ISO/IEC 27034: What Application Security Auditors Need to Know

While companies are embracing cloud technologies, APIs, and sophisticated software stacks at breakneck speed, the security of applications has emerged as one of the most critical issues in contemporary IT. While most firms install firewalls and endpoint protection, however, many fail to appreciate the equally vital necessity of application-level auditing.

That's where ISO/IEC 27034, the global application security standard, comes into play. For anyone tasked with auditing secure applications, learning and implementing ISO/IEC 27034 is no longer discretionary, it's a critical skill that not only makes applications run but also secure them against threats.

In this blog, we’ll explore what application security auditors need to know about ISO/IEC 27034, why it matters, and how to leverage it to deliver stronger, standards-based application audits.

What is ISO/IEC 27034?

ISO/IEC 27034 is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 family of information security standards. Unlike ISO/IEC 27001, which focuses on organization-wide information security management systems (ISMS), ISO/IEC 27034 provides a framework specifically for application security.

It provides formal guidelines, processes, and documentation practices that enable organizations to incorporate security naturally into their software development lifecycle (SDLC). The aim is to deliver securely built, maintained, and audited applications consistently, with risks spotted and mitigated prior to being exploited.

To auditors, ISO/IEC 27034 provides a basis for assessing whether application security controls exist and work effectively.

Why Application Security Matters More Than Ever

Applications are now the main interface for organizations to their users, mobile applications, web applications, APIs, or enterprise systems. Yet they remain the most ubiquitous attack entry points for cyberattacks.

Inherent threats include:

• Injection attacks (SQL, command)
  
  
• Cross-site scripting (XSS)
  
  
• Authentication and session management weaknesses
  
  
• Insecure API endpoints
  
  
• Broken access controls
  
  

Application vulnerabilities cost companies millions annually in data loss, compliance penalties, and reputational loss. That's why application audits according to ISO/IEC 27034 are essential.

Key Ideas Every ISO 27034 Auditor Must Know

1. Application Security Management Process (ASMP)

The ASMP is the core of ISO/IEC 27034. It defines how to manage application security across the software life cycle, from concept to deployment and beyond.

As an ISO 27034 auditor, you’ll need to assess whether this process is properly implemented and whether its outputs (such as risk assessments and mitigation plans) are complete, accurate, and maintained.

2. Organizational Normative Framework (ONF)

The ONF is a library of the organization’s approved security practices, policies, controls, and standards. It acts as a reference point to guide the application security process.

You’ll review whether the ONF:

• Exists and is updated regularly
  
  
• Covers applicable application types and technologies
  
  
• Is consistently enforced across projects
  
  
• Complies with the global security policy and regulatory requirements
  
  

3. Application Security Verification

Auditors have to check if applications are designed and released according to ONF standards. This covers:

• Code review techniques
  
  
• Penetration testing records
  
  
• Threat modeling drills
  
  
• Secure development education for programmers
  
  
• Proof of remediated vulnerabilities
  
  

This process guarantees that secure applications are not merely a product of luck but are created through conscious, systematic processes.

The Role of ISO/IEC 27034 in Application Audits

For security auditors, ISO/IEC 27034 offers a standardized approach to:

• Assessing application development practices
  
  
• Authenticating alignment with organizational and regulatory requirements
  
  
• Determining gaps in current application security programs
  
  
• Offering proof for audit trails and certifications
  
  

Auditors need to not just authenticate technical controls but also review governance structures, process maturity, and team awareness.

For instance, a robust audit under ISO/IEC 27034 will examine:

• Whether secure coding policies are enforced
  
  
• If developers and testers are trained on security practices
  
  
• How third-party libraries are managed and validated
  
  
• Whether logs, alerts, and incident responses are well integrated
  
  

How ISO/IEC 27034 Aligns with Other Standards

If you know about ISO/IEC 27001, NIST SP 800-53, or the OWASP Top 10, you'll see that ISO/IEC 27034 complements, not clashes with, these standards.

For instance:

• ISO/IEC 27034 supports Annex A controls in ISO 27001 (such as A.14 on system acquisition and development)
  
  
• It translates well with OWASP best practices and secure SDLC models
  
  
• It is compliant with GDPR and HIPAA standards for secure handling of data
  
  

This cross-compatibility makes ISO/IEC 27034 a great auditing standard, particularly in organizations that have multiple regulatory commitments.

Who Should Learn ISO/IEC 27034

The standard is designed for professionals involved in software development, IT governance, and cybersecurity auditing, including:

• Application Security Auditors
  
  
• Internal and External IT Auditors
  
  
• Software Architects and Developers
  
  
• CISOs and Risk Managers
  
  
• Compliance Officers
  
  
• DevSecOps Engineers
  
  

If you’re planning to become a certified ISO 27034 auditor, or are already in a role requiring application audits, formal training is essential to understanding the scope and depth of this standard.

Become a Certified ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Auditor

For those who are serious about incorporating ISO/IEC 27034 into their profession or business, professional certification is the way forward. At CourseMonster, we provide a fully inclusive course that provides you with the tools, models, and approaches to become a Lead Application Security Auditor under ISO 27034.

Explore our ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Auditor Training Course

This Course Is Perfect If You Wish To:

• Learn how to evaluate secure application development processes
  
  
• Align your audit plan with ISO/IEC 27034 requirements
  
  
• Improve your organization's security posture through systematic audits
  
  
• Demonstrate expertise to clients, employers, and regulators
  
  

Steps to Performing an ISO/IEC 27034-Based Audit

Step 1: Review the Organizational Normative Framework

Verify that the ONF contains policies for secure development, patching, incident response, and third-party software management.

Step 2: Analyze the Application Lifecycle

Assess how security is woven into every stage of the SDLC. Is risk assessment, threat modeling, and code review occurring early and frequently?

Step 3: Validate Technical Controls

Review the technical controls implemented to protect applications, from encryption and session management to access controls and logging.

Step 4: Test and Verify

Utilize tools and techniques (e.g., static/dynamic analysis, penetration testing) to confirm whether or not vulnerabilities are being caught and fixed in real-time.

Step 5: Report and Recommend

Create a comprehensive audit report depicting compliance status, risk areas, and remediation plans, as per ISO/IEC 27034 terminology and principles.

Final Thoughts: ISO 27034 Is the Future of Application Auditing

In the digital-first age, applications are the lifeblood of customer experience, productivity within, and competitiveness. That's why auditing secure applications is not about boxing-ticking, it's about making your systems robust, reliable, and compliant with world best practice.

With ISO/IEC 27034, auditors receive a real-world, repeatable process that provides clarity and consistency to the application security process. Regardless of whether you're a member of an internal audit team or an independent third-party assessor, this standard equips you with what's needed to assist organizations in creating and sustaining genuinely secure software.

Ready to Take the Lead in Application Security Auditing?

Whether you're looking to upskill, gain recognition as a Lead Application Security Auditor, or assist your organisation in achieving its compliance objectives, now is the time to act.

Enroll in CourseMonster’s ISO/IEC 27034 Lead Application Security Auditor Training

Get certified. Deliver stronger audits. Drive secure application development.