Outsourcing Software Development: Security & IP Checklist

Outsourcing can accelerate delivery, but weak contracting creates security and IP gaps that show up in due diligence—or worse, in a breach. Use this checklist with your vendor.

Access and identity

• Least-privilege accounts; no shared root credentials.
• SSO/MFA into your org where possible; time-bounded access reviews.
• Separate production vs staging; break-glass procedures documented.

Code and IP

Confirm deliverables include source, build instructions, and dependency manifests. IP assignment should cover work product and customisations, with carve-outs only for pre-existing vendor libraries clearly listed. Escrow can be sensible for regulated buyers.

Data protection

Define what PII or secrets the vendor may process, retention limits, subprocessors, and breach notification timelines. Align with your DPA and regional rules (GDPR, etc.).

Engineering hygiene

Expect secure SDLC basics: dependency scanning, code review, secrets scanning, and environment separation. Ask for sample security test reports or pentest summaries from similar engagements.

Exit plan

Document handover: repos, CI/CD, runbooks, and support windows. No vendor should be a single point of persistence for knowledge.

We align to client security policies from day zero. If your procurement template needs a technical annex, we can provide one during evaluation.