Feb 09 2026

The ISO Trifecta: Integrating Security, Privacy, and AI Governance

Category: AI Governance,CISO,ISO 27k,ISO 42001,vCISOdisc7 @ 12:09 pm

ISO 27001: The Security Foundation
ISO/IEC 27001 is the global standard for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It focuses on protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information through risk-based security controls. For most organizations, this is the bedrock—governing infrastructure security, access control, incident response, vendor risk, and operational resilience. It answers the question: Are we managing information security risks in a systematic and auditable way?

ISO 27701: Extending Security into Privacy
ISO/IEC 27701 builds directly on ISO 27001 by extending the ISMS into a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It introduces structured controls for handling personally identifiable information (PII), clarifying roles such as data controllers and processors, and aligning security practices with privacy obligations. Where ISO 27001 protects data broadly, ISO 27701 adds explicit guardrails around how personal data is collected, processed, retained, and shared—bridging security operations with privacy compliance.

ISO 42001: Governing AI Systems
ISO/IEC 42001 is the emerging standard for AI management systems. Unlike traditional IT or privacy standards, it governs the entire AI lifecycle—from design and training to deployment, monitoring, and retirement. It addresses AI-specific risks such as bias, explainability, model drift, misuse, and unintended impact. Importantly, ISO 42001 is not a bolt-on framework; it assumes security and privacy controls already exist and focuses on how AI systems amplify risk if governance is weak.

Integrating the Three into a Unified Governance, Risk, and Compliance Model
When combined, ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 42001 form an integrated governance and risk management structure—the “ISO Trifecta.” ISO 27001 provides the secure operational foundation, ISO 27701 ensures privacy and data protection are embedded into processes, and ISO 42001 acts as the governance engine for AI-driven decision-making. Together, they create mutually reinforcing controls: security protects AI infrastructure, privacy constrains data use, and AI governance ensures accountability, transparency, and continuous risk oversight. Instead of managing three separate compliance efforts, organizations can align policies, risk assessments, controls, and audits under a single, coherent management system.

Perspective: Why Integrated Governance Matters
Integrated governance is no longer optional—especially in an AI-driven world. Treating security, privacy, and AI risk as separate silos creates gaps precisely where regulators, customers, and attackers are looking. The real value of the ISO Trifecta is not certification; it’s coherence. When governance is integrated, risk decisions are consistent, controls scale across technologies, and AI systems are held to the same rigor as legacy systems. Organizations that adopt this mindset early won’t just be compliant—they’ll be trusted.

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001


Jan 31 2026

ISO 27001 in the Age of AI: A Practical Guide to Risk-Driven Information Security Management

Category: ISO 27k,Risk Assessment,Security Risk Assessmentdisc7 @ 8:22 am


Why ISMS Matters Even More in the Age of AI

In the AI-driven era, organizations are no longer just protecting traditional IT assets—they are safeguarding data pipelines, training datasets, models, prompts, decision logic, and automated actions. AI systems amplify risk because they operate at scale, learn dynamically, and often rely on opaque third-party components.

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) provides the governance backbone needed to:

  • Control how sensitive data is collected, used, and retained by AI systems
  • Manage emerging risks such as model leakage, data poisoning, hallucinations, and automated misuse
  • Align AI innovation with regulatory, ethical, and security expectations
  • Shift security from reactive controls to continuous, risk-based decision-making

ISO 27001, especially the 2022 revision, is highly relevant because it integrates modern risk concepts that naturally extend into AI governance and AI security management.


1. Core Philosophy: The CIA Triad

At the foundation of ISO 27001 lies the CIA Triad, which defines what information security is meant to protect:

  • Confidentiality
    Ensures that information is accessed only by authorized users and systems. This includes encryption, access controls, identity management, and data classification—critical for protecting sensitive training data, prompts, and model outputs in AI environments.
  • Integrity
    Guarantees that information remains accurate, complete, and unaltered unless properly authorized. Controls such as version control, checksums, logging, and change management protect against data poisoning, model tampering, and unauthorized changes.
  • Availability
    Ensures systems and data are accessible when needed. This includes redundancy, backups, disaster recovery, and resilience planning—vital for AI-driven services that often support business-critical or real-time decision-making.

Together, the CIA Triad ensures trust, reliability, and operational continuity.


2. Evolution of ISO 27001: 2013 vs. 2022

ISO 27001 has evolved to reflect modern technology and risk realities:

  • 2013 Version (Legacy)
    • 114 controls spread across 14 domains
    • Primarily compliance-focused
    • Limited emphasis on cloud, threat intelligence, and emerging technologies
  • 2022 Version (Modern)
    • Streamlined to 93 controls grouped into 4 themes: People, Organization, Technology, Physical
    • Strong emphasis on dynamic risk management
    • Explicit coverage of cloud security, data leakage prevention (DLP), and threat intelligence
    • Better alignment with agile, DevOps, and AI-driven environments

This shift makes ISO 27001:2022 far more adaptable to AI, SaaS, and continuously evolving threat landscapes.


3. ISMS Implementation Lifecycle

ISO 27001 follows a structured lifecycle that embeds security into daily operations:

  1. Define Scope – Identify what systems, data, AI workloads, and business units fall under the ISMS
  2. Risk Assessment – Identify and analyze risks affecting information assets
  3. Statement of Applicability (SoA) – Justify which controls are selected and why
  4. Implement Controls – Deploy technical, organizational, and procedural safeguards
  5. Employee Controls & Awareness – Ensure roles, responsibilities, and training are in place
  6. Internal Audit – Validate control effectiveness and compliance
  7. Certification Audit – Independent verification of ISMS maturity

This lifecycle reinforces continuous improvement rather than one-time compliance.


