ISO 27034: Combine penetration testing with application security governance for maximum protection

Scope and Compatibility

ISO 27034 applies to:

• Internally developed applications
• Outsourced or third-party applications
• Cloud-based and on-premises solutions

It complements other standards like ISO 27001 and integrates seamlessly with modern practices like DevOps and DevSecOps.

Key Objectives of ISO 27034

ISO 27034 aims to:

• Embed security into every phase of application development and deployment
• Provide a consistent, repeatable process for managing application security risks
• Align application security with broader organizational risk management strategies
• Support compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.

Core Components of ISO 27034

Organization Normative Framework (ONF)

The ONF acts as a centralized repository for all application security policies, procedures, and requirements. It ensures that security practices are standardized across all projects, whether applications are developed in-house, outsourced, or acquired from third parties.

Application Security Management Process (ASMP)

The ASMP is a structured, five-step process:

1. Define Requirements and Environment: Identify business context, regulatory needs, and application use cases.
2. Conduct Risk Assessment: Use methodologies from ISO 27005 to identify and evaluate security risks.
3. Develop an Application Normative Framework (ANF): Tailor security controls from the ONF to fit specific applications.
4. Implement and Operate: Embed security controls into the application and its environment.
5. Validate and Monitor: Continually assess and validate security through audits, code reviews, and penetration testing.

Application Security Controls (ASCs)

ASCs are specific measures designed to mitigate vulnerabilities, such as input validation to prevent SQL injection, secure authentication, and data encryption. Each ASC includes verification methods like penetration testing or static code analysis.

Levels of Trust

Applications are categorized by risk profile and security requirements, for example:

• Low: Internal tools with minimal data sensitivity.
• Medium: Applications handling moderately sensitive information.
• High: Customer-facing applications processing financial or personal data.

This tiered approach ensures efficient allocation of security resources.

Application Penetration Testing: A Critical Security Practice

With the growing threat of cyberattacks, penetration testing has become essential for identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in applications. Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to uncover weaknesses that could be exploited by malicious actors.

Key Objectives of Penetration Testing

• Identify technical vulnerabilities (e.g., SQL injection, cross-site scripting)
• Validate the effectiveness of security controls
• Support compliance with security standards, regulations, and contractual requirements
• Provide actionable recommendations for remediation

Penetration Testing Methodologies

Penetration testing typically follows these phases:

1. Planning and Scoping: Define objectives, scope, and rules of engagement.
2. Reconnaissance and Scanning: Gather information and identify potential attack vectors.
3. Exploitation: Attempt to exploit identified vulnerabilities.
4. Reporting and Remediation: Document findings, prioritize risks, and recommend corrective actions.

Security is a moving target, so continuous penetration testing and vulnerability scanning are recommended to stay ahead of threats.

Synergies and Differences: ISO 27034 vs. Penetration Testing

Synergies

• Validation of Controls: Penetration testing provides empirical evidence that Application Security Controls (ASCs) are effective.
• Risk Assessment: Both practices identify vulnerabilities, but ISO 27034 contextualizes them within organizational risk thresholds.
• Compliance: Penetration testing supports compliance with ISO 27001 Annex A..6.1 (technical vulnerability management).

Integration in Practice

• Pre-Deployment: Penetration testing validates ASCs during the validation phase of the ASMP.
• Post-Incident: Findings from penetration tests inform updates to the ONF and ANF.
• Continuous Monitoring: Automated security scans complement periodic penetration tests.

Strategic Recommendations for Organizations

• Adopt ISO 27034 for Application Security Governance: Establish a robust framework for managing application security risks.
• Supplement with Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Management: Regularly conduct penetration tests to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.
• Map Results to Security Controls: Use penetration test findings to update and improve Application Security Controls.
• Train Security Teams and Developers: Provide ongoing training on secure coding practices aligned with ASCs.
• Monitor and Continually Improve: Continuously monitor security postures and adapt to emerging threats.

Conclusion

ISO 27034 and application penetration testing are complementary practices that, when combined, provide a comprehensive approach to application security.

ISO 27034 offers the governance framework needed to embed security into every phase of the application lifecycle from the start, while penetration testing delivers actionable insights into vulnerabilities and control effectiveness. By integrating both, organizations can achieve proactive risk management, regulatory compliance, and resilience against evolving cyber threats.

If you want to get the best security for your applications, combine vulnerability management, penetration testing and application security governance, down to the supply chain security.

Want to know more about ISO 27034?

Last week PECB launched the newest course for ISO 27034, the Lead Application Security auditor.

This Lead Auditor course the add-on course for the ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Implementer.

Have a look at these recent PECB webinars to dive into the ISO 27034:

1. Compliance Meets Security: Implementing NIST and ISO/IEC 27034
2. The Role of ISO/IEC 27034 in Achieving DORA Compliance

And if you’re operating business in the EU, check out the application requirements in the NIS2 and DORA legislations.

It will become clear very quickly that you will need expertise as ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Implementer to protect your environment, one way or another.

As certification becomes an important proof of compliance, you’ll need evidence for application security compliance. The application security auditor is a perfect fit for you.

As PECB Platinum partner with a PECB Certified Titanium Trainer, we’re on the frontline with long term experience to teach you the Lead Implementer and Lead auditor course. We are ready for it!

And we got something special for you: check out the fast-track and coached trainings at https://nisinstitute.eu/contact-en/. Ask for the 2-in-1 fast track training to combine Implementer and auditor training.

Wonder how to put application security and governance in practice?

Check out our expertise at Cyberminute, because we practice what we preach: combining penetration testing, vulnerability management and application security governance under ISO 27001.

As we focus on resilience and self-reliance, this is your opportunity to master application security governance yourself with our coached implementation programs. And we add value to this coaching with smart platforms for vulnerability scanning, vulnerability management and penetration testing to proof your compliance!

Get in touch: https://cyberminute.com/contact/