Into the ISO 27001:2013 standard

ISO 27001:2013 is a globally recognized information security standard that secures enterprise-critical data. Also, it helps companies in compliance with various data protection laws and regulations. The information security standard got first seeded in the year 2005. Over the years, it has traversed many updations and revising requirements. The year 2022 will again witness a newer and revised version of the standard with some vital amendments. The tech blog helps you detail and pinpoint the arriving changes with ISO 27001: 2022.

Changes coupled to ISO 27001:2022 update

The standard expects to shower a lot of changes with ISO 27001:2022 update. Some of the crucial changes linked to the latest update include: –

⦁ Change of Name

The information security standard name will get changed to ISO 27001:2022. The renaming part corresponds to the latest edition of the ISO 27000 series.

⦁ Change of Control

Significant changes are happening in the control part of the standard. While ISO 27001:2013 embodied 114 controls, the newer update will incorporate only 93 controls. Some of the redundant controls got deleted. Likewise, some got merged with existing ones for sounder alignment. However, there will also be 12 nascent controls added to the list.

⦁ Grouping of controls (93 into four themes), namely

⦁ Organizational controls (37 controls)
⦁ Technological controls (34 controls)
⦁ Physical controls (14 controls)
⦁ People controls (8 controls)

•  Replacement/removal of terms

Some terms such as ‘Control Objectives’, ‘Code of Practise’ have been removed in the latest version.

• More focus on cyber risk

ISO 27001:2013 will deploy more focus on cyber risks comparing the previous versions. Therefore, enterprises will now require adequate cyber measures to protect their network, systems, and framework against sophisticated cyber threats.

• Inclusion of #hashtag taxonomy

  ⦁ Control Type (e.g., #corrective, #detective, #corrective)
  ⦁ Cybersecurity Concept (#detect, #identify, #protect, #respond, #recover).
  ⦁ Operational Capabilities (e.g., #asset_management, #application_security, #governance)
  ⦁ Information Security Properties (#confidentiality, #integrity, #availability)
  ⦁ Security Domains (#protection, #defence, #resilience, #governance_and_ecosystem)

When are the changes about to happen?

ISO 27002 got updated on February 15, 2022. Correspondingly, ISO 27001 Annex A will get aligned with these changes on the right track. It was all expected to happen by Q1 of 2022, but it’s still on the hazy edge. If enterprises require implementing ISO 27001 facing client requirements, it is better to certify with the previous version and wait for the official update release. Alongside, enterprises could start implementing the existing controls of the version as the updated set will fetch some more time. However, the newest version is on the very edge of unfolding, and we expect a release to happen very soon.

What does ISO 27002:2022 mean for certification?

ISO 27001 is a framework that companies are certified against, while ISO 27002 is typically a reference standard guiding the implementation, control and management. The changes mainly bounce in ISO 27002 and ISO 27001 Annex A. The accreditation bodies have allowed adequate time for enterprises to cope with the changes. Therefore, enterprises will get a 12–24-month time for the certification process. Similarly, enterprises will get the required room for sufficient training, documentation, and process implementation.

If the transition time is 12 months, it automatically means that by 2023, ISO 27001 certification audit will use 27001:2022. What if your enterprise has not yet reached the ISO 27001:2013 mark and still trying? Here, those enterprises will have the option to select the standard for certification. Also, they will be able to fetch adequate time, possibly a 2-year transition time towards ISO 27001:2022 version. However, by the end of 2023, there may be a cut off deciding that ISO 27001:2013 will be no longer valid for issuing.

How will the changes reflect the current ISMS?

All the control changes brought in will have their sound reflection against the entire ISMS (Information Security Management System). Here we enlist those significant changes that will affect the existing ISMS framework.

⦁ Update your risk assessment policies as new controls will get updated.
⦁ Inspect existing control deviation against the latest control set.
⦁ Revise your security metrics in line with the risk assessment and control updations.
⦁ Change your Statement of Applicability connected to risk assessments and control updations.
⦁ Mindfully inspect and revise the required policies, procedures, and standards as per the changes in the environment.
⦁ Inspect and adapt third-party security tools sticking to compliance requirements.

Top benefits of achieving ISO 27001 Certification

• Fostering a solid security posture

ISO 27001 certification is a vote of confidence that your organization has better-implemented security policies in line with information security best practices. It can help enterprises reduce breach risk with a stable and concrete ISMS implementation.

• Improved business coherence

Continuity is the key factor driving excellence for any business. For improved business coherence, organizations require a threat-free environment. ISO 27001 implementation allows enterprises to improve their process by addressing information security risks. Moreover, it can drive improved productivity with reduced costs.

• Sticking to effective compliance

Being certified with ISO 27001 standard enables an organization to fetch effective data regulation compliance around the chrome. It could reduce the risk of being penalized for non-compliance.

• Lowered IT expenses

More control on data security implies enterprise IT expense goes lowered. It can decrease the vulnerability extent that enterprises face, reflecting minimal breach convergence.

•  Hiking enterprise competency

While having the highest data security standard, enterprises will have a competitive edge over other organizations in terms of security. It is indeed a plus to gain customer confidence and improve business relations.

What’s next?

If you are looking to accommodate ISO 27001:2022 directly to your existing legacy architecture, it seems a task at hand. Sticking to the newest controls, enterprises can address the current risk landscape by ensuring security and privacy to optimum levels. The standard gleams benefit not only business but everything that scopes around. It helps protect your enterprise confidentiality, which includes security to user data. If looking to gain more insights on how ISO 27001:2022 is going to affect your business and the efforts required to comply with, connect the best consulting solution engaged with the service line. They can aid and partner your requirements to positivity.