This policy ensures all outsourced software development is conducted securely and contractually controlled, protecting your organization from risks like insecure code, data exposure, and unclear IP ownership.
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Enforce Secure Coding
Mandate that all external developers are contractually obligated to follow secure coding standards (e.g., OWASP Top 10) and confidentiality clauses.
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Establish Clear Ownership
Ensure full ownership and a traceable handover of all deliverables—including code, assets, and credentials—at the end of every project.
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Manage Access Securely
Govern all developer access to company platforms, credentials, and code repositories with time-limited, tracked, and approved permissions that are revoked upon completion.
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Simplify Compliance
Directly supports ISO 27001:2022 certification and compliance with GDPR, NIS2, and DORA requirements for managing third-party development activities.
Read Full Overview
The Outsourced Development Policy - SME offers comprehensive guidance for organizations engaging external vendors for software development. It emphasizes secure practices throughout the development lifecycle to mitigate risks like security vulnerabilities, data loss, and intellectual property exposure. By establishing mandatory controls, this policy ensures that external engagements align with security frameworks such as ISO 27001:2022, NIST, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA. The policy applies to all forms of software development, including web applications, mobile apps, APIs, and more, ensuring secure coding standards and access management are upheld. The policy outlines clear roles and responsibilities for various stakeholders, including executive management, CISOs, procurement, legal teams, project owners, and information security teams. These roles are crucial in vendor onboarding, contract management, monitoring, and compliance checks, ensuring that all outsourced developers adhere to secure coding practices and contractual obligations. Governance requirements mandate that all outsourced development engagements be documented in a centralized register and undergo formal due diligence. This includes evaluating technical skills, secure coding capabilities, and compliance with data protection regulations. Contracts must include clauses related to secure coding, IP ownership, and audit rights, safeguarding against supply chain threats and reputational damage. The policy also mandates rigorous security testing and monitoring of third-party activities, ensuring continuous compliance with international security standards. For SMEs, this policy provides clarity and confidence in managing external development risks, ultimately fostering a secure and resilient business environment.
What’s Inside
- Purpose, Scope, and Objectives
- Roles and Responsibilities (GM, Project Owner, Developer)
- Mandatory Agreements & Security Clauses
- Secure Development Practices (e.g., OWASP Top 10)
- Use of Open Source & Third-Party Components
- Testing, Pre-Deployment Checks, and Handover
- Credential Management, Risk Treatment, and Enforcement
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 outsourced development projects 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 |
Clauses 5.1, 6.1, 8.1
|
| ISO/IEC 27002:2022 |
Controls 5.19, 5.20, 8.25-8.27
|
| NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 |
SA-4
SA-9
SA-11
SA-15
SR-3
|
| EU GDPR |
Article 28
|
| EU NIS2 |
Article 21(2)(a), (h)
|
| EU DORA |
Article 10
|
| COBIT 2019 |
BAI03
DSS05
|
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 directly supports and depends on the implementation of the following SME-aligned policies to ensure comprehensive alignment and traceability across your security program.
Governance Roles & Responsibilities Policy (P2S)
Clarifies who is responsible for vendor approval and risk acceptance.
Access Control Policy (P4S)
Defines the proper creation, restriction, and termination of user accounts.
Information Security Awareness and Training Policy (P8S)
Ensures internal staff understand how to coordinate securely with external developers.
Data Protection and Privacy Policy (P17S)
Establishes requirements for handling personal data processed by developers.
Secure Development Policy (P24S)
Specifies secure coding practices for both internal and external development.
Incident Response Policy (P30S)
Guides coordinated investigation when outsourced development leads to incidents.
About This Policy
The Outsourced Development Policy for SMEs establishes a secure, controlled, and compliant framework for managing external software development vendors. It provides mandatory requirements for the entire engagement lifecycle, from initial vetting and contracting to final code delivery and access revocation. This policy is critical for protecting your organization against common risks such as insecure code, intellectual property theft, and data exposure.
This policy applies to all outsourced development activities, including work done by freelancers and third-party agencies on any company application, website, or system. It defines clear roles and responsibilities and mandates secure coding standards, pre-deployment testing, and strong contractual safeguards. By implementing this policy, your SME can confidently leverage external development talent while meeting its obligations under ISO 27001:2022, GDPR, NIS2, and DORA.
