ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.28 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.28 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 14 August 2024

Utilising a checklist for A.8.28 Secure Coding ensures a structured approach to embedding security within software development, facilitating consistent compliance with ISO 27001:2022 standards. This method enhances oversight, reduces vulnerabilities, and supports thorough documentation for audit purposes.

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ISO 27001 A.8.28 Secure Coding Checklist

Implementing A.8.28 Secure Coding under the ISO 27001:2022 framework is a critical task requiring strategic execution, continuous oversight, and adherence to security best practices throughout the software development lifecycle.

This control aims to ensure that security is embedded in every phase of software development, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Scope of Annex A.8.28

A.8.28 Secure Coding within ISO 27001:2022 mandates that organisations implement stringent coding standards, ensure that developers are adequately trained, and establish ongoing review and improvement processes for code security. The goal is to integrate security into the very fabric of the development process, making it an intrinsic part of organisational culture and daily operations.

Implementation involves multiple aspects, including the creation of secure coding standards, developer education, rigorous code reviews, secure development environments, managing third-party components, and thorough testing. Each area presents unique challenges, especially in large, complex, or rapidly evolving organisations. These challenges can range from ensuring consistency in secure coding practices across different teams to maintaining the security of third-party components.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.8.28? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

    Challenge: Establishing consistent secure coding standards across diverse teams, especially in large or geographically dispersed organisations, can be complex. Additionally, keeping these standards up-to-date with evolving security threats is essential but challenging.

  • Solution:

    • Develop a centralised set of secure coding standards based on recognised best practices (e.g., OWASP, SANS).
    • Regularly review and update these standards to reflect the latest threats and vulnerabilities.
    • Use ISMS.online’s Policy Management feature to create, communicate, and enforce these standards. Version control ensures that updates are managed efficiently, and the platform facilitates dissemination across all teams.

Training and Awareness

    Challenge: Ensuring that all developers are adequately trained in secure coding practices can be difficult, especially with high turnover rates, rapid onboarding, or integration of contractors. Keeping training materials current with the latest threats is another challenge.

  • Solution:

    • Develop and deploy a comprehensive secure coding training programme tailored to the technologies and languages used within your organisation.
    • Regularly update training materials to include the latest security challenges and techniques.
    • Leverage ISMS.online’s Training Management module to track training completion, ensure consistency, and maintain updated training content. This ensures that all developers are consistently trained and aware of secure coding practices.

Code Reviews and Static Analysis

    Challenge: Conducting thorough code reviews and static analysis across all projects is resource-intensive and requires specialised skills. Ensuring consistency and depth in these reviews across large development teams can be challenging.

  • Solution:

    • Implement a mandatory code review process for all code changes, focusing on identifying security vulnerabilities.
    • Utilise static analysis tools to automate the detection of common vulnerabilities in code.
    • Schedule regular audits of the code review process using ISMS.online’s Audit Management features. These tools facilitate the documentation of reviews and ensure consistency and depth across projects, providing clear evidence of compliance.

Secure Development Environment

    Challenge: Securing the development environment to prevent unauthorised access to source code, while maintaining the integrity of version control systems, is critical. This becomes complex when multiple tools and systems are in use, or when developers work remotely.

  • Solution:

    • Implement access controls to secure the development environment, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access source code.
    • Use version control systems to manage code changes and maintain the integrity of the codebase.
    • ISMS.online’s Documentation Management feature ensures secure storage and control of development documentation, including version control records, and supports access management to prevent unauthorised access.

Third-Party Components

    Challenge: Validating the security of third-party libraries and components, and ensuring they are updated with the latest security patches, is challenging due to the complexity and volume of external code.

  • Solution:

    • Assess the security of third-party libraries and components before integrating them into your codebase.
    • Establish a process for regularly updating these components with the latest security patches.
    • Use ISMS.online’s Supplier Management feature to monitor third-party components, ensuring they meet security standards and compliance requirements.

Testing and Validation

    Challenge: Ensuring comprehensive testing and validation, including penetration testing and dynamic analysis, is resource-intensive and requires specialised skills. This is especially challenging in complex or legacy systems.

