ExecutiveChronicles | What Is the Current ISO 27001 Standard? | ISO 27001 is an information security management system (ISMS) standard that provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system.
An ISMS can help an organization protect its information assets and comply with relevant statutory and regulatory requirements. It can also help to improve an organization’s operational efficiency and protect its reputation. Keep reading to learn more about the current ISO 27001 standard.
What is the purpose of ISO?
The purpose of ISO 27001 is to provide a framework for establishing, implementing, monitoring, and maintaining an information security management system (ISMS). The standard guides how to identify and manage the risks associated with information technology. An ISMS can help organizations protect their data, ensure compliance with regulations, and improve business efficiency. It’s the most widely recognized information security management standard globally, and organizations have adopted it in more than 170 countries.
ISO 27001 is based on a risk management approach. The standard requires an organization to identify the risks to its information assets, then put in place the appropriate controls to mitigate those risks. The rules required by ISO are based on best practices or frameworks, which provide a comprehensive set of controls tailored to an organization’s specific needs.
An organization that adopts ISO must periodically review and update its information security management system. This helps ensure that the system remains effective in addressing the organization’s information security risks. ISO is a certifiable standard, meaning that an organization can have its information security management system certified by an accredited third-party certification body. The certification confirms that the system meets the standard’s requirements and is in compliance with international best practices.
What is the current ISO standard?
Since its inception, ISO has supported organizations with an information security standard that enables them to protect their information assets. In 2013, ISO released the current version, which contained updates that aligned the standard with the latest thinking on information security.
The current version of ISO is based on the principles of risk management, which helps organizations identify, assess, and manage the risks to their assets. Under the risk management approach, organizations are required to establish and implement a risk management framework that includes identifying risks, assessing those risks, and implementing mitigating controls.
The current version also encourages information security controls specific to the organization’s environment and risk profile. These controls can be drawn from various sources, including the organization’s risk management framework, industry best practices, and regulatory requirements.
The current version of ISO 27001 is ISO/IEC 27001:2013.
It covers the following topics:
- The governance of information security.
- The identification, assessment, and treatment of information risks.
- The implementation of controls to address those risks.
- The management of information security incidents.
- The improvement of information security practices.
Organizations must understand the requirements of ISO 27001 to develop an ISMS that meets all of the criteria. The standard is extensive and covers many topics, so it can be challenging to know where to start. Organizations should work with an accredited certification body to help them understand and implement the standard.
Developing a comprehensive ISMS can also be challenging. The ISMS must address all aspects of information security, from risk assessment to incident response planning. Organizations need to clearly understand their risks and vulnerabilities to create an effective security plan.
Completing the certification process can be time-consuming and expensive, and companies must submit documentation demonstrating that they meet all of the requirements of ISO 27001. They must also undergo an audit by an accredited certification body to receive certification.
The ISO standard is necessary and provides a framework for organizations to establish, implement, and maintain a secure information management system.