4. Risk Assessment: The Heart of ISO 27001

Risk assessment is the core engine of the ISMS:

  • Step 1: Identify Risks
    Identify assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and AI-specific risks (e.g., data misuse, model bias, shadow AI tools).
  • Step 2: Analyze Risks
    Evaluate likelihood and impact, considering technical, legal, and reputational consequences.
  • Step 3: Evaluate & Treat Risks
    Decide how to handle risks using one of four strategies:
    • Avoid – Eliminate the risky activity
    • Mitigate – Reduce risk through controls
    • Transfer – Shift risk via contracts or insurance
    • Accept – Formally accept residual risk

This risk-based approach ensures security investments are proportionate and justified.


5. Mandatory Clauses (Clauses 4–10)

ISO 27001 mandates seven core governance clauses:

  • Context – Understand internal and external factors, including stakeholders and AI dependencies
  • Leadership – Demonstrate top management commitment and accountability
  • Planning – Define security objectives and risk treatment plans
  • Support – Allocate resources, training, and documentation
  • Operation – Execute controls and security processes
  • Performance Evaluation – Monitor, measure, audit, and review ISMS effectiveness
  • Improvement – Address nonconformities and continuously enhance controls

These clauses ensure security is embedded at the organizational level—not just within IT.


6. Incident Management & Common Pitfalls

Incident Response Flow

A structured response minimizes damage and recovery time:

  1. Assess – Detect and analyze the incident
  2. Contain – Limit spread and impact
  3. Restore – Recover systems and data
  4. Notify – Inform stakeholders and regulators as required

Common Pitfalls

Organizations often fail due to:

  • Weak or inconsistent access controls
  • Lack of audit-ready evidence
  • Unpatched or outdated systems
  • Stale risk registers that ignore evolving threats like AI misuse

These gaps undermine both security and compliance.


My Perspective on the ISO 27001 Methodology

ISO 27001 is best understood not as a compliance checklist, but as a governance-driven risk management methodology. Its real strength lies in:

  • Flexibility across industries and technologies
  • Strong alignment with AI governance frameworks (e.g., ISO 42001, NIST AI RMF)
  • Emphasis on leadership accountability and continuous improvement

In the age of AI, ISO 27001 should be used as the foundational control layer, with AI-specific risk frameworks layered on top. Organizations that treat it as a living system—rather than a certification project—will be far better positioned to innovate securely, responsibly, and at scale.

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: isms, iso 27001


Jan 30 2026

Integrating ISO 42001 AI Management Systems into Existing ISO 27001 Frameworks

Category: AI,AI Governance,AI Guardrails,ISO 27k,ISO 42001,vCISOdisc7 @ 12:36 pm

Key Implementation Steps

Defining Your AI Governance Scope

The first step in integrating AI management systems is establishing clear boundaries within your existing information security framework. Organizations should conduct a comprehensive inventory of all AI systems currently deployed, including machine learning models, large language models, and recommendation engines. This involves identifying which departments and teams are actively using or developing AI capabilities, and mapping how these systems interact with assets already covered under your ISMS such as databases, applications, and infrastructure. For example, if your ISMS currently manages CRM and analytics platforms, you would extend coverage to include AI-powered chatbots or fraud detection systems that rely on that data.

Expanding Risk Assessment for AI-Specific Threats

Traditional information security risk registers must be augmented to capture AI-unique vulnerabilities that fall outside conventional cybersecurity concerns. Organizations should incorporate risks such as algorithmic bias and discrimination in AI outputs, model poisoning and adversarial attacks, shadow AI adoption through unauthorized LLM tools, and intellectual property leakage through training data or prompts. The ISO 42001 Annex A controls provide valuable guidance here, and organizations can leverage existing risk methodologies like ISO 27005 or NIST RMF while extending them with AI-specific threat vectors and impact scenarios.

Updating Governance Policies for AI Integration

Rather than creating entirely separate AI policies, organizations should strategically enhance existing ISMS documentation to address AI governance. This includes updating Acceptable Use Policies to restrict unauthorized use of public AI tools, revising Data Classification Policies to properly tag and protect training datasets, strengthening Third-Party Risk Policies to evaluate AI vendors and their model provenance, and enhancing Change Management Policies to enforce model version control and deployment approval workflows. The key is creating an AI Governance Policy that references and builds upon existing ISMS documents rather than duplicating effort.

Building AI Oversight into Security Governance Structures

Effective AI governance requires expanding your existing information security committee or steering council to include stakeholders with AI-specific expertise. Organizations should incorporate data scientists, AI/ML engineers, legal and privacy professionals, and dedicated risk and compliance leads into governance structures. New roles should be formally defined, including AI Product Owners who manage AI system lifecycles, Model Risk Managers who assess AI-specific threats, and Ethics Reviewers who evaluate fairness and bias concerns. Creating an AI Risk Subcommittee that reports to the existing ISMS steering committee ensures integration without fragmenting governance.

Managing AI Models as Information Assets

AI models and their associated components must be incorporated into existing asset inventory and change management processes. Each model should be registered with comprehensive metadata including training data lineage and provenance, intended purpose with performance metrics and known limitations, complete version history and deployment records, and clear ownership assignments. Organizations should leverage their existing ISMS Change Management processes to govern AI model updates, retraining cycles, and deprecation decisions, treating models with the same rigor as other critical information assets.

Aligning ISO 42001 and ISO 27001 Control Frameworks

To avoid duplication and reduce audit burden, organizations should create detailed mapping matrices between ISO 42001 and ISO 27001 Annex A controls. Many controls have significant overlap—for instance, ISO 42001’s AI Risk Management controls (A.5.2) extend existing ISO 27001 risk assessment and treatment controls (A.6 & A.8), while AI System Development requirements (A.6.1) build upon ISO 27001’s secure development lifecycle controls (A.14). By identifying these overlaps, organizations can implement unified controls that satisfy both standards simultaneously, documenting the integration for auditor review.

