ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.4 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.4 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Utilising a checklist for A.8.4 Access to Source Code ensures systematic implementation of security measures, enhancing protection against unauthorised access and modifications. Achieving compliance strengthens organisational security posture and aligns with ISO 27001:2022 standards.

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ISO 27001 A.8.4 Access to Source Code Checklist

A.8.4 Access to Source Code is a critical control for safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of an organisation’s source code. This asset often contains sensitive and proprietary information, making it a valuable target for malicious activities.

Unauthorised access or modifications can lead to security breaches, intellectual property theft, or operational disruptions. Implementing robust security controls around source code access is essential for protecting digital assets and ensuring compliance with information security standards.

This control encompasses technical, organisational, and procedural elements to ensure effective implementation and maintenance. It involves defining access control policies, implementing authentication mechanisms, conducting regular audits, and providing secure coding training.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.8.4? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

Access Control Measures

Challenge: Limiting access to authorised personnel in large organisations with multiple development teams and external collaborators.

Solution: Implement strict access control measures by defining specific roles and responsibilities. Utilise role-based access control (RBAC) and regularly review access permissions to ensure alignment with current roles. Automate access review processes for efficiency.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation; 9.2 Internal audit

Authentication and Authorisation

Challenge: Managing robust authentication systems like Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and RBAC, and integrating them with existing infrastructure.

Solution: Employ strong authentication mechanisms, including MFA, for user identity verification. Implement RBAC to grant access based on job roles. Regular audits ensure these systems reflect changes in personnel or roles.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 6.1 Actions to address risks and opportunities; 7.2 Competence

Version Control

Challenge: Securely managing version control in environments with multiple developers working on different projects.

Solution: Use a secure Version Control System (VCS) to log detailed information about changes, including the author, time, and nature of changes. Implement branch protection rules to ensure code reviews are conducted before integration.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 8.1 Operational planning and control; 7.5 Documented information

Code Reviews and Approvals

Challenge: Establishing a consistent code review process in fast-paced development environments.

Solution: Implement a formal code review process with security checks and compliance verifications. Knowledgeable and authorised personnel should conduct the reviews, with documentation of outcomes and approvals. Regular training ensures consistency.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 7.2 Competence; 8.2 Information security risk assessment

Secure Storage and Transmission

Challenge: Securing storage and transmission of source code, particularly with cloud services or remote teams.

Solution: Store source code in encrypted repositories and use secure protocols, such as SFTP or HTTPS, for transmission. Secure remote access with VPNs and encrypted channels. Regularly review and update these security measures.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 7.5 Documented information; 8.3 Information security risk treatment

Monitoring and Logging

Challenge: Setting up effective monitoring and logging systems without overwhelming security teams with data.

Solution: Implement comprehensive logging of all access and modifications to source code, ensuring logs are securely stored and protected from tampering. Set up alerts for unusual activities and regularly review logs for potential security incidents.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 9.1 Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation; 9.3 Management review

Training and Awareness

Challenge: Ensuring all personnel are aware of secure coding practices and security policies in high-turnover environments.

Solution: Provide regular training on secure coding practices and the importance of protecting source code. Maintain records of training completion and conduct regular refresher sessions. Tailor training to different roles and responsibilities within the organisation.

Related ISO 27001 Clauses: 7.2 Competence; 7.3 Awareness


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ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.8.4

Access Control

Policy Management: Define and manage policies around access control for source code, ensuring that only authorised individuals have access based on their roles.

User Management: Manage user roles and access rights, enforcing the principle of least privilege and ensuring that only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas of the ISMS.

Version Control and Monitoring

Document Control: Use document management features to maintain version histories, ensuring that all changes to source code are logged and tracked, supporting auditing and accountability.

Audit Management: Plan and conduct internal audits to verify compliance with access controls and monitor for unauthorised changes or accesses.

Incident Management

Incident Tracker: Track and respond to incidents involving unauthorised access or changes to source code. This includes logging incidents, documenting responses, and capturing lessons learned.

Training and Awareness

Training Modules: Provide training materials and track training completion for personnel involved in accessing or handling source code, emphasising secure coding practices and policy compliance.

Compliance Management

Regs Database: Maintain a database of relevant regulations and standards, ensuring that the organisation’s practices align with ISO 27001:2022 requirements and other applicable standards.

Alert System: Set up alerts for policy violations or unauthorised access attempts, enabling proactive management and response.

Communication and Documentation

Collaboration Tools: Facilitate communication and collaboration among team members regarding secure coding practices and access management.

Documentation Management: Manage and retain documentation related to access control policies, procedures, and incident responses, providing a clear audit trail for compliance verification.

Detailed Annex A.8.4 Compliance Checklist

Access Control Measures:

  • Define and document roles and responsibilities for accessing source code.
  • Implement access controls limiting source code access to authorised personnel only.
  • Review and update access permissions regularly.
  • Monitor for any unauthorised access attempts and take immediate action.

Authentication and Authorisation:

  • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for accessing source code repositories.
  • Use role-based access control (RBAC) to manage permissions.
  • Regularly audit and review authentication and authorisation mechanisms.
  • Ensure that all systems and applications supporting source code access are secured and up-to-date.

Version Control:

  • Use a secure version control system (VCS) to manage source code.
  • Track all changes to the source code, including the author, time, and nature of changes.
  • Implement branch protection rules to prevent unauthorised code merges.
  • Regularly review and validate the VCS configuration and access controls.

Code Reviews and Approvals:

  • Establish a code review process to assess security vulnerabilities and compliance with standards.
  • Document and track code review outcomes and approvals.
  • Ensure that code reviews are conducted by knowledgeable and authorised personnel.
  • Provide training and guidelines for reviewers on security aspects and standards.

Secure Storage and Transmission:

  • Store source code in encrypted repositories.
  • Use secure protocols (e.g., SFTP, HTTPS) for transmitting source code.
  • Ensure that all remote access to source code is conducted securely.
  • Regularly review storage and transmission security measures for adequacy.

Monitoring and Logging:

  • Implement logging for all access and modifications to the source code.
  • Regularly review logs to detect and respond to unauthorised access attempts.
  • Ensure that log data is securely stored and protected from tampering.
  • Set up alerts for unusual access patterns or attempts to modify critical code.

Training and Awareness:

  • Provide regular training on secure coding practices for all relevant personnel.
  • Ensure that employees are aware of the policies and procedures regarding source code access.
  • Maintain records of training completion and assessments.
  • Conduct regular refresher sessions to keep staff updated on new threats and best practices.

This comprehensive checklist not only helps organisations implement and maintain compliance with A.8.4 Access to Source Code but also ensures continuous improvement and adaptation to emerging threats. By following these detailed steps, organisations can protect their critical source code assets and maintain a strong security posture.


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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.8.4

Your organisation’s source code is a critical asset that requires the highest level of security and compliance. Implementing robust controls like A.8.4 Access to Source Code is essential to protect against unauthorised access and potential breaches.

At ISMS.online, we provide the tools and expertise to help you establish and maintain comprehensive information security measures that align with ISO 27001:2022 standards.

Ready to enhance your security posture and ensure your source code is protected?

Contact ISMS.online today to schedule a personalised demo and see how our platform can streamline your compliance efforts, strengthen your security framework, and provide peace of mind.

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