Ensure Security, Compliance & Data Privacy from the Start

This standard focuses on integrating security, compliance, and data privacy as fundamental principles throughout the software development lifecycle, ensuring that adaptability and innovation are built on a foundation of trust and security.

1. Ensure Security, Compliance & Data Privacy from the Start:

Security, compliance, and data privacy are not afterthoughts; they are core requirements that must be embedded into every stage of the software development process. This approach ensures that systems are not only functional but also secure, compliant, and respectful of user privacy.

  • 1.1 Security Integration into CI/CD Pipelines:
    • 1.1.1 Static Application Security Testing (SAST):
      • Integrate SAST tools into CI/CD pipelines to detect vulnerabilities in source code early in the development process.
      • Establish clear remediation guidelines for identified vulnerabilities.
    • 1.1.2 Dynamic Application Security Testing (DAST):
      • Incorporate DAST tools into CI/CD pipelines to identify runtime vulnerabilities and security weaknesses in deployed applications.
      • Automate security testing as part of the release process.
    • 1.1.3 Software Composition Analysis (SCA):
      • Implement SCA tools to identify vulnerabilities in third-party libraries and dependencies.
      • Establish policies for managing and updating dependencies.
    • 1.1.4 Container Security Scanning:
      • Integrate container security scanning tools into CI/CD pipelines to detect vulnerabilities in container images.
      • Implement container registry scanning to ensure secure container deployments.
  • 1.2 Zero-Trust Principles & Access Control:
    • 1.2.1 Strong Authentication & Authorization:
      • Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) and strong password policies.
      • Adopt role-based access control (RBAC) or attribute-based access control (ABAC) to enforce least privilege principles.
    • 1.2.2 Network Segmentation & Micro-Segmentation:
      • Implement network segmentation and micro-segmentation to isolate sensitive resources and limit the impact of security breaches.
      • Utilize firewalls and intrusion detection systems to monitor and control network traffic.
    • 1.2.3 Identity & Access Management (IAM):
      • Implement robust IAM solutions to manage user identities and access permissions.
      • Automate user provisioning and de-provisioning processes.
  • 1.3 Data Encryption, Logging & Audit Trails:
    • 1.3.1 Data Encryption at Rest & in Transit:
      • Encrypt sensitive data at rest using strong encryption algorithms.
      • Encrypt data in transit using TLS/SSL protocols.
    • 1.3.2 Comprehensive Logging & Auditing:
      • Implement comprehensive logging to capture all relevant system events.
      • Establish secure audit trails to track user activity and system changes.
    • 1.3.3 Data Masking & Anonymisation:
      • Implement data masking and anonymisation techniques to protect sensitive data in non-production environments.
      • Ensure compliance with data privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, CCPA).
  • 1.4 Compliance Automation & Governance:
    • 1.4.1 Compliance as Code:
      • Define compliance policies and configurations as code to ensure consistent adherence to regulatory requirements.
      • Automate compliance checks and audits using configuration management tools.
    • 1.4.2 Security Information & Event Management (SIEM):
      • Implement SIEM solutions to collect and analyse security logs from various sources.
      • Automate security incident detection and response.
    • 1.4.3 Security Awareness Training:
      • Provide regular security awareness training to developers and other stakeholders.
      • Promote a culture of security awareness and responsibility.
  • 1.5 Privacy by Design & Data Minimisation:
    • 1.5.1 Data Minimisation:
      • Collect only the data that is necessary for the intended purpose.
      • Implement data retention policies to delete data when it is no longer needed.
    • 1.5.2 Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs):
      • Conduct PIAs for projects that involve the processing of personal data.
      • Implement privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) to protect user privacy.

By embedding security, compliance, and data privacy from the start, organisations can build systems that are not only secure and compliant but also trusted by users and stakeholders.