Overview
This policy defines mandatory application-layer security requirements for software developed, acquired, integrated, or deployed by the organization, ensuring all applications are designed and maintained in accordance with secure principles.
Standardize Security Requirements
Define baseline functional and non-functional security controls for all applications, regardless of technology stack.
Enforce Secure by Design
Require secure implementation of authentication, authorization, and data protection from the start of every project.
Secure APIs and Third-Party Code
Mandate secure interaction with APIs, web interfaces, and external components using approved security controls.
Enable Continuous Validation
Ensure application security posture is validated continuously through automated testing, monitoring, and audits.
Read Full Overview
The Application Security Requirements Policy is a comprehensive framework designed to enforce security across the entire lifecycle of applications developed, acquired, or deployed within an organization. It mandates that all applications adhere to secure development principles and meet regulatory and organizational security requirements. This policy is applicable to internally developed or externally sourced software, including SaaS solutions and custom-built tools, ensuring they are crafted to prevent vulnerabilities and protect sensitive data. The scope of the policy encompasses all applications that support critical business functions, customer interactions, or process regulated data, and it includes development, DevOps, QA, product, and security teams, as well as third-party developers and vendors. It applies across all deployment environments, whether on-premises or cloud-based. Key objectives include defining baseline functional and non-functional security requirements, integrating application-layer protections such as input validation and session security, and enforcing secure authentication and access control aligned with organizational policies. The policy also mandates secure interactions with APIs and third-party components, promotes early vulnerability detection through code reviews and threat modeling, and ensures compliance with data protection regulations through encryption and data retention policies. Roles and responsibilities are clearly defined, with the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) overseeing the policy, and Application Security Leads managing the enforcement of security controls and testing methodologies. Software developers are tasked with implementing secure code practices, while product managers ensure application security requirements are prioritized in project scopes. The policy aligns with international standards like ISO 27001 and NIST SP 800-53, as well as regulations such as GDPR and DORA. This alignment ensures that applications are built to withstand cyber threats and comply with legal mandates. By implementing this policy, organizations can achieve a sense of relief, knowing their applications are secure, compliant, and resilient against exploitation.
What’s Inside
Governance Requirements: Defines the Application Security Baseline, API security rules, and vendor contract mandates.
Secure Input and Output Handling: Requirements for client/server-side validation and output encoding to prevent injection.
Session and Identity Management: Controls for session expiration, secure token generation, and MFA enforcement.
Data Protection Controls: Mandates for encryption at rest and in transit, data classification, and secure key storage.
Code Security Validation: Requirements for SAST, DAST, and SCA testing, with remediation SLAs for findings.
Risk Treatment and Exceptions: A formal process for requesting, approving, and reviewing security exceptions.
Built for Leaders, By Leaders
This policy isn't just a template; it's an audit-defensible document crafted by seasoned cybersecurity leaders. Every clause is designed for practical implementation within complex enterprise environments, ensuring you can meet auditor requirements without disrupting operational workflows.
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 8.258.26 |
| NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 | SA-11SA-15SI-10 |
| EU GDPR | Articles 2532 |
| EU NIS2 | Articles 21(2)(f)23 |
| EU DORA | Articles 911 |
| COBIT 2019 | BAI03BAI09DSS05 |
Part of a Complete ISMS Toolkit
This policy is one of 37 documents in our complete toolkit, designed for comprehensive compliance.
100%
ISO 27001
95%
NIST
88%
NIS2
75%
DORA
70%
GDPR
Related Policies
Provides the broader framework for the SDLC, for which this policy defines specific technical requirements.
Defines the identity and session management standards that must be enforced by all applications.
Requires applications to implement privacy-by-design and ensure lawful handling of personal data.
About This Policy
The Clarysec Application Security Requirements Policy establishes mandatory, application-layer security controls for all software within the organization. It ensures that applications are designed and implemented according to secure development principles, protecting sensitive data and preventing vulnerabilities. This policy is foundational for meeting regulatory obligations under GDPR, DORA, and NIS2, and aligns directly with key controls in ISO 27001 and NIST frameworks.
This policy's scope covers all internally developed and externally sourced applications, including SaaS and custom tools, especially those handling critical or regulated data. It applies to all teams involved in the application lifecycle, from development and QA to product and security, as well as third-party vendors. By enforcing these requirements across all environments (dev, test, production), the policy creates a consistent and resilient security posture against application-layer threats.
