DISC InfoSec blog

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Continual improvement doesn’t necessarily entail significant expenses. Many enhancements can be achieved through regular internal audits, management reviews, and staff engagement. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, organizations can maintain an ISMS that effectively addresses current and emerging information security risks, ensuring resilience and compliance with ISO 27001 standards.

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Tags: InfoSec guide, iso 27001, iso 27001 certification

The Strategic Synergy: ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 – A New Era in Governance

May 09 2025

How to Leverage Generative AI for ISO 27001 Implementation

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k — disc7 @ 12:45 pm

DISC’s guide on implementing ISO 27001 using generative AI highlights how AI technologies can streamline the establishment and maintenance of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). By leveraging AI tools, organizations can automate various aspects of the ISO 27001 implementation process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.

AI-powered platforms like DISC InfoSec ISO27k Chatbot serve as intelligent knowledge bases, providing instant answers to queries related to ISO 27001 requirements, control implementations, and documentation. These tools assist in drafting necessary documents such as the Risk assessment and Statement of Applicability, and offer guidance on implementing Annex A controls. Additionally, AI can may facilitate training and awareness programs by generating tailored educational materials, ensuring that all employees are informed about information security practices.

The integration of AI into ISO 27001 implementation not only accelerates the process but also reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring a more robust and compliant ISMS. By automating routine tasks and providing expert guidance, AI enables organizations to focus on strategic decision-making and continuous improvement in their information security management.

Hey I’m the digital assistance of DISC InfoSec for ISO 27k implementation.

I will try to answer your question. If I don’t know the answer, I will connect you with one my support agents.

Please click the link below to type your query regarding ISO 27001 (ISMS) implementation

ISO27k Chat bot

If the GenAI chatbot doesn’t provide the answer you’re looking for, what would you expect it to do next?

If you don’t receive a satisfactory answer, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us — we’ll use your feedback to help retrain and improve the bot.

ISO 27001’s Outdated SoA Rule: Time to Move On

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Penetration Testing Demystified: A Hands-on Introduction and Practical Guide: Your Keys to Security Tools and Techniques

Tags: GenAI, iso 27001

Comments (4)

May 07 2025

Aligning Cybersecurity With Business Objectives Through Targeted Pen Testing

Category: Information Security — disc7 @ 9:28 am

1. Understanding Objective-Based Penetration Testing
Objective-based penetration testing focuses on assessing an organization’s security by simulating real-world attack scenarios with specific goals in mind. Unlike traditional methods that might broadly scan for vulnerabilities, this approach targets particular objectives, such as accessing sensitive data or compromising critical systems, providing a more realistic evaluation of security posture.

2. The Importance of Realistic Threat Simulation
By emulating tactics used by actual threat actors, objective-based tests reveal how well an organization’s defenses can withstand targeted attacks. This method uncovers not just technical vulnerabilities but also weaknesses in processes and human factors, offering a comprehensive view of potential security gaps.

3. Enhancing Incident Response Preparedness
These targeted assessments help organizations evaluate and improve their incident response strategies. By observing how teams react to simulated breaches, companies can identify deficiencies in their response plans and training, leading to more effective real-world reactions to security incidents.

4. Aligning Security Measures with Business Objectives
Objective-based testing ensures that security evaluations are aligned with the organization’s specific goals and risk appetite. This alignment allows for more relevant and actionable insights, enabling businesses to prioritize security investments that protect their most critical assets.

5. Identifying Hidden Vulnerabilities
This approach is particularly effective at uncovering complex vulnerabilities that might be missed by standard testing methods. By focusing on achieving specific objectives, testers can identify intricate attack paths and chained exploits that pose significant risks.

6. Supporting Compliance and Regulatory Requirements
Objective-based penetration testing can aid in meeting various compliance standards by demonstrating a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating security risks. It provides documented evidence of security assessments tailored to the organization’s unique environment and threats.

7. Strengthening Overall Security Posture
By adopting objective-based penetration testing, organizations can gain deeper insights into their security strengths and weaknesses. This knowledge enables them to implement targeted improvements, enhance their resilience against cyber threats, and better protect their critical assets.

Resilience at Risk: Overlooked Threats Every Leadership Team Should Know

Security and resilience. Business continuity management systems. Requirements

May 07 2025

Resilience at Risk: Overlooked Threats Every Leadership Team Should Know

Category: Cyber resilience,Information Security,Security Risk Assessment — disc7 @ 8:58 am

They’re the quiet ones—the ones that will silently gut your continuity strategy while leadership watches the wrong fire.

1️⃣ Shadow SaaS Is Out of Control
Business units are adopting tools without IT oversight—no security, no backups, no DR.
It works… until it doesn’t. Then it becomes your problem.

2️⃣ RTOs Are Fiction, Not Strategy
“30 hours” looks good—until the CEO demands answers three hours in.
If your recovery needs a miracle, it’s not a plan. It’s a pending failure.

3️⃣ Resilience Theater Is Everywhere
Policies? Written. Boxes? Checked.
But when the real incident hits, no one knows what to do. You’ve got documentation, not readiness.

4️⃣ Hidden Dependencies Will Break You
APIs, scripts, microservices—no SLAs, no visibility, no accountability.
They fail quietly. Business halts. And no one saw it coming.

5️⃣ Continuity Teams Have Quiet Quit
Resilience professionals are exhausted, underfunded, and unheard.
Their silence isn’t safety—it’s burnout. And it’s dangerous.

🔶 Resilience doesn’t fail loudly. It erodes quietly.
CISOs and leadership teams: It’s time to stop watching the wrong fire.

Cyber Resilience – Defence-in-depth principles

Becoming Resilient – The Definitive Guide to ISO 22301 Implementation: The Plain English, Step-by-Step Handbook for Business Continuity Practitioners

ISO 22301:2019 and business continuity management – Understand how to plan, implement and enhance a business continuity management system (BCMS)

ISO 22301 Free to read

Tags: Cyber Resilience

Contract Drafting and Negotiation for Entrepreneurs and Business Professionals

May 06 2025

The CISOs You’re Overlooking Are the Ones Who Need You Most

Category: Information Security — disc7 @ 2:16 pm

Coming off the back of RSA and I’m a little disheartened by some of the posts I’m seeing from startup founders about the countless meetings they’ve had with CISOs representing the fortune 500.

I get it. Landing an f500 customer does wonders for your brand, growth, funding, etc. But you do realize there is life beyond the f500 right? Or does your arrogance prevent you from acknowledging the thousands of companies, and CISOs within, who don’t have a glamour brand attached to their name?

