An application security policy is a foundational document within a cybersecurity framework that outlines an organization's approach to protecting its software assets. It establishes formal rules, standards, and procedures governing the entire lifecycle of applications—from initial design and development through deployment, maintenance, and eventual retirement. This policy defines mandatory security requirements including secure coding practices, data handling protocols, authentication mechanisms, and vulnerability management procedures.

The policy specifies responsibilities for various stakeholders, dictates acceptable risk levels, and provides guidelines for security testing, incident response, and regular audits. By integrating robust security measures into the software development lifecycle, an application security policy proactively mitigates threats, addresses potential vulnerabilities, and ensures consistent application of security best practices across the organization, ultimately safeguarding sensitive data and maintaining the integrity of critical business systems.