Incorporating AI into Security Awareness Training

Security awareness programs must evolve to address AI-specific risks that employees encounter daily. Training modules should cover responsible AI use policies and guidelines, prompt safety practices to prevent data leakage through AI interactions, recognition of bias and fairness concerns in AI outputs, and practical decision-making scenarios such as “Is it acceptable to input confidential client data into ChatGPT?” Organizations can extend existing learning management systems and awareness campaigns rather than building separate AI training programs, ensuring consistent messaging and compliance tracking.

Auditing AI Governance Implementation

Internal audit programs should be expanded to include AI-specific checkpoints alongside traditional ISMS audit activities. Auditors should verify AI model approval and deployment processes, review documentation demonstrating bias testing and fairness assessments, investigate shadow AI discovery and remediation efforts, and examine dataset security and access controls throughout the AI lifecycle. Rather than creating separate audit streams, organizations should integrate AI-specific controls into existing ISMS audit checklists for each process area, ensuring comprehensive coverage during regular audit cycles.


My Perspective

This integration approach represents exactly the right strategy for organizations navigating AI governance. Having worked extensively with both ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 implementations, I’ve seen firsthand how creating parallel governance structures leads to confusion, duplicated effort, and audit fatigue. The Rivedix framework correctly emphasizes building upon existing ISMS foundations rather than starting from scratch.

What particularly resonates is the focus on shadow AI risks and the practical awareness training recommendations. In my experience at DISC InfoSec and through ShareVault’s certification journey, the biggest AI governance gaps aren’t technical controls—they’re human behavior patterns where well-meaning employees inadvertently expose sensitive data through ChatGPT, Claude, or other LLMs because they lack clear guidance. The “47 controls you’re missing” concept between ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 provides excellent positioning for explaining why AI-specific governance matters to executives who already think their ISMS “covers everything.”

The mapping matrix approach (point 6) is essential but often overlooked. Without clear documentation showing how ISO 42001 requirements are satisfied through existing ISO 27001 controls plus AI-specific extensions, organizations end up with duplicate controls, conflicting procedures, and confused audit findings. ShareVault’s approach of treating AI systems as first-class assets in our existing change management processes has proven far more sustainable than maintaining separate AI and IT change processes.

If I were to add one element this guide doesn’t emphasize enough, it would be the importance of continuous monitoring and metrics. Organizations should establish AI-specific KPIs—model drift detection, bias metric trends, shadow AI discovery rates, training data lineage coverage—that feed into existing ISMS dashboards and management review processes. This ensures AI governance remains visible and accountable rather than becoming a compliance checkbox exercise.

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: Integrating ISO 42001, iso 27001, ISO 27701


Jan 24 2026

ISO 27001 Information Security Management: A Comprehensive Framework for Modern Organizations

Category: ISO 27k,ISO 42001,vCISOdisc7 @ 4:01 pm

ISO 27001: Information Security Management Systems

Overview and Purpose

ISO 27001 represents the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), establishing a comprehensive framework that enables organizations to systematically identify, manage, and reduce information security risks. The standard applies universally to all types of information, whether digital or physical, making it relevant across industries and organizational sizes. By adopting ISO 27001, organizations demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data and maintaining robust security practices that align with global best practices.

Core Security Principles

The foundation of ISO 27001 rests on three fundamental principles known as the CIA Triad. Confidentiality ensures that information remains accessible only to authorized individuals, preventing unauthorized disclosure. Integrity maintains the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. Availability guarantees that information and systems remain accessible when required by authorized users. These principles work together to create a holistic approach to information security, with additional emphasis on risk-based approaches and continuous improvement as essential methodologies for maintaining effective security controls.

Evolution from 2013 to 2022

The transition from ISO 27001:2013 to ISO 27001:2022 brought significant updates to the standard’s control framework. The 2013 version organized controls into 14 domains covering 114 individual controls, while the 2022 revision restructured these into 93 controls across 4 domains, eliminating fragmented controls and introducing new requirements. The updated version shifted from compliance-driven, static risk treatment to dynamic risk management, placed greater emphasis on business continuity and organizational resilience, and introduced entirely new controls addressing modern threats such as threat intelligence, ICT readiness, data masking, secure coding, cloud security, and web filtering.

Implementation Methodology

Implementing ISO 27001 follows a structured cycle beginning with defining the scope by identifying boundaries, assets, and stakeholders. Organizations then conduct thorough risk assessments to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and map risks to affected assets and business processes. This leads to establishing ISMS policies that set security objectives and demonstrate organizational commitment. The cycle continues with sustaining and monitoring through internal and external audits, implementing security controls with protective strategies, and maintaining continuous monitoring and review of risks while implementing ongoing security improvements.

Risk Assessment Framework

The risk assessment process comprises several critical stages that form the backbone of ISO 27001 compliance. Organizations must first establish scope by determining which information assets and risk assessment criteria require protection, considering impact, likelihood, and risk levels. The identification phase requires cataloging potential threats, vulnerabilities, and mapping risks to affected assets and business processes. Analysis and evaluation involve determining likelihood and assessing impact including financial exposure, reputational damage, and utilizing risk matrices. Finally, defining risk treatment plans requires selecting appropriate responses—avoiding, mitigating, transferring, or accepting risks—documenting treatment actions, assigning teams, and establishing timelines.

Security Incident Management

ISO 27001 requires a systematic approach to handling security incidents through a four-stage process. Organizations must first assess incidents by identifying their type and impact. The containment phase focuses on stopping further damage and limiting exposure. Restoration and securing involves taking corrective actions to return to normal operations. Throughout this process, organizations must notify affected parties and inform users about potential risks, report incidents to authorities, and follow legal and regulatory requirements. This structured approach ensures consistent, effective responses that minimize damage and facilitate learning from security events.

