What it means
Requirements should address identity, data, trust boundaries, error handling, logging, resilience, dependencies, deployment, privacy, and operational constraints, with traceability through design and testing.
Why it matters
Specific requirements reduce late discovery, make verification possible, and help teams build the intended protection rather than relying on general advice to code securely.
Practical focus
- Derive requirements from risk and intended use
- Write observable and testable acceptance criteria
- Trace requirements through design, code, tests, and release
- Update requirements when threats or architecture change
Common mistakes
- Using vague statements such as follow best practices
- Separating security requirements from product work
- Ignoring abuse and failure conditions
- Closing requirements without evidence
Certification relevance
This subject appears in or supports the following certification bodies of knowledge: