Methodology

The 7-layer verification model.

Evidence-first, analyst-validated. Every finding is tied to observable evidence — a file, a line, a config value — never an opinion.


Coverage

Seven layers, one verdict

Each engagement works through the same seven layers and rolls them into a single score with a PASS / HOLD / FAIL verdict.

LAYER 01

Code substance

Is the codebase real, coherent, and consistent with the story being told?

structureseparation of concernsdead codecomplexity
LAYER 02

Claim reality

Do product and AI-capability claims match what the code and configuration actually do?

claim vs evidencemodel vs wrapperfeature completeness
LAYER 03

Security posture

Authentication, authorisation, input validation, secrets, and dependency exposure.

secrets in VCSauthinput validationdependency CVEs
LAYER 04

Data handling

How data is stored, protected, retained, and whether privacy signals hold up.

PII at restencryptionretention/deletionPDPL/GDPR signals
LAYER 05

UX & workflow

Does the build actually support the workflow it promises, end to end?

core flowserror statesintegration wiring
LAYER 06

Evidence pack

File-referenced findings, severity, and a tamper-evidence hash manifest you can verify.

file/line refsseveritySHA-256 manifest
LAYER 07

Launch readiness

A prioritised view of what to fix before market, funding, or acquisition.

CI/CD & stagingmonitoringrunbooksaction plan

Evidence matrix

How each layer is evidenced

Representative checks. Every answer is a structured code — never a freeform opinion.

LayerExample checkEvidence typeAnswer format
Code substanceBusiness logic separated from data access?file structure, class namesCODE-YES / PARTIAL / NO / NOT-FOUND
Claim realityIs the "proprietary AI" claim borne out in the repo?model/training code vs API callsSUBSTANTIATED / PARTIAL / NOT
Security postureSecrets excluded from version control?.gitignore, env, secret managerCODE-YES / NO / NOT-FOUND
Data handlingPII encrypted at rest?DB schema, crypto librariesCODE-YES / PARTIAL / NO
UX & workflowCore promised flow complete end-to-end?route/handler traceCODE-YES / PARTIAL / NO
Evidence packEvery finding cites file + line?report cross-refs + manifestYES (by construction)
Launch readinessStaging gate before production?CI config, deploy stepsCODE-YES / PARTIAL / NOT-FOUND

Process

Evidence-based review in 5 steps

Repeatable and auditable, from intake to secure delivery. No code execution; no data retention beyond 24 hours.

1

Intake

Receive repo access or a code package. Create a read-only clone. No modification, execution, or deployment at any stage.

2

Evidence freeze

Hash every file (SHA-256) and lock a tamper-evidence manifest — a verifiable snapshot of the codebase as received.

3

Automated evidence sweep

Work the 7 layers against the code. Each finding links to a file path and line number — direct reference, not inference.

4

Analyst validation

A senior reviewer validates every P0/P1 finding and resolves ambiguous evidence manually, with rationale recorded.

5

Package & deliver

Deliverables assembled and sent securely. Repository data deleted within 24 hours; deletion confirmation available on request.

Automated Evidence Review + Analyst Validation — not a black-box output. Every critical finding is confirmed by a human before delivery.

Alignment

Reference frameworks

The evidence model is structured to support reporting that references:

CBUAE

Central Bank UAE technology risk management guidance

DFSA

Dubai Financial Services Authority technology governance

FSRA (ADGM)

Financial Services Regulatory Authority technology requirements

ISO 27001

Information-security control domains (reference)

SOC 2

Trust Service Criteria — security, availability, confidentiality (reference)

VerifyCode does not certify compliance and is not a certification body. Evidence reports are reference inputs for advisors, legal counsel, and technical reviewers.

Scope

Evidence, not opinion

Our scope is deliberately narrow and precise: structured technical evidence — nothing more, nothing less.

What we provide

  • File references with exact line numbers
  • Code excerpts as direct evidence
  • A SHA-verified baseline of the codebase
  • Objective result codes and a PASS/HOLD/FAIL verdict
  • Severity classification (P0 / P1 / P2 / Low)

What we do not provide

  • Legal advice or compliance opinions
  • Investment recommendations
  • Compliance certifications
  • Forward-looking performance guarantees

See the methodology in action.