If anything, those companies and CISOs are the ones who need you most. They are the ones operating with tight budgets, small teams, less resources, and huge levels of vulnerability. They need partners, and are turning to the startup ecosystem more and more in the hope of finding innovative tools that reduce their need for resources, and who cares more about building a long relationship vs a transaction.

Not taking anything away from the vendors whose products are attractive to the biggest brands on the planet. And certainly not taking anything away from the CISOs in f500 companies. But don’t neglect the greater CISO community. Treat everyone the same. Because once you’ve depleted your f500 targets, these are the CISOs you will turn to for continued growth.

Getting a “yes” from a Fortune 500 may sound like a dream for a startup—but it can quickly become a curse. Long contract negotiations, increased insurance requirements, premature scaling, and the need to support complex legacy environments can drain your team and resources. You’ll face challenges you weren’t prepared for and may alienate smaller customers who don’t relate to enterprise-scale use cases.

Mastering Effective Influencing Skills for Win-Win Outcomes – A practical guide

BS EN ISO 22301:2019+A1:2024 – TC

May 05 2025

Security and resilience. Business continuity management systems. Requirements

Category: BCP,Cyber resilience — disc7 @ 1:08 pm

1. Purpose and Scope:
The concept of business continuity in management systems focuses on preparing organizations to respond effectively to disruptions. Its primary goal is to ensure that essential business functions can continue during and after incidents such as cyberattacks, natural disasters, or system failures. Business continuity planning is an integral part of an organization’s broader risk management and security posture.

2. Integration with Management Systems:
Business continuity must be embedded into the overall management system, aligning with standards like ISO 22301. This integration ensures that continuity planning, implementation, and testing are not isolated activities but coordinated with information security, quality management, and operational strategies. It emphasizes a risk-based approach and continuous improvement.

3. Key Components:
A robust business continuity framework includes a business impact analysis (BIA), risk assessment, recovery strategies, and response plans. These elements help identify critical processes, assess vulnerabilities, and define acceptable downtime and recovery objectives. Regular training, awareness programs, and incident response drills support readiness and resilience.

4. Communication and Leadership Commitment:
Effective business continuity management depends on top-level commitment and clear communication channels. Leadership must allocate resources, define roles, and ensure all employees understand their responsibilities during a crisis. Internal and external communication strategies are also essential to maintain trust and manage stakeholder expectations.

5. Testing and Continuous Improvement:
To ensure resilience, organizations must regularly test and review their business continuity plans. Simulations, audits, and after-action reviews help identify gaps and improve preparedness. Lessons learned from real incidents or exercises should feed into an ongoing cycle of improvement, reinforcing the organization’s ability to adapt and recover quickly.

BS EN ISO 22301 is the international standard which specifies the requirements for a business continuity management system (BCMS). It helps you to identify potential threats to your business and build the capacity to deal with unforeseen events.

It enables an organization to have a more effective response and a quicker recovery, thereby reducing any impact on people, products and the organization’s bottom line.

**What are the benefits of BS EN ISO 22301 – Business continuity management systems?**

BS EN ISO 22301 empowers organizations to put in place a business continuity management system. By implementing its principles and guidelines in your organization, your business can benefit from:

Reduced frequency and impact of disruptions
Ability to return to “business as usual” as swiftly as possible
Cost savings on reducing the impact of disruptions
Confidence that your plans are robust and ensures you are resilient and well-placed to deal with change
Increased stakeholder confidence and trust
Lower insurance premiums

Cyber Resilience – Defence-in-depth principles

Becoming Resilient – The Definitive Guide to ISO 22301 Implementation: The Plain English, Step-by-Step Handbook for Business Continuity Practitioners

ISO 22301:2019 and business continuity management – Understand how to plan, implement and enhance a business continuity management system (BCMS)

ISO 22301 Free to read

Tags: BCMS, ISO 22301

ISO/IEC 42001:2023, First Edition: Information technology – Artificial intelligence – Management system

May 05 2025

The Strategic Synergy: ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 – A New Era in Governance

Category: AI,ISO 27k — disc7 @ 9:01 am

The Strategic Synergy: ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 – A New Era in Governance

After years of working closely with global management standards, it’s deeply inspiring to witness organizations adopting what I believe to be one of the most transformative alliances in modern governance: ISO 27001 and the newly introduced ISO 42001.

ISO 42001, developed for AI Management Systems, was intentionally designed to align with the well-established information security framework of ISO 27001. This alignment wasn’t incidental—it was a deliberate acknowledgment that responsible AI governance cannot exist without a strong foundation of information security.

Together, these two standards create a governance model that is not only comprehensive but essential for the future:

ISO 27001 fortifies the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data—ensuring that information is secure and trusted.
ISO 42001 builds on that by governing how AI systems use this data—ensuring those systems operate in a transparent, ethical, and accountable manner.

This integration empowers organizations to:

Extend trust from data protection to decision-making processes.
Safeguard digital assets while promoting responsible AI outcomes.
Bridge security, compliance, and ethical innovation under one cohesive framework.

In a world increasingly shaped by AI, the combined application of ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 is not just a best practice—it’s a strategic imperative.

High-level summary of the ISO/IEC 42001 Readiness Checklist

1. Understand the Standard

Purchase and study ISO/IEC 42001 and related annexes.
Familiarize yourself with AI-specific risks, controls, and life cycle processes.
Review complementary ISO standards (e.g., ISO 22989, 31000, 38507).

2. Define AI Governance

Create and align AI policies with organizational goals.
Assign roles, responsibilities, and allocate resources for AI systems.
Establish procedures to assess AI impacts and manage their life cycles.
Ensure transparency and communication with stakeholders.

3. Conduct Risk Assessment

Identify potential risks: data, security, privacy, ethics, compliance, and reputation.
Use Annex C for AI-specific risk scenarios.

4. Develop Documentation and Policies

Ensure AI policies are relevant, aligned with broader org policies, and kept up to date.
Maintain accessible, centralized documentation.

5. Plan and Implement AIMS (AI Management System)

Conduct a gap analysis with input from all departments.
Create a step-by-step implementation plan.
Deliver training and build monitoring systems.

6. Internal Audit and Management Review

Conduct internal audits to evaluate readiness.
Use management reviews and feedback to drive improvements.
Track and resolve non-conformities.

7. Prepare for and Undergo External Audit

Select a certified and reputable audit partner.
Hold pre-audit meetings and simulations.
Designate a central point of contact for auditors.
Address audit findings with action plans.