Key Security Principles in Practice

The standard emphasizes several operational security principles that organizations must embed into their daily practices. Access control restricts unauthorized access to systems and data. Data encryption protects sensitive information both at rest and in transit. Incident response planning ensures readiness for cyber threats and establishes clear protocols for handling breaches. Employee awareness maintains accurate and up-to-date personnel data, ensuring staff understand their security responsibilities. Audit and compliance checks involve regular assessments for continuous improvement, verifying that controls remain effective and aligned with organizational objectives.

Data Security and Privacy Measures

ISO 27001 requires comprehensive data protection measures spanning multiple areas. Data encryption involves implementing encryption techniques to protect personal data from unauthorized access. Access controls restrict system access based on least privilege and role-based access control (RBAC). Regular data backups maintain copies of personal data to prevent loss or corruption, adding an extra layer of protection by requiring multiple forms of authentication before granting access. These measures work together to create defense-in-depth, ensuring that even if one control fails, others remain in place to protect sensitive information.

Common Audit Issues and Remediation

Organizations frequently encounter specific challenges during ISO 27001 audits that require attention. Lack of risk assessment remains a critical issue, requiring organizations to conduct and document thorough risk analysis. Weak access controls necessitate implementing strong, password-protected policies and role-based access along with regularly updated systems. Outdated security systems require regular updates to operating systems, applications, and firmware to address known vulnerabilities. Lack of security awareness demands conducting periodic employee training to ensure staff understand their roles in maintaining security and can recognize potential threats.

Benefits and Business Value

Achieving ISO 27001 certification delivers substantial organizational benefits beyond compliance. Cost savings result from reducing the financial impact of security breaches through proactive prevention. Preparedness encourages organizations to regularly review and update their ISMS, maintaining readiness for evolving threats. Coverage ensures comprehensive protection across all information types, digital and physical. Attracting business opportunities becomes easier as certification showcases commitment to information security, providing competitive advantages and meeting client requirements, particularly in regulated industries where ISO 27001 is increasingly expected or required.

My Opinion

This post on ISO 27001 provides a remarkably comprehensive overview that captures both the structural elements and practical implications of the standard. I find the comparison between the 2013 and 2022 versions particularly valuable—it highlights how the standard has evolved to address modern threats like cloud security, data masking, and threat intelligence, demonstrating ISO’s responsiveness to the changing cybersecurity landscape.

The emphasis on dynamic risk management over static compliance represents a crucial shift in thinking that aligns with your work at DISC InfoSec. The idea that organizations must continuously assess and adapt rather than simply check boxes resonates with your perspective that “skipping layers in governance while accelerating layers in capability is where most AI risk emerges.” ISO 27001:2022’s focus on business continuity and organizational resilience similarly reflects the need for governance frameworks that can flex and scale alongside technological capability.

What I find most compelling is how the framework acknowledges that security is fundamentally about business enablement rather than obstacle creation. The benefits section appropriately positions ISO 27001 certification as a business differentiator and cost-reduction strategy, not merely a compliance burden. For our ShareVault implementation and DISC InfoSec consulting practice, this framing helps bridge the gap between technical security requirements and executive business concerns—making the case that robust information security management is an investment in organizational capability and market positioning rather than overhead.

The document could be strengthened by more explicitly addressing the integration challenges between ISO 27001 and emerging AI governance frameworks like ISO 42001, which represents the next frontier for organizations seeking comprehensive risk management across both traditional and AI-augmented systems.

Download A Comprehensive Framwork for Modern Organizations

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: isms, iso 27001


Jan 12 2026

ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002: Why Governance Comes Before Controls

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k,vCISOdisc7 @ 8:49 am

Structured summary of the difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002

  1. ISO 27001 is frequently misunderstood, and this misunderstanding is a major reason many organizations struggle even after achieving certification. The standard is often treated as a technical security guide, when in reality it is not designed to explain how to secure systems.
  2. At its core, ISO 27001 defines the management system for information security. It focuses on governance, leadership responsibility, risk ownership, and accountability rather than technical implementation details.
  3. The standard answers the question of what must exist in an organization: clear policies, defined roles, risk-based decision-making, and management oversight for information security.
  4. ISO 27002, on the other hand, plays a very different role. It is not a certification standard and does not make an organization compliant on its own.
  5. Instead, ISO 27002 provides practical guidance and best practices for implementing security controls. It explains how controls can be designed, deployed, and operated effectively.
  6. However, ISO 27002 only delivers value when strong governance already exists. Without the structure defined by ISO 27001, control guidance becomes fragmented and inconsistently applied.
  7. A useful way to think about the relationship is simple: ISO 27001 defines governance and accountability, while ISO 27002 supports control implementation and operational execution.
  8. In practice, many organizations make the mistake of deploying tools and controls first, without establishing clear ownership and risk accountability. This often leads to audit findings despite significant security investments.
  9. Controls rarely fail on their own. When controls break down, the root cause is usually weak governance, unclear responsibilities, or poor risk decision-making rather than technical shortcomings.
  10. When used together, ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 go beyond helping organizations pass audits. They strengthen risk management, improve audit outcomes, and build long-term trust with regulators, customers, and stakeholders.

My opinion:
The real difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 is the difference between certification and security maturity. Organizations that chase controls without governance may pass short-term checks but remain fragile. True resilience comes when leadership owns risk, governance drives decisions, and controls are implemented as a consequence—not a substitute—for accountability.

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27001 2022, iso 27001 certification, ISO 27001 Internal Audit, ISO 27001 Lead Implementer, iso 27002


Jan 10 2026

When Security Is Optional—Until It Isn’t

ISO/IEC 27001 is often described as “essential,” but in reality, it remains a voluntary standard rather than a mandatory requirement. Its value depends less on obligation and more on organizational intent.

When leadership genuinely understands how deeply the business relies on information, the importance of managing information risk becomes obvious. In such cases, adopting 27001 is simply a logical extension of good governance.

