What it examines
A secure code review reads the agreed repositories and components to find security weaknesses in how the application is built. The review focuses on relevant security logic and trust boundaries: where input enters the system, how access is decided and how sensitive data is handled. Each finding points to the code concerned and suggests a correction.
Questions it helps answer
- Where does untrusted input reach sensitive operations?
- Are access decisions enforced consistently in the code?
- How is sensitive data stored, logged and transmitted?
When it is useful
- Before releasing a new feature that handles sensitive data or authentication.
- Reviewing a component built by a third party or inherited from an earlier project.
- Supporting a development team that wants targeted feedback on specific modules.
How the engagement is scoped
- Define repositories, components, languages and review depth before starting.
- Examine security logic and trust boundaries, including input handling, access control and sensitive-data handling where applicable.
- State coverage limitations clearly, for example code that was not reviewed, or runtime behaviour that reading the code cannot show.
Typical deliverables
These are typical deliverables. The actual scope and deliverables are agreed for each engagement.
- Reviewed components and coverage.
- Code-level findings with supporting references.
- Recommended corrections the development team can apply.
Relevant assurance context
Technical findings can inform risk treatment, security improvements and assurance evidence. The appropriate assessment depends on your obligations, environment and objectives.
Testing supports a wider assurance programme; it does not establish compliance or certification on its own.