What is ISO 27034?
ISO/IEC 27034-1:2011 provides a framework for integrating security into application development and operation. As part of the ISO/IEC 27000 series, this standard addresses the specific challenges of application-level threats, ensuring that organizations can build, manage and maintain secure applications in a structured manner.
This first part of the ISO series outlines key concepts, principles, and terminology, forming the foundation for further implementation. It is instrumental in supporting ISO/IEC 27001 and broader Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
Organizations looking to protect applications from evolving cybersecurity risks can benefit from adopting this certification to improve security posture and software assurance.
Need audit or certification support that incorporates this certification into your ISMS? Contact support@pacificcert.com!
Scope and Applicability
This certification of ISO/IEC 27034-1:2011 applies to:
- Organizations that develop, maintain, or deploy software applications
- Businesses that manage sensitive data through web, mobile, or cloud platforms
- Companies operating under regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, defense, and telecommunications
- Development environments including Agile, DevOps, Waterfall, and hybrid models
- Third-party software providers and outsourced development firms
The standard is applicable to both internal development teams and software vendors. It supports organizations in designing application security that aligns with both organizational risk appetite and international security standards.
Not sure how ISO 27034 fits your DevSecOps model? Email support@pacificcert.com for audit integration support!
What is the purpose of ISO 27034?
The core purpose of ISO/IEC 27034-1:2011 is to:
- Establish a formalized approach to application security management
- Enable organizations to develop secure-by-design applications
- Align application security with information security governance
- Offer a common vocabulary and structure for communication between development and security teams
- Support integration of Application Security Controls (ASCs) into the SDLC
- Ensure secure deployment, testing, and monitoring of application environments
This standard provides an overarching framework that can be adapted to fit various development methodologies, compliance obligations, and organizational structures.
Key Definitions
Application Security Control (ASC): A set of security measures applied to mitigate risks in application design, development, or operation
Organization Normative Framework (ONF): A tailored set of policies, guidelines, and control catalogs for application security
Application Security Lifecycle (ASLC): The security lifecycle that spans design, development, testing, deployment, and maintenance
Application Security Verification (ASV): Methods used to verify the effectiveness of implemented ASCs
Application Security Management Process (ASMP): A defined process to ensure continuous governance of application-level security
Need help interpreting how these definitions impact your certification readiness? Contact support@pacificcert.com today!
Structure and Key Parts
Part | Title | Purpose |
ISO/IEC 27034-1 | Overview and Concepts | Foundational terminology and framework for application security |
ISO/IEC 27034-2 (Planned) | Organization Normative Framework (ONF) | Guidance to create tailored policies and control libraries |
ISO/IEC 27034-3 (Planned) | Application Security Management Process (ASMP) | Details on managing and maintaining ASCs across the SDLC |
ISO/IEC 27034-5 | Protocols and Techniques | Technical guidelines for secure application architecture |
ISO/IEC 27034-6 (Upcoming) | Case Studies and Implementation Examples | Real-world applications of ISO/IEC 27034 concepts |
Implementation Steps for ISO 27034
- Develop an Organization Normative Framework (ONF)
- Identify Application Security Controls (ASCs) relevant to your environment
- Integrate ASCs into your application development lifecycle
- Perform Application Security Verification (ASV)
- Maintain audit records and metrics for continuous security improvement
Want help preparing your ONF or security verification documentation? Pacific Certifications offers audit-focused support at support@pacificcert.com
What are the requirements of ISO 27034?
- Establish and maintain a Normative Framework (ONF) for application security
- Define and implement Application Security Controls (ASCs) for relevant applications
- Ensure security integration across all SDLC stages
- Implement Application Security Verification (ASV) practices and maintain records
- Monitor and update ONF and ASCs based on threat evolution and risk assessments
- Align application security strategy with broader ISMS and ISO/IEC 27001 policies
Documentation Required
Organizations applying ISO 27034 should maintain:
- ONF policy and governance documents
- List and descriptions of implemented ASCs
- Application risk assessments and threat models
- Development and security test records
- ASV reports and control validation results
- Change management and control review history
Need a complete documentation checklist aligned to ISO/IEC 27034 and ISO/IEC 27001 audits? Contact support@pacificcert.com.
What are the benefits of ISO 27034?
- Improves application resilience against vulnerabilities by embedding structured security practices
- Enables alignment with ISO/IEC 27001, supporting integrated audits and streamlined compliance
- Demonstrates due diligence and regulatory preparedness to customers, partners, and regulators
- Enhances collaboration between developers and security teams through a shared framework
- Reduces cost and impact of post-release fixes by implementing proactive security controls
- Enables secure DevSecOps environments with reusable, scalable control libraries
- Supports auditable security assurance in software procurement and product certifications
The demand for application-level security has accelerated due to regulatory shifts and the growing reliance on software-driven ecosystems. Organizations are expected to demonstrate accountability for application security as part of broader governance and risk strategies.
Global regulatory frameworks such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act and U.S. SEC cybersecurity disclosure mandates now push companies to verify and report on application-layer risks. Additionally, the proliferation of API-first development, cloud-native architectures, and AI-generated code have exposed new attack surfaces, making structured frameworks like this certification essential.
Security-conscious sectors including finance, healthcare, SaaS, and government are adopting this certification alongside ISO/IEC 27001 to ensure that application vulnerabilities do not compromise enterprise-wide compliance. The integration of SBOMs (Software Bill of Materials) and secure SDLC audits further reinforces the need for an international standard tailored to application governance.
Looking to future-proof your application environment? Reach out to support@pacificcert.com.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help?
As a certification body, Pacific Certifications offers independent audit and certification services for organizations implementing ISO/IEC 27001 and related frameworks that integrate ISO 27034 principles.
Our services include:
- Audit support for ISMS frameworks that embed ISO/IEC 27034 controls
- Verification of application-level control effectiveness as part of ISO/IEC 27001 assessments
- Review of ONF documentation, ASCs, and application-level risk management
- Alignment of software development practices with auditable ISMS criteria
- Issuance of the certifications
Email support@pacificcert.com to initiate your certification journey with embedded application security practices!
FAQ
Is ISO/IEC 27034 certifiable?
It is a guidance standard that complements ISO/IEC 27001.
Can ISO/IEC 27034 be used in Agile and DevOps environments?
Yes. The standard is framework-agnostic and supports integration into modern SDLCs.
How does it relate to OWASP or NIST?
OWASP and NIST provide tactical guidance, while ISO/IEC 27034 offers a governance-oriented framework for application security.
Does it apply to cloud-native applications?
Yes. ISO/IEC 27034 is relevant for applications across on-premise, hybrid, and cloud-native environments.
Can Pacific Certifications certify ISO/IEC 27034?
We can certify your ISMS (ISO/IEC 27001) and verify the inclusion of ISO/IEC 27034-aligned controls within that scope.
Ready to get ISO 27034 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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