For informed management teams, information security is not a technical checkbox but a business enabler. They recognize that protecting data protects revenue, reputation, and operational continuity.

In these environments, frameworks like 27001 support disciplined decision-making, accountability, and long-term resilience. The standard provides structure, not bureaucracy.

However, when leadership does not grasp the organization’s information dependency, advocacy often falls on deaf ears. No amount of persuasion will compensate for a lack of awareness.

Pushing too hard in these situations can be counterproductive. Without perceived risk, security efforts are seen as cost, friction, or unnecessary compliance.

Sometimes, the most effective catalyst is experience rather than explanation. A near miss or a real incident often succeeds where presentations and risk registers fail.

Once the business feels tangible pain—financial loss, customer impact, or reputational damage—the conversation changes quickly. Security suddenly becomes urgent and relevant.

That is when security leaders are invited in as problem-solvers, not prophets—stepping forward to help stabilize, rebuild, and guide the organization toward stronger governance and risk management.

My opinion:

This perspective is pragmatic, realistic, and—while a bit cynical—largely accurate in how organizations actually behave.

In an ideal world, leadership would proactively invest in ISO 27001 because they understand information risk as a core business risk. In practice, many organizations only act when risk becomes experiential rather than theoretical. Until there is pain, security feels optional.

That said, waiting for an incident should never be the strategy—it’s simply the pattern we observe. Incidents are expensive teachers, and the damage often exceeds what proactive governance would have cost. From a maturity standpoint, reactive adoption signals weak risk leadership.

The real opportunity for security leaders and vCISOs is to translate information risk into business language before the crisis: revenue impact, downtime, legal exposure, and trust erosion. When that translation lands, 27001 stops being “optional” and becomes a management tool.

Ultimately, ISO 27001 is not about compliance—it’s about decision quality. Organizations that adopt it early tend to be deliberate, resilient, and better governed. Those that adopt it after an incident are often doing damage control.

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At DISC InfoSec, we help organizations navigate this landscape by aligning AI risk management, governance, security, and compliance into a single, practical roadmap. Whether you are experimenting with AI or deploying it at scale, we help you choose and operationalize the right frameworks to reduce risk and build trust. Learn more at DISC InfoSec.

Tags: iso 27001, Real Risk


Dec 12 2025

When a $3K “cybersecurity gap assessment” reveals you don’t actually have cybersecurity to assess…

Category: Information Security,ISO 27k,vCISOdisc7 @ 8:51 am

When a $3K “cybersecurity gap assessment” reveals you don’t actually have cybersecurity to assess…

A prospect just reached out wanting to pay me $3,000 to assess their ISO 27001 readiness.

Here’s how that conversation went:

Me: “Can you share your security policies and procedures?” Them: “We don’t have any.”

Me: “How about your latest penetration test, vulnerability scans, or cloud security assessments?” Them: “Nothing.”

Me: “What about your asset inventory, vendor register, or risk assessments?” Them: “We haven’t done those.”

Me: “Have you conducted any vendor security due diligence or data privacy reviews?” Them: “No.”

Me: “Let’s try HR—employee contracts, job descriptions, onboarding/offboarding procedures?” Them: “It’s all ad hoc. Nothing formal.”


Here’s the problem: You can’t assess what doesn’t exist.

It’s like subscribing to a maintenance plan for an appliance you don’t own yet

The reality? Many organizations confuse “having IT systems” with “having cybersecurity.” They’re running business-critical operations with zero security foundation—no documentation, no testing, no governance.

What they actually need isn’t an assessment. It’s a security program built from the ground up.

ISO 27001 compliance isn’t a checkbox exercise. It requires: âś“ Documented policies and risk management processes âś“ Regular security testing and validation âś“ Asset and vendor management frameworks âś“ HR security controls and awareness training

If you’re in this situation, here’s my advice: Don’t waste money on assessments. Invest in building foundational security controls first. Then assess.

What’s your take? Have you encountered organizations confusing security assessment with security implementation?

#CyberSecurity #ISO27001 #InfoSec #RiskManagement #ISMS

DISC InfoSec blog post on ISO 27k

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Get in touch if you want a thorough evaluation of how your environment aligns with ISO 27001 or ISO 42001 requirements.

Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27001 gap assessment


Sep 18 2025

Managing AI Risk: Building a Risk-Aware Strategy with ISO 42001, ISO 27001, and NIST

Category: AI,AI Governance,CISO,ISO 27k,ISO 42001,vCISOdisc7 @ 7:59 am

Managing AI Risk: A Practical Approach to Responsibly Managing AI with ISO 42001 treats building a risk-aware strategy, relevant standards (ISO 42001, ISO 27001, NIST, etc.), the role of an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS), and what the future of AI risk management might look like.


1. Framing a Risk-Aware AI Strategy
The book begins by laying out the need for organizations to approach AI not just as a source of opportunity (innovation, efficiency, etc.) but also as a domain rife with risk: ethical risks (bias, fairness), safety, transparency, privacy, regulatory exposure, reputational risk, and so on. It argues that a risk-aware strategy must be integrated into the whole AI lifecycle—from design to deployment and maintenance. Key in its framing is that risk management shouldn’t be an afterthought or a compliance exercise; it should be embedded in strategy, culture, governance structures. The idea is to shift from reactive to proactive: anticipating what could go wrong, and building in mitigations early.

2. How the book leverages ISO 42001 and related standards
A core feature of the book is that it aligns its framework heavily with ISO IEC 42001:2023, which is the first international standard to define requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). The book draws connections between 42001 and adjacent or overlapping standards—such as ISO 27001 (information security), ISO 31000 (risk management in general), as well as NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework (AI RMF 1.0). The treatment helps the reader see how these standards can interoperate—where one handles confidentiality, security, access controls (ISO 27001), another handles overall risk governance, etc.—and how 42001 fills gaps specific to AI: lifecycle governance, transparency, ethics, stakeholder traceability.

