policy, and managing vendors.
Access Control Policy (P4S)
Ensures application access aligns with minimum privilege and session control principles.
InfoSec Awareness & Training Policy (P8S)
Ensures users and developers are trained in recognizing and reporting application-related threats.
Data Protection and Privacy Policy (P17S)
Provides data privacy safeguards that must be enforced by any application processing personal information.
Data Retention and Disposal Policy (P14S)
Governs how application-generated logs, backups, and sensitive data must be retained and destroyed.
Incident Response Policy (P30S)
Outlines steps for identifying, reporting, and containing application-related security events.
About This Policy
The Application Security Requirements Policy for SMEs provides a foundational framework for securing all software solutions within your organization. It establishes the minimum mandatory security controls for applications, whether they are developed in-house, custom-built, or procured from third-party vendors. This policy is essential for protecting sensitive business and customer data from common cyber threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that your digital assets are safeguarded.
This policy applies to all systems that process, store, or transmit personal and sensitive information, including internal tools, commercial software, and cloud-based platforms. It covers all personnel involved in the application lifecycle, from developers and IT support to software vendors and application owners. By implementing these guidelines, your organization can create a consistent, auditable approach to application security, simplify compliance with regulations like GDPR and NIS2, and build a resilient security posture.
