Implementing an ISMS: What standards to Use? ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, or both?
If you're looking to establish an Information Security Management System (ISMS) for your organization, you've likely come across the standards ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002. These two internationally recognized standards are essential in the world of information security management, but they serve different purposes. Understanding how you can use them is important. In this post, we’ll break down the key differences and how the two standards complement each other.
What is ISO/IEC 27001?
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a management system standard designed to help organizations establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve an ISMS (Information Security Management System). It is the gold standard for setting up a risk-based, systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring that it remains secure. Organizations that comply with ISO/IEC 27001 can choose to undergo certification, which can provide a competitive advantage and demonstrate a commitment to best practices in information security.
Key aspects about ISO/IEC 27001:
- It defines requirements for an ISMS.
- Focuses on risk management, including information security risk assessment and treatment.
- Contains an annex with 93 security controls divided into 4 themes or categories (Organizational controls, People controls, Physical controls and Technological controls).
- Can be used for audit and certification purposes.
What is ISO/IEC 27002?
ISO/IEC 27002, on the other hand, is a guidelines standard that provides detailed descriptions of the security controls listed in Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001. While ISO/IEC 27001 is a management standard with requirements, defining "what" you need to do, ISO/IEC 27002 is a guidance document that explains "how" to implement the specific information security controls.
Key aspects about ISO/IEC 27002:
- Offers detailed guidance on how to implement the security controls from Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001.
- It's a reference framework but not a certification standard.
- Organizations use it to help design and implement security controls.
- It helps understand what the controls in ISO/IEC 27001 should target.
Should you use ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, or both for your ISMS?
ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 are designed to work together, so the best solution would be to use the both in the implementation of the ISMS.
- The focus will be on the requirements in ISO/IEC 27001, especially if the organization intends to obtain a certification for its information security management system.
- ISO/IEC 27002 will provide useful guidance on how to implement the security controls. ISO/IEC 27002 is a deep dive into the specific controls you can apply, making it a valuable resource for anyone responsible for the technical or operational aspects of information security.
- For a robust, certifiable ISMS that will help your organization achieve its information security objectives you should use both standards (ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002) and you can also add others to the mix, such as ISO/IEC 27005 (Guidance on information security risk management), ISO/IEC 27035 (Information security incident management), etc.
A practical example
Suppose your organization decides to implement an ISMS to safeguard its sensitive data. ISO/IEC 27001 will guide you through setting up the overall framework, ensuring you have high-level policies and processes in place. Once you’ve determined which security risks are most critical to your organization, you can use ISO/IEC 27002 to implement specific controls, like encryption, access controls or secure development practices, all based on your unique risk environment.
In essence, ISO/IEC 27001 is the "what," and ISO/IEC 27002 is the "how."
Conclusion
Both ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 are invaluable tools for organizations serious about protecting their information assets. If you’re looking for certification and a strong ISMS management framework, ISO/IEC 27001 is the way to go. If you need actionable advice on implementing effective security controls, ISO/IEC 27002 will be your go-to guide.
For most organizations, using both standards in tandem provides a comprehensive approach to information security management, ensuring not only compliance but also a higher level of security maturity.
If you’re interested in mastering information security management and understanding the framework outlined by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), check out our online courses on ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002.
For experienced professionals, we offer certification programs for ISMS practitioners and ISMS auditors in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Earning a certification not only validates your expertise in information security management but can also propel your career forward.