3. The Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS) as central tool
The concept of an AI Management System (AIMS) is at the heart of the book. An AIMS per ISO 42001 is a set of interrelated or interacting elements of an organization (policies, controls, processes, roles, tools) intended to ensure responsible development and use of AI systems. The author Andrew Pattison walks through what components are essential: leadership commitment; roles and responsibilities; risk identification, impact assessment; operational controls; monitoring, performance evaluation; continual improvement. One strength is the practical guidance: not just “you should do these”, but how to embed them in organizations that don’t have deep AI maturity yet. The book emphasizes that an AIMS is more than a set of policies—it’s a living system that must adapt, learn, and respond as AI systems evolve, as new risks emerge, and as external demands (laws, regulations, public expectations) shift.

4. Comparison and contrasts: ISO 42001, ISO 27001, and NIST
In comparing standards, the book does a good job of pointing out both overlaps and distinct value: for example, ISO 27001 is strong on information security, confidentiality, integrity, availability; it has proven structures for risk assessment and for ensuring controls. But AI systems pose additional, unique risks (bias, accountability of decision-making, transparency, possible harms in deployment) that are not fully covered by a pure security standard. NIST’s AI Risk Management Framework provides flexible guidance especially for U.S. organisations or those aligning with U.S. governmental expectations: mapping, measuring, managing risks in a more domain-agnostic way. Meanwhile, ISO 42001 brings in the notion of an AI-specific management system, lifecycle oversight, and explicit ethical / governance obligations. The book argues that a robust strategy often uses multiple standards: e.g. ISO 27001 for information security, ISO 42001 for overall AI governance, NIST AI RMF for risk measurement & tools.

5. Practical tools, governance, and processes
The author does more than theory. There are discussions of impact assessments, risk matrices, audit / assurance, third-party oversight, monitoring for model drift / unanticipated behavior, documentation, and transparency. Some of the more compelling content is about how to do risk assessments early (before deployment), how to engage stakeholders, how to map out potential harms (both known risks and emergent/unknown ones), how governance bodies (steering committees, ethics boards) can play a role, how responsibility should be assigned, how controls should be tested. The book does point out real challenges: culture change, resource constraints, measurement difficulties, especially for ethical or fairness concerns. But it provides guidance on how to surmount or mitigate those.

6. What might be less strong / gaps
While the book is very useful, there are areas where some readers might want more. For instance, in scaling these practices in organizations with very little AI maturity: the resource costs, how to bootstrap without overengineering. Also, while it references standards and regulations broadly, there may be less depth on certain jurisdictional regulatory regimes (e.g. EU AI Act in detail, or sector-specific requirements). Another area that is always hard—and the book is no exception—is anticipating novel risks: what about very advanced AI systems (e.g. generative models, large language models) or AI in uncontrolled environments? Some of the guidance is still high-level when it comes to edge-cases or worst-case scenarios. But this is a natural trade-off given the speed of AI advancement.

7. Future of AI & risk management: trends and implications
Looking ahead, the book suggests that risk management in AI will become increasingly central as both regulatory pressure and societal expectations grow. Standards like ISO 42001 will be adopted more widely, possibly even made mandatory or incorporated into regulation. The idea of “certification” or attestation of compliance will gain traction. Also, the monitoring, auditing, and accountability functions will become more technically and institutionally mature: better tools for algorithmic transparency, bias measurement, model explainability, data provenance, and impact assessments. There’ll also be more demand for cross-organizational cooperation (e.g. supply chains and third-party models), for oversight of external models, for AI governance in ecosystems rather than isolated systems. Finally, there is an implication that organizations that don’t get serious about risk will pay—through regulation, loss of trust, or harm. So the future is of AI risk management moving from “nice-to-have” to “mission-critical.”


Overall, Managing AI Risk is a strong, timely guide. It bridges theory (standards, frameworks) and practice (governance, processes, tools) well. It makes the case that ISO 42001 is a useful centerpiece for any AI risk strategy, especially when combined with other standards. If you are planning or refining an AI strategy, building or implementing an AIMS, or anticipating future regulatory change, this book gives a solid and actionable foundation.

Secure Your Business. Simplify Compliance. Gain Peace of Mind

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Tags: iso 27001, ISO 42001, Managing AI Risk, NIST


Aug 26 2025

From Compliance to Trust: Rethinking Security in 2025

Category: AI,Information Privacy,ISO 42001disc7 @ 8:45 am

Cybersecurity is no longer confined to the IT department — it has become a fundamental issue of business survival. The past year has shown that security failures don’t just disrupt operations; they directly impact reputation, financial stability, and customer trust. Organizations that continue to treat it as a back-office function risk being left exposed.

Over the last twelve months, we’ve seen high-profile companies fined millions of dollars for data breaches. These penalties demonstrate that regulators and customers alike are holding businesses accountable for their ability to protect sensitive information. The cost of non-compliance now goes far beyond the technical cleanup — it threatens long-term credibility.

Another worrying trend has been the exploitation of supply chain partners. Attackers increasingly target smaller vendors with weaker defenses to gain access to larger organizations. This highlights that cybersecurity is no longer contained within one company’s walls; it is interconnected, making vendor oversight and third-party risk management critical.

Adding to the challenge is the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence. While AI brings efficiency and innovation, it also introduces untested and often misunderstood risks. From data poisoning to model manipulation, organizations are entering unfamiliar territory, and traditional controls don’t always apply.

Despite these evolving threats, many businesses continue to frame the wrong question: “Do we need certification?” While certification has its value, it misses the bigger picture. The right question is: “How do we protect our data, our clients, and our reputation — and demonstrate that commitment clearly?” This shift in perspective is essential to building a sustainable security culture.