8. Focus on Continuous Improvement

Establish a team to monitor post-certification compliance.
Regularly review and enhance the AIMS.
Avoid major system changes during initial implementation.

ISO 42001 Artificial Intelligence Management Systems (AIMS) Implementation Guide: AIMS Framework | AI Security Standards

Businesses leveraging AI should prepare now for a future of increasing regulation.

DISC InfoSec’s earlier post on the AI topic

NIST: AI/ML Security Still Falls Short

Trust Me – ISO 42001 AI Management System

AI Management System Certification According to the ISO/IEC 42001 Standard

Adversarial AI Attacks, Mitigations, and Defense Strategies: A cybersecurity professional’s guide to AI attacks, threat modeling, and securing AI with MLSecOps

What You Are Not Told About ChatGPT: Key Insights into the Inner Workings of ChatGPT & How to Get the Most Out of It

Digital Ethics in the Age of AI – Navigating the ethical frontier today and beyond

Artificial intelligence – Ethical, social, and security impacts for the present and the future

“AI Regulation: Global Challenges and Opportunities”

DISC-InfoSec-Group-InfoSec-and-compliance-one-pager-2 Download

Tags: AIMS, isms, iso 27001, ISO 42001

Comments (13)

May 04 2025

ISO 27001’s Outdated SoA Rule: Time to Move On

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k — disc7 @ 11:54 am

Current Requirement in ISO 27001
ISO 27001 currently mandates that the SoA must include justifications for both the inclusion and exclusion of each Annex A control. This requirement is often interpreted to mean that organizations must provide individual reasoning for every control listed or omitted.
Guidance from ISO 27005:2022
ISO 27005:2022 clarifies that only controls identified through risk assessment and treatment planning should be included in the SoA. These controls are selected because they help reduce risk to acceptable levels. The guidance explicitly states that no further justification is necessary for their inclusion.
Exclusion Justification Also Redundant
By extension, the only valid reason for excluding a control is that it was not identified as necessary in the risk treatment plan. If a control does not mitigate any identified risk, there is no need for it to appear in the SoA, and thus, no detailed justification is required.
Controls Must Be Risk-Driven
Controls exist to manage or modify risks. Including or excluding them must be directly based on whether they are necessary for risk treatment. Requiring extra justification, separate from the risk assessment, is logically inconsistent with the function of controls within an ISMS.
Recommendation to Remove the Justification Requirement
Given this risk-based logic, the recommendation is to eliminate the need for detailed justifications of inclusions or exclusions in the SoA. This requirement appears to be an error or legacy clause in ISO 27001 that contradicts more recent guidance.
Alignment with ISO 27005 and Future ISO 27003
This position aligns with ISO 27005:2022, which supports a simplified, risk-driven approach to the SoA. It is anticipated that the upcoming ISO 27003 update will reinforce this same guidance, helping to resolve the inconsistency across standards.
Practical Experience Supports the Change
Despite popular belief, individualized justifications are not essential. The author has implemented many ISO 27001-certified ISMSs over the past decade without providing such justifications—and all achieved certification successfully.
Simplified SOA Approach Recommended
The SOA should only list necessary controls derived from the risk assessment, with no additional rationale needed for inclusion or exclusion. Controls not identified as necessary should simply not be listed, and the SOA should remain tightly aligned with the risk treatment plan.

Source: ISO27001 suggested change 13

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

ISO 27001 certification validates that your ISMS meets recognized security standards and builds trust with customers by demonstrating a strong commitment to protecting information.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Fundamentals of Cloud and Cloud Security

Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27001 2022, SoA, Statement of Applicability

Comments (5)

May 04 2025

Enhance the fundamentals of securing the cloud

Category: Cloud computing — disc7 @ 11:21 am

🔐 Strengthen Your Account Security

Use Strong, Unique Passwords: Create complex passwords combining letters, numbers, and symbols. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Add an extra layer of security by requiring a verification code in addition to your password when logging in.
Regularly Update Passwords: Change your passwords periodically to minimize the risk of unauthorized access.

🛡️ Monitor and Manage Account Activity

Review Account Settings: Regularly check your profile information, email address, and connections for any unauthorized changes.
Monitor Login Activity: Keep an eye on your account’s login history to detect any suspicious access.
Be Cautious with Third-Party Applications: Only authorize trusted apps and periodically review and remove unnecessary or unused applications.

📧 Stay Vigilant Against Phishing and Scams

Recognize Phishing Attempts: Be wary of unsolicited messages or emails requesting sensitive information. Verify the sender’s identity before responding.
Educate Yourself on Common Scams: Stay informed about prevalent phishing tactics and how to avoid falling victim to them.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter any dubious messages or profiles, report them to LinkedIn immediately.

🔒 Enhance Privacy and Data Protection

Adjust Privacy Settings: Control who can see your profile information and activity. Limit visibility to trusted connections.
Limit Personal Information: Avoid sharing sensitive details like your phone number or home address on your profile.
Be Mindful of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid accessing your LinkedIn account over unsecured networks. If necessary, use a VPN for added security.

📂 Prepare for Potential Account Compromise

Backup Your Data: Regularly export your LinkedIn data to have a copy in case of account issues.
Inform Your Network: If your account is compromised, notify your connections to prevent the spread of misinformation.
Seek Professional Assistance: In case of a security breach, contact support and, if necessary, law enforcement for assistance.

Implementing these measures can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access and protect your Information assets in the cloud.

“Cloud is a capability, not a destination!” (Hybrid cloud is an approach
pretty much settled on by all businesses.) the “data isn’t just in one place” mindset which has benefits that are applicable everywhere.

DISC InfoSec Guide the SaaS service to full ISO 27001 compliance and successful certification. Reach out for a free consultation.

The Self-Taught Cloud Computing Engineer: A comprehensive professional study guide to AWS, Azure, and GCP

Securing the AWS Cloud: A Guide for Learning to Secure AWS Infrastructure

Tags: cloud security

Building and Automating Penetration Testing Labs in the Cloud: Set up cost-effective hacking environments for learning cloud security on AWS, Azure, and GCP

May 02 2025

How to Create Your Own Home Lab for Hacking

Category: Hacking — disc7 @ 1:55 pm

Pawan Jaiswal’s guide, published on April 24, 2025, offers a comprehensive walkthrough for setting up a personal hacking lab. This resource is tailored for aspiring penetration testers, ethical hackers, and cybersecurity enthusiasts seeking hands-on experience in a controlled environment. The lab facilitates practical learning without risking real-world systems.

