Overview
This policy defines mandatory security requirements for software and system development activities, including internal projects, outsourced development, and third-party code integration.
Integrate Security into Every Phase
Embed security controls across the entire SDLC, from design and threat modeling to deployment and maintenance.
Enforce Secure Coding Standards
Mandate and enforce secure coding practices aligned with OWASP, SANS, and other industry best practices.
Manage Third-Party & OSS Risk
Govern risks from outsourced development and the use of open-source software with mandatory validation.
Achieve Security by Design
Meet regulatory demands like GDPR by embedding data protection and privacy into system development from the start.
Read Full Overview
The Secure Development Policy is designed to ensure that security is thoroughly integrated throughout the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC), addressing the growing need for robust security measures in software production. This policy is essential for organizations looking to safeguard their development processes against vulnerabilities and potential exploits. It applies to all software development activities within an organization, whether internal, outsourced, or involving third-party code integration. The policy provides a comprehensive framework that mandates the implementation of security controls from the design phase through to deployment. It emphasizes the importance of identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities early in the development process, thus preventing security issues from reaching production. This proactive approach is vital for reducing risk and ensuring that software is not only functional but also secure. Key features of the policy include the enforcement of secure coding practices aligned with OWASP and SANS guidelines, mandatory peer code reviews, and the integration of automated analysis tools. These measures ensure that all code is reviewed and validated for security risks before it is deployed. Additionally, the policy includes provisions for managing risks associated with outsourced development and the integration of open-source software. The policy's alignment with international standards like ISO/IEC 27001:2022, NIST SP 800-53, GDPR, and NIS2 ensures that organizations are not only securing their software but also complying with relevant regulatory requirements. This compliance is crucial for organizations that operate in regulated industries or handle sensitive data. For development teams, product managers, and security officers, this policy provides a clear set of responsibilities and requirements, ensuring everyone involved in the development process is aware of their role in maintaining security. It also promotes a culture of security awareness, with regular training and updates on emerging threats. Adopting this policy means embracing a future where security is not an afterthought but a fundamental part of the development process. It brings relief to stakeholders by instilling confidence that the software they develop or use is built on a foundation of security, reducing the likelihood of costly security breaches.
What’s Inside
Roles and Responsibilities: Clear duties for CISO, Application Security, Developers, and Product Owners.
Governance Requirements: Mandates for SDLC models, version control, and open-source validation.
Secure Design & Threat Modeling: Requirements for architecture reviews and risk documentation before coding begins.
Security Testing: Integration of SAST, DAST, penetration testing, and SCA into the development workflow.
CI/CD & DevOps Security: Rules for securing build pipelines, managing secrets, and signing artifacts.
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 8.25-8.27 |
| NIST SP 800-53 Rev.5 | SA-3 to SA-15SI-10SR-3 |
| EU GDPR | Articles 2532 |
| EU NIS2 | Article 21(2)(e)(f) |
| EU DORA | Articles 910 |
| COBIT 2019 | BAI03BAI07DSS05 |
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
Defines control measures for restricting access to development environments, repositories, and CI/CD pipelines.
Ensures code changes and deployments are subject to proper approval, rollback planning, and verification.
Supports the inventorying of development environments and source repositories as managed assets requiring protection.
Applies to development pipelines, ensuring that build, promotion, and deployment events are logged for security analysis.
About This Policy
The Clarysec Secure Development Policy provides a comprehensive framework for embedding security into every phase of the Software Development Life Cycle (SDLC). It defines mandatory requirements to ensure vulnerabilities are identified and mitigated before production, supporting key principles like 'Security by Design' as required by GDPR Article 25. This policy is critical for achieving compliance with ISO 27001, NIST, and DORA, establishing robust governance over all software development activities.
This policy applies to all development teams, product owners, and contractors involved in creating or integrating software, including internal applications, scripts, and tools using open-source components. It covers all development environments (dev, test, staging) whether on-premises or in the cloud. By standardizing practices like secure coding, threat modeling, and automated testing, the policy ensures a consistent and defensible security posture across the entire organization.
