ISO 27001 emphasises the importance of secure systems development as part of an organisation's overall security posture. The Internal Development Process is a crucial element in ensuring that all software development activities align with ISO 27001 standards. This article delves into what an Internal Development Process is, the key components included, and how to implement one effectively.
What is an Internal Development Process?
The Internal Development Process encompasses all the activities involved in developing, testing, reviewing, approving, and deploying software within an organisation. It is designed to ensure that security is integrated at every stage of the software development lifecycle, mitigating risks and enhancing the security of the final products.
Key Components of an Internal Development Process
An Internal Development Process (such as the template included in the de.iterate platform) includes several distinct stages:
Develop
Teams: Different teams including Development and DevOps are involved in software creation and infrastructure management.
Tools: A standardised set of tools is used across all teams to maintain consistency and security. These tools are chosen based on their ability to meet the organisation’s security requirements.
Test
Software and scripts developed internally are first tested in a separate, secure environment. This ensures functionality and checks for unintended side effects or bugs.
Review
All software or scripts are reviewed for quality, consistency, and security. The review process ensures that the code is interpretable, technically accurate, adheres to secure coding practices, and does not degrade the organisation’s resiliency or security.
Approve
All code must be formally approved before deployment. For production-impacting changes, the organisation's Change Control Process must be followed.
Deploy and Test
Deployment occurs within an agreed implementation window. Post-deployment testing verifies the impact of the software and ensures that it does not adversely affect the organisation or its customers.
Code Registration
Any code intended for long-term use must be registered in Acme Inc’s code repository. This registration is crucial for operational security and managing software lifecycle.
Importance of an Internal Development Process in ISO 27001
Risk Management: By incorporating security from the initial stages of development, the process helps manage risks associated with software vulnerabilities.
Compliance: Adheres to ISO 27001’s requirement for systematic management of information security within development environments.
Security Best Practices: Integrates best practices such as the OWASP Top 10 for web applications and CIS Benchmarks for servers, ensuring robust security measures are in place.
Documentation and Traceability: Maintains comprehensive records of development activities, changes, and approvals, aiding in audits and compliance checks.
Implementing an Internal Development Process
To implement an effective Internal Development Process in alignment with ISO 27001, organisations should:
Define Clear Processes and Standards: Establish clear guidelines for each stage of the development process, including specific security requirements.
Train and Educate Staff: Ensure all development staff are trained in secure coding practices and understand their roles within the process.
Use Standardised Tools: Adopt standardised tools that are vetted for security to maintain consistency across all development activities.
Continuous Monitoring and Review: Regularly review and update the development processes and the security measures in place to adapt to new threats and changes in technology.
Integrate with ISMS: Ensure the development process is integrated with the organisation's ISMS, linking development activities with broader security management processes. This is achieved by using the de.iterate platform.