What are the requirements of ISO 27001?

Have you been wondering what is ISO 27001 certification? The answer lies ahead.

The ISO 27001 has been created to implement information security controls. However, it is important to note that these are not universally mandatory for compliance. Every organization has different requirements for setting up its information security management system. This is why the standard has not been mandatory. Instead, companies can perform activities informing their decisions regarding the ISO 27001 controls they are implementing. Read on to learn more about the ISO 27001 requirements checklist.

Requirements of ISO 27001

ISO 27001 certification is among the most popular standards for information security. Once you have implemented this, you will be satisfying the requirements of the NIS regulations and the EU GDPR laws. It will also reduce the cost associated with data breaches. Through this standard, companies can show their customers and partners that their IFSM is as per the global standards for data protection. You can use this to increase your business partnerships and opportunities. In order to do this, you have to ensure that you satisfy all the requirements of ISO 27001. Let’s go through these ISO 27001 requirements clause by clause:

Clause 2: Process approach impact

Compliance alone won’t guarantee that your company can protect information. In order to implement your information security management system, you will need a process approach, which will organize as well as manage the information security processes. You will be able to understand how every step plays a part to protect the information in a better way. It also helps to identify problematic points quickly.

Clause 3: Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle

There are certain internal as well as external influences that can change or evolve a business. Your information security management system must be capable of adjusting and adapting to these changes. Even though this isn’t mandatory anymore, it is highly recommended. A Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle can help you achieve this:

• Plan – This includes defining ISO 27001 controls, processes, and policies along with performing risk management to ensure that the information security delivery is aligned with the core business operations.
• Do – Implement and operate the planned ISO 27001 controls, processes, and policies.
• Check – Make improvements by monitoring, evaluating, and reviewing the results of the information security policies against their objectives.
• Act – Perform authorized actions that ensure the achievement of the desired results.

Clause 4: Context of the organization

For this clause, you will have to consider the context of the structure of your organization. An auditor will be identifying any internal or external issues that might impact your information security management system. These issues can be people, government agencies, suppliers, etc. It is your responsibility to determine the applicability and boundaries of your ISMS and establish its scope. This includes specifying all the activities and the people that perform them.

Clause 5: Leadership

This clause covers the policies and procedures established by the management regarding information security. They have to show that the objectives and applicability of the information security management system are the top priority for the organization. The leaders involved in the project will be the ones responsible to ensure compliance with the ISO 27001 standard’s requirements. 

Clause 6: Planning

While planning your ISMS development and implementation, you have to consider the opportunities as well as risks. With an information security risk assessment, you will have built a strong foundation. The objectives for information security should be built on the basis of risk assessment and must be aligned with the overall objectives of your company. With these objectives, you will have certain security goals that you work towards.

Clause 7: Support

When it comes to information security, the key issues that you will be dealing with include resources, communication, awareness, and competency of employees. As per the ISO 27001 standard, you have to document all the information. It means that you have to create a paper trail and update it as you go. This is crucial in order to ensure that your ISMS is successful.

Clause 8: Operation

Under this clause, your company is required to review the internal operating systems. You will also need to have documented information to ensure that you have been carrying out the processes needed to secure your information systems. The auditor will check the changes you have made and review how you have mitigated any adverse effects of these unintended changes.

Clause 9: Performance evaluation

You have to develop and evaluate performance metrics to calculate the efficiency and effectiveness of your management system. It is crucial to conduct internal audits and implement any required corrective measures. You also have to review the top management at regular intervals to make sure that ISMS is suitable, effective, and adequate at its job.

Clause 10: Improvement

Once the evaluation has been conducted, making improvements is among the mandatory requirements of ISO 27001. You have to address the nonconformities and take action to eliminate the causes. You should also implement a continual improvement process. 

Through the ISO 27001 standard, you can show your clients, stakeholders, and suppliers that you keep your information secure. Once you have fulfilled these requirements of ISO 27001, you will have to pass the ISO 27001 certification exam along with ongoing surveillance audits to ensure that you are compliant. ISO 27001 framework offers a great way for you to manage the risk associated with information security and you can use it to create new opportunities for your business.