1. Purpose and Advantages of a Home Lab

Establishing a home lab provides a safe space to practice cybersecurity techniques. It allows learners to experiment with tools, understand vulnerabilities, and develop problem-solving skills. The lab serves as a sandbox for testing exploits, conducting scans, and simulating attacks without legal or ethical concerns.

2. Essential Hardware and Software Requirements

A robust setup is crucial for running multiple virtual machines (VMs). Recommended specifications include an Intel i5 or Ryzen 5 processor, a minimum of 8 GB RAM (16 GB preferred), and at least 512 GB SSD storage. For virtualization, tools like VirtualBox or VMware Workstation Player are suggested due to their user-friendliness and compatibility.

3. Configuring Virtual Machines

The lab setup involves creating an attacker machine and several victim machines:

Attacker Machine: Kali Linux is the preferred choice, equipped with tools like Nmap, Metasploit, and Wireshark.
Victim Machines: These include Metasploitable 2/3, DVWA (Damn Vulnerable Web App), OWASP Broken Web Apps, and Windows 10/11 VMs. These systems are intentionally vulnerable, providing realistic targets for practice.

4. Networking and Security Measures

Proper network configuration ensures isolation and safety:

Host-Only Networking: Prevents VMs from accessing the internet, mitigating the risk of unintended consequences.
Internal Networking: Allows communication between VMs for simulating attacks like DNS poisoning or man-in-the-middle scenarios.

Tools like tcpdump and Wireshark can be used to monitor and analyze network traffic within the lab.

5. Progressive Learning and Expansion

As skills develop, the lab can be expanded:

Additional Targets: Incorporate platforms like Juice Shop, bWAPP, or WebGoat for diverse challenges.
Capture The Flag (CTF) Challenges: Engage with VulnHub VMs or platforms like TryHackMe and Hack The Box to test and enhance skills.

6. Cloud-Based Alternatives

For those with hardware limitations, cloud-based labs offer viable alternatives:

TryHackMe: Beginner-friendly with guided paths.
Hack The Box: Offers a range of challenges from beginner to advanced levels.
RangeForce and PentesterLab: Provide browser-based labs focusing on various cybersecurity aspects.

These platforms eliminate the need for complex setups, allowing users to focus on learning.

In conclusion, setting up a home hacking lab is a valuable investment for anyone serious about a career in cybersecurity. It provides a practical environment to learn, experiment, and hone skills essential for real-world applications.

For further details, access the article here

Hands-On AWS Penetration Testing with Kali Linux: Set-up a virtual lab and pentest major AWS services such as EC2, S3, Lambda, CloudFormation, and more

Building a Home Cybersecurity Lab

Hacking Connected Cars: Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures

May 02 2025

Car Hacking and its Countermeasures

Category: Hacking — disc7 @ 10:07 am

Car hacking refers to the unauthorized access and manipulation of a vehicle’s electronic systems, exploiting vulnerabilities in software, hardware, and communication networks. Modern vehicles, equipped with numerous Electronic Control Units (ECUs) interconnected via protocols like the Controller Area Network (CAN) bus, are susceptible to cyberattacks. These attacks can range from disabling brakes to remotely controlling the vehicle, as demonstrated in notable incidents like the 2015 Jeep Cherokee hack. The increasing integration of connected technologies, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and cellular networks, further expands the attack surface for potential hackers.

One prevalent method of car hacking involves exploiting keyless entry systems. Thieves use devices to intercept signals from key fobs, allowing unauthorized access and ignition of vehicles. Techniques like “relay attacks” and “headlight hacking” have been employed to bypass security measures, enabling criminals to steal cars in mere seconds. The rise in such incidents underscores the need for enhanced security protocols in vehicle design and manufacturing.

To counteract these threats, several measures can be implemented:

Regular Software Updates: Manufacturers often release updates to patch known vulnerabilities. Vehicle owners should ensure their car’s software is up-to-date, either through dealership visits or over-the-air updates.
Use of Physical Security Devices: Employing steering wheel locks or car alarms can deter potential thieves, adding an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.
Secure Key Fob Storage: Storing key fobs in signal-blocking containers, like Faraday pouches, can prevent signal interception and relay attacks.
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS): Implementing IDS within the vehicle’s network can monitor and detect anomalous activities, alerting owners to potential breaches.
Network Segmentation and Gateways: Dividing the vehicle’s network into sub-networks with secure gateways can limit the spread of potential attacks, ensuring critical systems remain protected.
Authentication Protocols: Incorporating robust authentication mechanisms can verify the legitimacy of commands and data within the vehicle’s systems, thwarting unauthorized access attempts.

The automotive industry must prioritize cybersecurity in the design and development of vehicles. Collaborative efforts between manufacturers, cybersecurity experts, and regulatory bodies are essential to establish standardized security protocols. As vehicles become increasingly connected and autonomous, proactive measures are vital to safeguard against evolving cyber threats.

In conclusion, while the advent of connected vehicles offers enhanced convenience and features, it also introduces significant cybersecurity challenges. By adopting a multi-faceted approach encompassing software updates, physical security measures, and advanced network protections, both manufacturers and consumers can work together to mitigate the risks associated with car hacking.

The Car Hacker’s Handbook: A Guide for the Penetration Tester

Volvo Cars Suffered A New Data Breach? Data Published On Hacking Forum

Hacking Cars with MP3 Files

The Role of AI in Modern Hacking: Both an Asset and a Risk

Connected cars are heading toward a cybersecurity crisis

Tags: Car Hacking, Car Security

May 01 2025

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k,Security Compliance,Security Risk Assessment — disc7 @ 3:42 pm

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that protects an organization’s information assets. The standard lays out a structured, systematic approach to information security: it explicitly defines requirements that cover people, processes, and technology, and it is built on a risk-based management process. In other words, ISO 27001 requires an organization to identify its critical data and assets, assess the risks to them, and implement controls to mitigate those risks. As the AuditBoard blog explains, ISO 27001 “provid[es] a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability,” and “employ[s] a risk-based management process”. By achieving ISO 27001 certification, a company demonstrates its commitment to security best practices and gains “improved risk management” capabilities. In practice, this means ISO 27001 embeds risk reduction into the company’s daily operations: the organization is continually considering where its vulnerabilities lie and how to address them. This alignment of policy and process with identified risks helps prevent incidents that could lead to breaches or financial losses (outcomes the blog warns are costly for non-compliant companies).