  • Solution:

    • Conduct regular penetration testing and dynamic analysis to identify potential security vulnerabilities.
    • Implement automated testing tools to validate the security of code during development and deployment.
    • ISMS.online’s Incident Management and Audit Management tools support structured processes for testing and validation, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified, documented, and addressed effectively.


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Detailed Annex A.8.28 Compliance Checklist

To effectively demonstrate compliance with A.8.28 Secure Coding, the following checklist should be followed:

Secure Coding Standards

  • Establish secure coding standards aligned with industry best practices (e.g., OWASP, SANS).
  • Regularly review and update secure coding standards to reflect new threats and vulnerabilities.
  • Communicate secure coding standards to all developers and relevant stakeholders.
  • Implement version control for secure coding standards to track changes and updates.
  • Document the dissemination process of secure coding standards across all teams.

Training and Awareness

  • Develop and deploy a secure coding training programme tailored to the technologies and languages used by your organisation.
  • Ensure all developers complete secure coding training before beginning work on code.
  • Regularly update training materials to reflect new security challenges and coding techniques.
  • Track completion of secure coding training for all team members.
  • Provide refresher courses periodically to reinforce secure coding principles.
  • Document training records and maintain an audit trail of who has been trained and when.

Code Reviews and Static Analysis

  • Implement a mandatory code review process for all code changes, with a focus on identifying security vulnerabilities.
  • Utilise static analysis tools to automate the detection of common vulnerabilities in code.
  • Schedule regular audits of the code review process to ensure consistency and depth.
  • Document all code review findings and actions taken to address identified vulnerabilities.
  • Ensure that code reviews are conducted by qualified personnel with expertise in secure coding.
  • Maintain records of all code review sessions and outcomes for audit purposes.

Secure Development Environment

  • Secure the development environment by implementing access controls, ensuring that only authorised personnel can access source code.
  • Use version control systems to manage code changes and maintain the integrity of the codebase.
  • Regularly audit the development environment to identify and address security risks.
  • Ensure that all development tools and systems are up-to-date with the latest security patches.
  • Implement encryption and other security measures to protect sensitive data within the development environment.
  • Document all security controls applied within the development environment.

Third-Party Components

  • Assess the security of third-party libraries and components before integration into the codebase.
  • Establish a process for regularly updating third-party components with the latest security patches.
  • Monitor the security status of third-party components and respond promptly to any identified vulnerabilities.
  • Document the security assessment and update process for third-party components.
  • Maintain a repository of approved third-party components and ensure that only vetted components are used.
  • Track and document the lifecycle of third-party components, including their patch and update history.

Testing and Validation

  • Conduct regular penetration testing and dynamic analysis of the code to identify potential security vulnerabilities.
  • Implement automated testing tools to validate the security of code during development and deployment.
  • Document all testing and validation activities, including identified vulnerabilities and corrective actions taken.
  • Ensure comprehensive testing coverage for all code, including legacy systems and new features.
  • Track and document all test results, ensuring that vulnerabilities are retested after remediation.
  • Regularly review and update testing methodologies to reflect the latest security threats and industry best practices.


