How to Secure Your GitHub for ISO 27001 and Get the Compliance Badge/Seal

Securing GitHub for ISO 27001 compliance means aligning your repository and workflow security with one of the world’s leading information security standards. ISO 27001 isn’t just about technology—it's about documenting and actively managing your information security risks. Below is a clear, step-by-step guide for anyone, whether a small team or enterprise, on how to secure your GitHub for ISO 27001 badge/seal:

• Understand ISO 27001 Basics:
  • ISO 27001 is an international standard for an information security management system (ISMS). It's not specifically about GitHub, but covers how you manage your code and data throughout your organization.
  • Getting the compliance badge/seal means passing an independent audit that validates your security controls and processes meet these standards.
• Identify Risks and Scope:
  • List exactly which GitHub repositories, organizations, and workflows handle sensitive data or impact your business operations.
  • Create a risk assessment: What could go wrong if your code or secrets are leaked? Think about attackers, disgruntled insiders, missing backups, or accidental public exposure.
  • For a readiness assessment or consulting, reach out to OCD Tech who are experts in ISO 27001 audits and guidance.
• Apply Strong Security Controls in GitHub:
  • Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Require all users to have 2FA enabled to access your repos.
  • Least Privilege Access: Only invite users who need access, and only give permissions required (write, read, admin levels).
  • Protect Branches: Set up branch protection rules - require code reviews, disallow force pushes, and require status checks before merging.
  • Secrets Management: Store secrets (API keys, passwords) with GitHub Secrets or vault tools, never in code. Rotate secrets regularly.
  • Audit Logs: Enable and monitor audit logs for changes—download and review logs to spot unusual activity.
  • Automated Security Scanning: Use Dependabot and GitHub's security advisories to automatically identify and fix vulnerabilities in your dependencies.
  • Review Third-Party Apps: Regularly check and remove unnecessary GitHub Apps or integrations to lower risk.
• Document Everything:
  • Write clear security policies and procedures specific to your GitHub usage (who creates repos, who approves PRs, incident response process).
  • Document who has access, when and why changes are made, and how security incidents are reported and handled.
  • For policy templates and readiness help, OCD Tech provides specialized documentation and assessment services.
• Regular Training and Awareness:
  • Train every developer and admin on security best practices for GitHub: phishing awareness, secure coding, and reporting suspicious activity.
  • Keep everyone informed when new threats or policy changes arise.
• Backup and Recovery:
  • Ensure regular, automated backups of critical code repositories.
  • Test restoration procedures so you can recover quickly if something goes wrong.
• Prepare for the ISO 27001 Audit:
  • All the above controls must be active, tested, and proven in real scenarios.
  • Gather documentation: policies, risk assessments, training records, access logs, evidence of control testing.
  • Run an internal mock audit, or use a service like OCD Tech for a readiness assessment.
  • Book a certified external auditor. They will check if your ISMS (including your GitHub controls) complies with ISO 27001.
  • After passing, you get an official ISO 27001 certificate for your organization (not a specific GitHub badge), which you can display and reference on your website or marketing material as a compliance seal or badge.

Most critical to passing the ISO 27001 audit:

• Your controls must be documented, implemented, and ongoing—security is not a once-off task.
• You must show evidence of risk management, user access controls, awareness, and incident response related to GitHub.