An application security framework is a structured, systematic approach designed to manage and enhance the security posture of software applications within an organization. It comprises a formal collection of policies, procedures, standards, and best practices that identify, assess, mitigate, and monitor security risks throughout the entire software development lifecycle (SDLC). This methodology ensures that security considerations are embedded from initial design and architecture phases through development, testing, deployment, and ongoing maintenance.

The primary objective of an application security framework is to safeguard applications against vulnerabilities and evolving cyber threats while protecting sensitive data and maintaining operational integrity. By providing clear guidelines for secure coding, robust configuration management, access controls, and incident response planning, it empowers development teams to build inherently more secure software. This foundational blueprint supports risk management, regulatory compliance, and fosters a proactive security culture that reduces the attack surface and fortifies digital assets against sophisticated exploits.