This is where frameworks such as ISO 27001, ISO 27701, and ISO 42001 play a vital role. They are not merely compliance checklists; they provide structured, internationally recognized approaches for managing security, privacy, and AI governance. Implemented correctly, these frameworks become powerful tools to build customer trust and show measurable accountability.

Every organization faces its own barriers in advancing security and compliance. For some, it’s budget constraints; for others, it’s lack of leadership buy-in or a shortage of skilled professionals. Recognizing and addressing these obstacles early is key to moving forward. Without tackling them, even the best frameworks will sit unused, failing to provide real protection.

My advice: Stop viewing cybersecurity as a cost center or certification exercise. Instead, approach it as a business enabler — one that safeguards reputation, strengthens client relationships, and opens doors to new opportunities. Begin by identifying your organization’s greatest barrier, then create a roadmap that aligns frameworks with business goals. When leadership sees cybersecurity as an investment in trust, adoption becomes much easier and far more impactful.

How to Leverage Generative AI for ISO 27001 Implementation

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

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

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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, ISO 42001, ISO 27701 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.

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Tags: iso 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 42001


Jul 18 2025

Mitigate and adapt with AICM (AI Controls Matrix)

Category: AI,ISO 42001disc7 @ 9:03 am

The AICM (AI Controls Matrix) is a cybersecurity and risk management framework developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) to help organizations manage AI-specific risks across the AI lifecycle.

AICM stands for AI Controls Matrix, and it is:

  • risk and control framework tailored for Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems.
  • Built to address trustworthiness, safety, and compliance in the design, development, and deployment of AI.
  • Structured across 18 security domains with 243 control objectives.
  • Aligned with existing standards like:
    • ISO/IEC 42001 (AI Management Systems)
    • ISO/IEC 27001
    • NIST AI Risk Management Framework
    • BSI AIC4
    • EU AI Act

+———————————————————————————+
| ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE CONTROL MATRIX (AICM) |
| 243 Control Objectives | 18 Security Domains |
+———————————————————————————+

Domain No.Domain NameExample Controls Count
1Governance & Leadership15
2Risk Management14
3Compliance & Legal13
4AI Ethics & Responsible AI18
5Data Governance16
6Model Lifecycle Management17
7Privacy & Data Protection15
8Security Architecture13
9Secure Development Practices15
10Threat Detection & Response12
11Monitoring & Logging12
12Access Control14
13Supply Chain Security13
14Business Continuity & Resilience12
15Human Factors & Awareness14
16Incident Management14
17Performance & Explainability13
18Third-Party Risk Management13
+———————————————————————————+
TOTAL CONTROL OBJECTIVES: 243
+———————————————————————————+

Legend:
📘 = Policy Control
🔧 = Technical Control
🧠 = Human/Process Control
🛡️ = Risk/Compliance Control

🧩 Key Features

  • Covers traditional cybersecurity and AI-specific threats (e.g., model poisoning, data leakage, prompt injection).
  • Applies across the entire AI lifecycle—from data ingestion and training to deployment and monitoring.
  • Includes a companion tool: the AI-CAIQ (Consensus Assessment Initiative Questionnaire for AI), enabling organizations to self-assess or vendor-assess against AICM controls.

🎯 Why It Matters

As AI becomes pervasive in business, compliance, and critical infrastructure, traditional frameworks (like ISO 27001 alone) are no longer enough. AICM helps organizations:

  • Implement responsible AI governance
  • Identify and mitigate AI-specific security risks
  • Align with upcoming global regulations (like the EU AI Act)
  • Demonstrate AI trustworthiness to customers, auditors, and regulators

Here are the 18 security domains covered by the AICM framework:

  1. Audit and Assurance
  2. Application and Interface Security
  3. Business Continuity Management and Operational Resilience
  4. Change Control and Configuration Management
  5. Cryptography, Encryption and Key Management
  6. Datacenter Security
  7. Data Security and Privacy Lifecycle Management
  8. Governance, Risk and Compliance
  9. Human Resources
  10. Identity and Access Management (IAM)
  11. Interoperability and Portability
  12. Infrastructure Security
  13. Logging and Monitoring
  14. Model Security
  15. Security Incident Management, E‑Discovery & Cloud Forensics
  16. Supply Chain Management, Transparency and Accountability
  17. Threat & Vulnerability Management
  18. Universal Endpoint Management

Gap Analysis Template based on AICM (Artificial Intelligence Control Matrix)

#DomainControl ObjectiveCurrent State (1-5)Target State (1-5)GapResponsibleEvidence/NotesRemediation ActionDue Date
1Governance & LeadershipAI governance structure is formally defined.253John D.No documented AI policyDraft governance charter2025-08-01
2Risk ManagementAI risk taxonomy is established and used.341Priya M.Partial mappingAlign with ISO 238942025-07-25
3Privacy & Data ProtectionAI models trained on PII have privacy controls.154Sarah W.Privacy review not performedConduct DPIA2025-08-10
4AI Ethics & Responsible AIAI systems are evaluated for bias and fairness.253Ethics BoardInformal process onlyImplement AI fairness tools2025-08-15

🔢 Scoring Scale (Current & Target State)

  • 1 – Not Implemented
  • 2 – Partially Implemented
  • 3 – Implemented but Not Reviewed
  • 4 – Implemented and Reviewed
  • 5 – Optimized and Continuously Improved

The AICM contains 243 control objectives distributed across 18 security domains, analyzed by five critical pillars, including Control Type, Control Applicability and Ownership, Architectural Relevance, LLM Lifecycle Relevance, and Threat Category.

It maps to leading standards, including NIST AI RMF 1.0 (via AI NIST 600-1), and BSI AIC4 (included today), as well as ISO 42001 & ISO 27001 (next month).