A core principle of ISO 27001 is systematic risk assessment. The standard mandates that organizations catalog information assets and regularly evaluate threats and vulnerabilities to those assets. This formal risk assessment process – often codified as a risk register – forces management to confront what could go wrong, estimate the likelihood and impact of each threat, and then select controls to lower that risk. The AuditBoard article highlights that effective compliance “starts with a deep understanding of your organization’s unique risk profile” through “comprehensive risk assessments that identify, analyze, and prioritize potential security threats and vulnerabilities”. By building this into the ISMS, ISO 27001 ensures that controls are not applied haphazardly but are directly tied to the organization’s actual threat landscape. In short, ISO 27001’s risk-based approach means the organization is proactively scanning for problems, rather than only reacting after a breach occurs. This systematic identification and treatment of risks measurably lowers the chance that a threat will go unnoticed and turn into a serious incident.

Another key principle of ISO 27001 is continual improvement of the security program. ISO 27001 is inherently iterative: it follows the Plan–Do–Check–Act cycle, which requires the organization to plan security controls, implement them, monitor and review their effectiveness, and act on the findings to improve. In practice, this means an ISO 27001–certified organization must regularly review and update its security policies and controls to keep pace with new threats. The AuditBoard blog emphasizes this proactive stance: it notes that maintaining compliance “encourages businesses to regularly review and update their security policies, practices, and systems,” allowing the organization to adapt to evolving threats and maintain “long-term resilience”. Furthermore, ISO 27001 requires ongoing monitoring and measurement of the ISMS. Automated monitoring tools, for example, can detect anomalies or intrusions in real time. The blog underlines that such continuous monitoring “strengthens an organization’s security posture” by enabling a quick response to new risks. By continuously detecting issues and feeding back lessons learned, an ISO 27001 ISMS avoids stagnation: it evolves as the threat landscape evolves. This dedication to continual assessment and enhancement means that security controls are always improving, which keeps residual risk as low as possible over time.

ISO 27001 also enforces organizational accountability for security. It requires that top management be directly involved in the ISMS: leaders must establish a clear security policy, assign roles and responsibilities, and ensure adequate resources are available for security. Every risk and control must have an owner. The AuditBoard article reinforces this by stressing the importance of a cross-functional security team and collaboration among IT, legal, HR, and business units. In an ISO 27001 context, this means everyone from the CISO to line managers shares responsibility for protecting data. Accountability is further ensured through documentation: ISO 27001 demands thorough records of all security processes. The blog points out that maintaining “comprehensive records of risk assessments, security controls, training activities, and incident response efforts” provides clear evidence of compliance and highlights where improvements are needed. This audit trail makes the organization’s security posture transparent to auditors and stakeholders. In effect, ISO 27001 turns vague good intentions into concrete, assigned tasks and documented procedures, so that it is always possible to trace who did what, and to hold the organization accountable for gaps or successes alike.

By combining these elements – structured risk analysis, continuous improvement, and built-in accountability – ISO 27001 compliance significantly reduces overall organizational risk. The AuditBoard blog summarizes the core idea of compliance in cybersecurity as a security framework that can withstand emerging threats, noting that adherence to standards “ensures that organizations protect their data and build trust by demonstrating their commitment to information security”. In practical terms, this means a company with an ISO 27001 ISMS is far better equipped to prevent the “significant consequences” of non-compliance – such as data breaches, financial losses, and reputational damage. By embedding a risk-based approach into daily routines and maintaining a culture of vigilance and responsibility, ISO 27001 helps an organization identify issues early and handle them before they become disasters. Ultimately, this strong, systematic compliance posture not only shields sensitive information, but also saves the company from costly incidents – improving its bottom line and competitive standing (as noted, certification can confer a competitive edge and “improved risk management”). In summary, ISO 27001 reduces risk by making effective information security practices a formal, organization-wide process that is continuously managed and improved.

Source and full article here

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Cybersecurity and Third-Party Risk: Third Party Threat Hunting

Tags: Information Security Management System, iso 27001, iso 27002, ISO/IEC 27001

Comments (6)

May 01 2025

How CISO’s are transforming the Third-Party Risk Management

Category: CISO,Information Security,Security Risk Assessment,vCISO,Vendor Assessment — disc7 @ 10:30 am

The RSA Conference Executive Security Action Forum (ESAF) report, How Top CISOs Are Transforming Third-Party Risk Management, presents insights from Fortune 1000 Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) on evolving strategies to manage third-party cyber risks. The report underscores the inadequacy of traditional risk management approaches and highlights innovative practices adopted by leading organizations.

1. Escalating Third-Party Risks

The report begins by emphasizing the increasing threat posed by third-party relationships. A survey revealed that 87% of Fortune 1000 companies experienced significant cyber incidents originating from third parties within a year. This statistic underscores the urgency for organizations to reassess their third-party risk management strategies.

2. Limitations of Traditional Approaches

Traditional methods, such as self-assessment questionnaires and cybersecurity ratings, are criticized for their ineffectiveness. These approaches often lack context, fail to reduce actual risk, and do not foster resilience against cyber threats. The report advocates for a shift towards more proactive and context-aware strategies.

3. Innovative Strategies by Leading CISOs

In response to these challenges, top CISOs are implementing bold new approaches. These include establishing prioritized security requirements, setting clear deadlines for control implementations, incorporating enforcement clauses in contracts, and assisting third parties in acquiring necessary security technologies and services. Such measures aim to enhance the overall security posture of both the organization and its partners.

4. Emphasizing Business Leadership and Resilience

The report highlights the importance of involving business leaders in managing cyber risks. By integrating cybersecurity considerations into business decisions and fostering a culture of resilience, organizations can better prepare for and respond to third-party incidents. This holistic approach ensures that cybersecurity is not siloed but is a shared responsibility across the enterprise.

5. Case Studies Demonstrating Effective Practices

Six cross-sector case studies are presented, showcasing how organizations in industries like defense, healthcare, insurance, manufacturing, and technology are successfully transforming their third-party risk management. These real-world examples provide valuable insights into the practical application of the recommended strategies and their positive outcomes.

6. The Role of Technology and Security Vendors

The report calls upon technology and security vendors to play a pivotal role in minimizing complexities and reducing costs associated with third-party risk management. By collaborating with organizations, vendors can develop solutions that are more aligned with the evolving cybersecurity landscape and the specific needs of businesses.

7. Industry Collaboration for Systemic Change

Recognizing that third-party risk is a widespread issue, the report advocates for industry-wide collaboration. Establishing common standards, sharing best practices, and engaging in joint initiatives can lead to systemic changes that enhance the security of the broader ecosystem. Such collective efforts are essential for addressing the complexities of modern cyber threats.