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Every Annex A Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Annex A.5 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.5.1Policies for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.2Information Security Roles and Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.3Segregation of Duties Checklist
Annex A.5.4Management Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.5Contact With Authorities Checklist
Annex A.5.6Contact With Special Interest Groups Checklist
Annex A.5.7Threat Intelligence Checklist
Annex A.5.8Information Security in Project Management Checklist
Annex A.5.9Inventory of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.10Acceptable Use of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.11Return of Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.12Classification of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.13Labelling of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.14Information Transfer Checklist
Annex A.5.15Access Control Checklist
Annex A.5.16Identity Management Checklist
Annex A.5.17Authentication Information Checklist
Annex A.5.18Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.19Information Security in Supplier Relationships Checklist
Annex A.5.20Addressing Information Security Within Supplier Agreements Checklist
Annex A.5.21Managing Information Security in the ICT Supply Chain Checklist
Annex A.5.22Monitoring, Review and Change Management of Supplier Services Checklist
Annex A.5.23Information Security for Use of Cloud Services Checklist
Annex A.5.24Information Security Incident Management Planning and Preparation Checklist
Annex A.5.25Assessment and Decision on Information Security Events Checklist
Annex A.5.26Response to Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.27Learning From Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.28Collection of Evidence Checklist
Annex A.5.29Information Security During Disruption Checklist
Annex A.5.30ICT Readiness for Business Continuity Checklist
Annex A.5.31Legal, Statutory, Regulatory and Contractual Requirements Checklist
Annex A.5.32Intellectual Property Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.33Protection of Records Checklist
Annex A.5.34Privacy and Protection of PII Checklist
Annex A.5.35Independent Review of Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.36Compliance With Policies, Rules, and Standards for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.37Documented Operating Procedures Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.6 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.6.1Screening Checklist
Annex A.6.2Terms and Conditions of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.3Information Security Awareness, Education and Training Checklist
Annex A.6.4Disciplinary Process Checklist
Annex A.6.5Responsibilities After Termination or Change of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.6Confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreements Checklist
Annex A.6.7Remote Working Checklist
Annex A.6.8Information Security Event Reporting Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.7 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.7.1Physical Security Perimeters Checklist
Annex A.7.2Physical Entry Checklist
Annex A.7.3Securing Offices, Rooms, and Facilities Checklist
Annex A.7.4Physical Security Monitoring Checklist
Annex A.7.5Protecting Against Physical and Environmental Threats Checklist
Annex A.7.6Working in Secure Areas Checklist
Annex A.7.7Clear Desk and Clear Screen Checklist
Annex A.7.8Equipment Siting and Protection Checklist
Annex A.7.9Security of Assets Off-Premises Checklist
Annex A.7.10Storage Media Checklist
Annex A.7.11Supporting Utilities Checklist
Annex A.7.12Cabling Security Checklist
Annex A.7.13Equipment Maintenance Checklist
Annex A.7.14Secure Disposal or Re-Use of Equipment Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.8 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.8.1User Endpoint Devices Checklist
Annex A.8.2Privileged Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.8.3Information Access Restriction Checklist
Annex A.8.4Access to Source Code Checklist
Annex A.8.5Secure Authentication Checklist
Annex A.8.6Capacity Management Checklist
Annex A.8.7Protection Against Malware Checklist
Annex A.8.8Management of Technical Vulnerabilities Checklist
Annex A.8.9Configuration Management Checklist
Annex A.8.10Information Deletion Checklist
Annex A.8.11Data Masking Checklist
Annex A.8.12Data Leakage Prevention Checklist
Annex A.8.13Information Backup Checklist
Annex A.8.14Redundancy of Information Processing Facilities Checklist
Annex A.8.15Logging Checklist
Annex A.8.16Monitoring Activities Checklist
Annex A.8.17Clock Synchronisation Checklist
Annex A.8.18Use of Privileged Utility Programs Checklist
Annex A.8.19Installation of Software on Operational Systems Checklist
Annex A.8.20Networks Security Checklist
Annex A.8.21Security of Network Services Checklist
Annex A.8.22Segregation of Networks Checklist
Annex A.8.23Web Filtering Checklist
Annex A.8.24Use of Cryptography Checklist
Annex A.8.25Secure Development Life Cycle Checklist
Annex A.8.26Application Security Requirements Checklist
Annex A.8.27Secure System Architecture and Engineering Principles Checklist
Annex A.8.28Secure Coding Checklist
Annex A.8.29Security Testing in Development and Acceptance Checklist
Annex A.8.30Outsourced Development Checklist
Annex A.8.31Separation of Development, Test and Production Environments Checklist
Annex A.8.32Change Management Checklist
Annex A.8.33Test Information Checklist
Annex A.8.34Protection of Information Systems During Audit Testing Checklist


How ISMS.online Help With A.8.28

Implementing A.8.28 Secure Coding within your organisation doesn’t have to be daunting. With the right tools and guidance, you can ensure that your software development processes are not only compliant with ISO 27001:2022 but also fortified against emerging security threats.

ISMS.online offers a comprehensive platform designed to streamline your compliance journey, from establishing secure coding standards to managing third-party components and conducting rigorous code reviews.

Contact us today to book a personalised demo and discover how our platform can empower your organisation to implement A.8.28 Secure Coding effectively.

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