ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are foundational standards for information security management systems (ISMS). If you're new to certification or working in an organization that's just getting started, here’s a simplified breakdown to help you stay compliant and audit-ready.
🔐 What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 provides the framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an information security management system. It focuses on risk management and operational controls.
🧩 What's ISO 27002?
ISO 27002 is a companion to 27001. It provides detailed implementation guidance for the security controls listed in Annex A of ISO 27001.
🧭 Beginner’s Checklist to Maintain Certification
- 1. Assign Ownership: Ensure you have a designated ISMS Manager and roles assigned for asset and risk ownership.
- 2. Update Risk Assessments: Reassess risks at least annually or when major changes occur.
- 3. Review Policies: Validate that policies (InfoSec, Acceptable Use, Backup, etc.) are reviewed and approved.
- 4. Conduct Internal Audits: Schedule and document internal audits with action items tracked.
- 5. Monitor Controls: Log reviews, patch updates, training sessions — prove controls are “live.”
- 6. Track Incidents: Maintain an incident register and ensure corrective actions are logged.
- 7. Conduct Management Reviews: Leadership should meet to review KPIs, risks, and audit results.
📝 Bonus Tips
- Keep evidence in an audit-friendly format: dated PDFs, screenshots, meeting notes, etc.
- Document everything — if it isn’t documented, it didn’t happen (in the auditor’s eyes!)
- Use a dashboard to track compliance tasks and evidence status
📘 Stay tuned for the next part in this series, where we’ll dive into real-world ISMS automation with low-code tools.