8. Moving Forward with Proactive Measures

The ESAF report concludes by encouraging organizations to adopt proactive measures in managing third-party risks. By moving beyond traditional methods and embracing innovative, collaborative, and resilient strategies, businesses can better safeguard themselves against the evolving threat landscape. The insights provided serve as a roadmap for organizations aiming to strengthen their cybersecurity frameworks in partnership with their third parties.

Sources and full article here

Navigating Supply Chain Cyber Risk

DISC InfoSec offer free initial high level assessment – Based on your needs DISC InfoSec offer ongoing compliance management or vCISO retainer.

Tags: Third-party risk management

Comments (3)

Apr 30 2025

The Role of AI in Modern Hacking: Both an Asset and a Risk

Category: AI,Cyber Threats,Hacking — disc7 @ 1:39 pm

AI’s role in modern hacking is indeed a double-edged sword, offering both powerful defensive tools and sophisticated offensive capabilities. While AI can be used to detect and prevent cyberattacks, it also provides attackers with new ways to launch more targeted and effective attacks. This makes AI a crucial element in modern cybersecurity, requiring a balanced approach to mitigate risks and leverage its benefits.

AI in Modern Hacking: A Double-Edged Sword

AI as a Shield: Enhancing Cybersecurity Defenses

Threat Detection and Prevention: AI can analyze vast amounts of data to identify anomalies and patterns indicative of cyberattacks, even those that are not yet known to traditional security systems.
Automated Incident Response: AI can automate many aspects of the incident response process, enabling faster and more effective remediation of security breaches.
Enhanced Threat Intelligence: AI can process information from multiple sources to gain a deeper understanding of potential threats and predict future attack vectors.
Vulnerability Management: AI can automate vulnerability assessments and patch management, helping organizations to proactively identify and address weaknesses in their systems.

AI as a Weapon: Amplifying Attack Capabilities

Sophisticated Phishing Attacks: AI can be used to generate highly personalized and convincing phishing emails and messages, making it more difficult for users to distinguish them from legitimate communication.
Automated Vulnerability Exploitation: AI can automate the process of identifying and exploiting vulnerabilities in software and systems, making it easier for attackers to gain access to sensitive data.
Deepfakes and Social Engineering: AI can be used to create realistic deepfakes and engage in other forms of social engineering, such as pretexting and scareware, to deceive victims and gain their trust.
Password Cracking and Data Poisoning: AI can be used to crack passwords more efficiently and manipulate data used to train AI models, potentially leading to inaccurate results and compromising security.

The Need for a Balanced Approach

Multi-Layered Security:Organizations need to adopt a multi-layered security approach that combines AI-powered tools with traditional security measures, including human expertise.
Skills Gap:The increasing reliance on AI in cybersecurity requires a skilled workforce, and organizations need to invest in training and development to address the skills gap.
Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation:The threat landscape is constantly evolving, so organizations need to continuously monitor their security posture and adapt their strategies to stay ahead of attackers.
Ethical Hacking and Red Teaming:Organizations can leverage AI for ethical hacking and red teaming exercises to test the effectiveness of their security defenses.

Countering AI-powered hacking requires a multi-layered defense strategy that blends traditional cybersecurity with AI-specific safeguards. Here are key countermeasures:

Deploy Defensive AI: Use AI/ML for threat detection, behavior analytics, and anomaly spotting to identify attacks faster than traditional tools.
Adversarial Robustness Testing: Regularly test AI systems for vulnerabilities to adversarial inputs (e.g., manipulated data that tricks models).
Zero Trust Architecture: Assume no device or user is trusted by default; verify everything continuously using identity, behavior, and device trust levels.
Model Explainability Tools: Employ tools like LIME or SHAP to understand AI decision-making and detect abnormal behavior influenced by attacks.
Secure the Supply Chain: Monitor and secure datasets, pre-trained models, and third-party AI services from tampering or poisoning.
Continuous Model Monitoring: Monitor for data drift and performance anomalies that could indicate model exploitation or evasion techniques.
AI Governance and Compliance: Enforce strict access controls, versioning, auditing, and policy adherence for all AI assets.
Human-in-the-Loop: Combine AI detection with human oversight for critical decision points, especially in security operations centers (SOCs).

In conclusion, AI has revolutionized cybersecurity, but it also presents new challenges. By understanding both the benefits and risks of AI, organizations can develop a more robust and resilient security posture.

Redefining Hacking: A Comprehensive Guide to Red Teaming and Bug Bounty Hunting in an AI-driven World

Combatting Cyber Terrorism – A guide to understanding the cyber threat landscape and incident response planning

Tags: AI hacking

Apr 30 2025

Inside Cyber Warfare: Mapping the Cyber Underworld

Category: Cyber War,Information Security,Information Warfare — disc7 @ 1:09 pm

Ben Rothke’s review of Inside Cyber Warfare: Mapping the Cyber Underworld by Jeffrey Carr offers a sobering examination of the modern landscape of cyber conflict. The book delves into the evolving nature of cyber threats, highlighting how state-sponsored actors and criminal organizations exploit digital vulnerabilities to achieve their objectives. Carr’s analysis underscores the complexity and pervasiveness of cyber warfare in today’s interconnected world.

Carr emphasizes that cyber warfare is not confined to isolated incidents but is a continuous and multifaceted threat. He illustrates how nations leverage cyber capabilities for espionage, sabotage, and influence operations. The book provides detailed accounts of various cyber attacks, shedding light on the tactics and motivations behind them. Carr’s insights reveal the strategic importance of cyber operations in modern geopolitical conflicts.

One of the critical themes in Carr’s work is the attribution challenge in cyber attacks. Determining the origin of an attack is often fraught with uncertainty, complicating responses and accountability. Carr discusses the implications of this ambiguity, particularly in the context of international law and norms. The difficulty in attributing attacks hampers efforts to deter malicious actors and enforce consequences.

Carr also explores the role of non-state actors in cyber warfare. He examines how terrorist groups, hacktivists, and criminal syndicates exploit cyberspace for their agendas. The book delves into the methods these groups use, from defacing websites to orchestrating complex cyber heists. Carr’s analysis highlights the democratization of cyber capabilities and the resulting proliferation of threats.

The book doesn’t shy away from discussing the vulnerabilities within critical infrastructure. Carr outlines how essential services like power grids, water supplies, and transportation systems are susceptible to cyber attacks. He stresses the potential for catastrophic consequences if these systems are compromised, urging for robust security measures and contingency planning.

Carr’s narrative also touches on the psychological and societal impacts of cyber warfare. He examines how disinformation campaigns and cyber propaganda can erode public trust and destabilize societies. The book provides examples of how such tactics have been employed to influence elections and sow discord, emphasizing the need for resilience against information warfare.

