ASD ISM 0401 Implement secure by design in software development
What it says
Secure by Design principles and practices are followed throughout the software development life cycle.
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What it means
In plain EnglishFollow Secure by Design practices throughout software development to ensure security.
Implementing Secure by Design means thinking about security at every step of building software. It's like putting locks on doors and windows when building a house, rather than waiting for a break-in to happen. This matters because if we ignore security early on, we might end up with software that's easy for hackers to break into, causing data theft or service disruptions.
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Why it matters
Without Secure by Design across the SDLC, design and code flaws persist and are exploited, causing breaches and outages.
How to implement
The project manager should ensure security is included in the planning stage.
This can be done by starting each project with a security checklist based on Australian Signals Directorate (ASD) guidelines. It helps to clearly outline who is responsible for each security aspect from the beginning.
The software development team should integrate security features as they write code.
This means using coding standards that prevent common vulnerabilities and regularly reviewing code for security issues. A simple way to start is to use tools that automatically check the code for known weaknesses during development.
The IT team should conduct regular security training sessions for developers.
These sessions can help the team stay updated on the latest security threats and practices. Providing real-world examples during training can make it relevant and engaging.
The quality assurance team should test security features as part of their regular testing process.
They should focus not just on functionality but also on how secure the software is. Running simulated attacks or using penetration testing tools can identify vulnerabilities before launch.
Keep it running
Integrate threat modelling, secure coding standards, code review and security testing into each sprint and CI/CD so controls evolve with changes.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 4What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The project security plan: Request the document outlining the initial security considerations for the software project.
Look at
Specific security objectives written down at the start of the project.
Good evidence
Includes clearly defined responsible personnel and security goals.
- Check 2 of 4What an auditor asks for
Look at
Evidence that developers participated in the sessions.
Good evidence
Result shows regular training dates and topics that are up-to-date with current threats.
- Check 3 of 4What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The checklist of Secure by Design practices: Check the list to ensure it covers comprehensive security measures and that entries are ticked off as completed during development. A thorough checklist should cover coding practices, threat modelling, and regular reviews.
Look at
Documentation that shows security checks were part of the code review.
Good evidence
Log includes entries of what was checked, potential issues found, and how they were resolved.
- Check 4 of 4What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Them how they incorporate security testing into their testing procedures.
Good evidence
Includes details about using specific security testing tools and simulating attacks to probe for system weaknesses.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.8.25, Secure development lifecycle, which asks for the same thing.
ISO/IEC 27001: 5 mappings
This control is equivalent to A.8.25.
ISM-0401 requires Secure by Design principles to be followed throughout the SDLC. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.25 similarly requires the establishment and application of rules for secure development across software and systems. Both expect an organisation-wide, end-to-end secure SDLC rather than isolated technical measures.
This control is broader than A.8.27.
ISM-0401 encompasses Secure by Design from design to operational transition. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.27 focuses on secure system architecture and engineering during system development. While Annex A 8.27 is integral to Secure by Design, ISM-0401 also includes implementation and verification.
This control is broader than A.8.28.
ISM-0401 demands Secure by Design practices across the entire SDLC, covering stages like design, build, test, and release. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.28 targets the specific application of secure coding principles during implementation. Thus, Annex A 8.28 is one part of Secure by Design, while ISM-0401 covers architecture, requirements, and more.
This control is broader than A.8.29.
Annex A 8.29 requires organisations to define and implement security testing processes within the development and acceptance life cycle. ISM-0401 incorporates Secure by Design principles, which generally includes security testing as part of these processes. While ISM-0401 is broader (encompassing architecture and governance), Annex A 8.29 focuses specifically on testing processes.
This control partially overlaps A.8.30.
ISM-0401 requires embedding Secure by Design into both internal and outsourced SDLC processes. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 8.30 mandates oversight of outsourced development activities, creating overlap where Secure by Design must be enforced contractually. However, Annex A 8.30 centres on supplier management.
ISO/IEC 42001: 1 mapping
This control partially overlaps A.6.1.3.
ISO/IEC 42001 Annex A 6.1.3 requires the organisation to define and document specific processes for the responsible design and development of AI systems. ISM-0401 requires Secure by Design principles and practices to be followed throughout the software development life cycle, which would form the security part of those documented AI development processes. Annex A 6.1.3 also covers responsible AI concerns beyond security, while ISM-0401 applies to all software, not only AI systems.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.