In conclusion, Inside Cyber Warfare serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the complexities of cyber conflict. Carr’s work is a call to action for policymakers, security professionals, and the public to recognize the gravity of cyber threats. The book advocates for international cooperation, robust cybersecurity frameworks, and public awareness to mitigate the risks posed by cyber warfare.

Sources

Tags: Cyber Warfare

RSAC™ 2025 Conference – RSAC Official Blog

Apr 29 2025

RSA 2025 spotlighted 10 innovative cybersecurity tools

Category: cyber security,Information Security,Security Tools — disc7 @ 2:29 pm

RSA 2025 spotlighted 10 innovative cybersecurity tools, including AI-driven email threat detection, phishing simulation agents, and autonomous security workflows. Vendors focused on securing AI models, improving visibility into non-human identities, and protecting APIs and AI agents from abuse. Tools for crowdsourced red teaming, binary-level vulnerability analysis, and real-time software architecture mapping also featured prominently. The trend is clear: automation, identity governance, and proactive threat exposure are front and center in the next generation of cybersecurity solutions.

Here’s a concise summary of CRN’s article on hot tools announced at RSA 2025:

1. AI in Security Operations
Palo Alto Networks and CrowdStrike showcased advanced AI tools. Palo Alto’s Cortex XSIAM 3.0 introduced smarter email threat detection and noise-reducing vulnerability management. CrowdStrike launched agentic AI tools for automated security responses and workflow generation.

2. Smarter Phishing and Data Analysis
Abnormal AI introduced two autonomous agents — one for personalized phishing training and another for digesting security data into actionable insights, streamlining analysis for cybersecurity teams.

3. Safe AI Model Training and Governance
Netskope enhanced its DSPM with features to prevent sensitive data from being used in LLM training, along with improved AI policy enforcement and risk assessments.

4. Identity and Threat Detection Innovations
Huntress expanded its Managed ITDR to tackle rogue apps and shadow workflows. Silverfort boosted non-human identity protections across cloud services, offering unified identity visibility.

5. New Approaches to Red Teaming and API Security
Bugcrowd launched crowdsourced red teaming for real-world attack simulation. Wallarm introduced protection for AI agents themselves, guarding against prompt injection and other AI-specific threats.

6. Supply Chain and Application Insights
NetRise’s ZeroLens tool detects undisclosed software flaws through binary analysis. Apiiro offered a visual graph tool for real-time understanding of software architecture and risk exposure.

🔗 Full article on CRN

Tags: innovative cybersecurity tools, RSA 2025

Information Security Risk Management for ISO 27001/ISO 27002

Apr 29 2025

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k,Risk Assessment,Security Risk Assessment — disc7 @ 11:08 am

The document “Step-by-Step Explanation of ISO 27001/ISO 27005 Risk Management” by Advisera Expert Solutions offers a comprehensive guide to implementing effective information security risk management in alignment with ISO 27001 and ISO 27005 standards. It aims to demystify the process, providing practical steps for organizations to identify, assess, and treat information security risks efficiently. Advisera

1. Introduction to Risk Management

Risk management is essential for organizations to maintain competitiveness and achieve objectives. It involves identifying, evaluating, and treating risks, particularly those related to information security. The document emphasizes that while risk management can be complex, it doesn’t have to be unnecessarily complicated. By adopting structured methodologies, organizations can manage risks effectively without excessive complexity.

2. Six Basic Steps of ISO 27001 Risk Assessment and Treatment

The risk management process is broken down into six fundamental steps:

Risk Assessment Methodology: Establishing consistent rules for conducting risk assessments across the organization.
Risk Assessment Implementation: Identifying potential problems, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine which need treatment.
Risk Treatment Implementation: Developing cost-effective strategies to mitigate identified risks.
ISMS Risk Assessment Report: Documenting all activities undertaken during the risk assessment process.
Statement of Applicability: Summarizing the results of risk treatment and serving as a key document for auditors.
Risk Treatment Plan: Outlining the implementation of controls, including responsibilities, timelines, and budgets.

Management approval is crucial for the Risk Treatment Plan to ensure the necessary resources and commitment for implementation.

3. Crafting the Risk Assessment Methodology

Developing a clear risk assessment methodology is vital. This involves defining how risks will be identified, analyzed, and evaluated. The methodology should ensure consistency and objectivity, allowing for repeatable and comparable assessments. It should also align with the organization’s context, considering its specific needs and risk appetite.

4. Identifying Risks: Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities

Effective risk identification requires understanding the organization’s assets, potential threats, and vulnerabilities. This step involves creating an inventory of information assets and analyzing how they could be compromised. By mapping threats and vulnerabilities to assets, organizations can pinpoint specific risks that need to be addressed.

5. Assessing Consequences and Likelihood

Once risks are identified, assessing their potential impact and the likelihood of occurrence is essential. This evaluation helps prioritize risks based on their severity and probability, guiding the organization in focusing its resources on the most significant threats. Both qualitative and quantitative methods can be employed to assess risks effectively.

6. Implementing Risk Treatment Strategies

After assessing risks, organizations must decide on appropriate treatment strategies. Options include avoiding, transferring, mitigating, or accepting risks. Selecting suitable controls from ISO 27001 Annex A and integrating them into the Risk Treatment Plan ensures that identified risks are managed appropriately. The plan should detail the implementation process, including responsible parties and timelines.

7. Importance of Documentation and Continuous Improvement

Documentation plays a critical role in the risk management process. The ISMS Risk Assessment Report and Statement of Applicability provide evidence of the organization’s risk management activities and decisions. These documents are essential for audits and ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, risk management should be a continuous process, with regular reviews and updates to adapt to changing threats and organizational contexts.

By following these structured steps, organizations can establish a robust risk management framework that aligns with ISO 27001 and ISO 27005 standards, enhancing their information security posture and resilience.

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, and SOC 2.

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Cyber Security 2025 Trends

Tags: iso 27001, iso 27005, Risk Assessment, Risk management

Comments (6)

Apr 28 2025

Cybersecurity Threats of 2025

Category: Cyber Threats — disc7 @ 3:46 pm

Top 5 Cybersecurity Threats of 2025

AI-Powered Cyberattacks: Hackers now use AI for smarter, faster attacks.
Defense: Deploy AI-driven security tools and invest in AI threat detection.
Deepfake Manipulations: Synthetic media is used for fraud and disinformation.
Defense: Train staff on deepfake identification and enhance verification procedures.
Quantum Computing Threats: Future quantum computers could break traditional encryption.
Defense: Start planning for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions.
IoT Exploits: Connected devices are major entry points for attacks.
Defense: Implement strict IoT security policies and update firmware regularly.
Supply Chain Attacks: Attackers target vendors and partners to breach organizations.
Defense: Conduct thorough supplier risk assessments and enforce supply chain security standards.

🔗 Full article h ere.

A quick cyber defense checklist based on the 2025 threat landscape:

Use AI-based security tools for real-time threat detection.
Educate teams to recognize deepfakes and verify communications.
Start planning for quantum-safe encryption.
Secure all IoT devices with strong configurations and regular updates.
Vet vendors carefully and audit supply chain security regularly.

Each step aligns with the latest threat trends.
Full details here: InfosecTrain Blog.

Combatting Cyber Terrorism – A guide to understanding the cyber threat landscape and incident response planning

DISC InfoSec offer free initial high level assessment – Based on your needs DISC InfoSec offer ongoing compliance management or vCISO retainer.

Tags: Cyber Security 2025 Trends, cyber threat landscape, Cybersecurity Threats of 2025, incident response planning

How to Choose a vCISO Services

Apr 28 2025

Why Small Businesses should look into vCISO Services

Category: vCISO — disc7 @ 11:49 am

Small business owners often prioritize growth, customer satisfaction, and day-to-day operations over cybersecurity. However, cyber threats do not discriminate based on business size. Small businesses are attractive targets due to their limited security resources. Engaging a Virtual Chief Information Security Officer (vCISO) offers an effective way to strengthen cybersecurity without disrupting the business focus.

Many small businesses mistakenly believe cybersecurity is only about compliance and passing audits. A vCISO goes beyond basic regulations, helping businesses proactively defend against threats and breaches that could damage customer trust, disrupt operations, and incur costly recovery expenses. Effective cybersecurity management is an essential part of protecting long-term business viability.

It’s a myth that cybercriminals only pursue large corporations. Small businesses are often easier targets because of weaker defenses and widespread use of automated tools by attackers. A vCISO helps identify and fix vulnerabilities before they are exploited, ensuring small businesses do not fall into the trap of being low-hanging fruit for cyberattacks.

While hiring a full-time Chief Information Security Officer is financially unfeasible for most small businesses, vCISO services provide top-tier cybersecurity leadership at a fraction of the cost. Businesses gain access to expert-level strategy and security program development without the burden of a six-figure salary.

Relying solely on IT generalists or Managed Service Providers (MSPs) often leaves a security leadership gap. A vCISO fills that void, providing business-aligned risk assessments and security strategies. They ensure that initiatives like cloud migrations are conducted securely, asking critical questions about access control, compliance, vendor risks, and breach management.

When a security incident occurs, fast, informed action is crucial. A vCISO ensures there’s a practiced incident response plan, enabling quick, organized reactions that minimize financial loss, downtime, and reputation damage. Without such preparation, businesses risk chaotic, delayed responses that exacerbate the fallout of attacks.

Security needs vary by industry, risk tolerance, and business model. A vCISO tailors security programs to fit each business’s specific needs, avoiding both overspending and dangerous gaps. They embed cybersecurity into everyday business processes, making protection part of growth rather than a hindrance.

In short, vCISO services bring seasoned, executive-level cybersecurity leadership to small businesses at an affordable rate. They help build strong defenses, navigate compliance, respond efficiently to threats and incidents, and align security with business goals — empowering small businesses to thrive securely in a digital world.

Micro-businesses struggle
“Cybersecurity readiness among SMBs is far from uniform, with a significant shift at the 50-employee
mark. Below this threshold, most SMBs lack formal plans and investment; above it, readiness begins
to scale. The SMB security divide is most evident among micro-businesses with fewer than 10
employees: Only 47% of these businesses have a cybersecurity plan, and more than half spend less
than 1% of their total budget on security” Crowdstrike SMBs Survey

For small and mid-sized businesses, the stakes are even higher. Without a structured and operational security program in place, they may stand little chance of effectively managing their risks.

DISC InfoSec offer free initial high level assessment – Based on your needs DISC InfoSec offer ongoing compliance management or vCISO retainer.

High-Value, Retainer-Based Security Leadership for Your Business

What is a vCISO and What are the Benefits of a Virtual CISO?

The Battle for Your Business Security: Are You Ready?

The vCISO Perspective – Understand the importance of the CISO in the cyber threat landscape

Unlocking Cybersecurity Excellence: How vCISO Services Empower SMBs

The CISO Perspective – Understand the importance of the vCISO in the cyber threat landscape

Why SMBs are turning to virtual CISOs (#vCISO) to strengthen their cybersecurity posture.

Tags: CISO, vCISO

How to Continuously Enhance Your ISO 27001 ISMS (Clause 10 Explained)

Apr 26 2025

How Can Organizations Transition to ISO 27001:2022?

Category: ISO 27k — disc7 @ 4:29 pm

The release of ISO 27001:2022 introduces key updates, especially in Annex A, which includes 11 new controls, focusing on areas such as cloud service security, business continuity, and threat intelligence. Organizations must transition to the new version by October 2025. While some existing measures might align with these controls, others, like cloud exit strategies or testing business continuity plans, often need further attention. It’s critical for companies to evaluate their processes against these changes to ensure compliance and enhance their security posture.

For more details, check the full post here.

Security Risk Assessment and ISO 27001 Gap Assessment

At DISC InfoSec, we streamline the entire process—guiding you confidently through complex frameworks such as ISO 27001, SOC 2

Here’s how we help:

Conduct gap assessments to identify compliance challenges and control maturity
Deliver straightforward, practical steps for remediation with assigned responsibility
Ensure ongoing guidance to support continued compliance with standard
Confirm your security posture through risk assessments and penetration testing

Let’s set up a quick call to explore how we can make your cybersecurity compliance process easier.

Feel free to get in touch if you have any questions about the ISO 27001 Internal audit or certification process.

Successfully completing your ISO 27001 audit confirms that your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the required standards and assures your customers of your commitment to security.

Get in touch with us to begin your ISO 27001 audit today.

Preparing for an ISO Audit: Essential Tips and Best Practices for a Successful Outcome

Is a Risk Assessment required to justify the inclusion of Annex A controls in the Statement of Applicability?

Many companies perceive ISO 27001 as just another compliance expense?

ISO 27001: Guide & key Ingredients for Certification

ISO certification training courses.

Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27001 2022, ISO 27002 2022, Transition to ISO 27001:2022