This will be the framework for STAR for AI organizational certification program. Any AI model provider, cloud service provider or SaaS provider will want to go through this program. CSA is leaving it open as to enterprises, they believe it is going to make sense for them to consider the certification as well. The release includes the Consensus Assessment Initiative Questionnaire for AI (AI-CAIQ), so CSA encourage you to start thinking about showing your alignment with AICM soon.

CSA will also adapt our Valid-AI-ted AI-based automated scoring tool to analyze AI-CAIQ submissions

Download info and 7 minute intro video: https://lnkd.in/gZmWkQ8V

#AIGuardrails #CSA #AIControlsMatrix #AICM

🎯 Use Case: ISO/IEC 42001-Based AI Governance Gap Analysis (Customized AICM)

#AICM DomainISO 42001 ClauseControl ObjectiveCurrent State (1–5)Target State (1–5)GapResponsibleEvidence/NotesRemediation ActionDue Date
1Governance & Leadership5.1 LeadershipLeadership demonstrates AI responsibility and commitment253CTONo AI charter signed by execsFormalize AI governance charter2025-08-01
2Risk Management6.1 Actions to address risksAI risk register and risk criteria are defined and maintained341Risk LeadRisk register lacks AI-specific itemsIntegrate AI risks into enterprise ERM2025-08-05
3AI Ethics & Responsible AI6.3 Ethical impact assessmentAI system ethical impact is documented and reviewed periodically154Ethics TeamNo structured ethical reviewCreate ethics impact assessment process2025-08-15
4Data Governance8.3 Data & data qualityData used in AI is validated, labeled, and assessed for bias253Data OwnerInconsistent labeling practicesImplement AI data QA framework2025-08-20
5Model Lifecycle Management8.2 AI lifecycleAI lifecycle stages are defined and documented (from design to EOL)253ML LeadNo documented lifecycleAdopt ISO 42001 lifecycle guidance2025-08-30
6Privacy & Data Protection8.3.2 Privacy & PIIPII used in AI training is minimized, protected, and compliant253DPONo formal PII minimization strategyConduct AI-focused DPIAs2025-08-10
7Monitoring & Logging9.1 MonitoringAI systems are continuously monitored for drift, bias, and failure352DevOpsLogging enabled, no alerts setAutomate AI model monitoring2025-09-01
8Performance & Explainability8.4 ExplainabilityModels provide human-understandable decisions where needed143AI TeamBlack-box model in productionAdopt SHAP/LIME/XAI tools2025-09-10

🧭 Scoring Scale:

  • 1 – Not Implemented
  • 2 – Partially Implemented
  • 3 – Implemented but not Audited
  • 4 – Audited and Maintained
  • 5 – Integrated and Continuously Improved

🔗 Key Mapping to ISO/IEC 42001 Sections:

  • Clause 4: Context of the organization
  • Clause 5: Leadership
  • Clause 6: Planning (risk, opportunities, impact)
  • Clause 7: Support (resources, awareness, documentation)
  • Clause 8: Operation (AI lifecycle, data, privacy)
  • Clause 9: Performance evaluation (monitoring, audit)
  • Clause 10: Improvement (nonconformity, corrective action)

DISC InfoSec’s earlier posts on the AI topic

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Tags: #AI Guardrails, #CSA, AI Controls Matrix, AICM, Controls Matrix, EU AI Act, iso 27001, ISO 42001, NIST AI Risk Management Framework


May 12 2025

Historical data on the number of ISO/IEC 27001 certifications by country across the Globe

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 10:03 am

ISO/IEC 27001 certifications by country worldwide reveals significant trends in information security management. Here’s a comprehensive overview based on the latest available information:

Key Insights on ISO/IEC 27001 Certifications Globally

  1. Global Trends:
    • The number of ISO/IEC 27001 certifications has been steadily increasing, reflecting a growing emphasis on information security across various sectors.
    • Countries with robust technology sectors and regulatory frameworks tend to have higher certification numbers.
  2. Top Countries by Certifications:
    • China: Leads the world with the highest number of ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, driven by its vast technology and manufacturing sectors.
    • Japan: Consistently ranks high, showcasing a strong commitment to information security.
    • United Kingdom: A significant player in the certification landscape, particularly in finance and technology.
    • India: Rapid growth in certifications, especially in IT and service industries.
    • Italy: Notable for its increasing number of certifications, particularly in the manufacturing and service sectors.

the top ten countries with the most ISO/IEC 27001 certifications based on the latest available data:

RankCountryNumber of Certifications
1China295,501
2Japan20,892
3Italy20,294
4United Kingdom18,717
5Spain14,778
6South Korea13,439
7Germany13,383
8India12,562
9France10,000
10Brazil9,500

  1. Historical Data Overview:
    • The ISO Survey provides annual updates on the number of valid certificates issued for various ISO management standards, including ISO/IEC 27001.
    • Recent reports indicate a steady increase in certifications from 2021 to 2024, with projections suggesting continued growth through 2033.

Notable Statistics from Recent Reports

  • ISO Survey 2022:
    • The report highlighted that over 50,000 ISO/IEC 27001 certificates were issued globally, with significant contributions from the top countries mentioned above.
  • Growth Rate:
    • The annual growth rate of certifications has been approximately 10-15% in recent years, indicating a strong trend towards adopting information security standards.

Resources for Detailed Data

  • ISO Survey: This annual report provides comprehensive statistics on ISO certifications by country and standard.
  • Market Reports: Various market analysis reports offer insights into certification trends and forecasts.
  • Compliance Guides: Websites like ISMS.online provide jurisdiction-specific guides detailing compliance and certification statistics.

The landscape of ISO/IEC 27001 certifications is dynamic, with significant growth observed globally. For the most accurate and detailed historical data, consulting the ISO Survey and specific market reports will be beneficial. If you have a particular country in mind or need more specific data, feel free to ask! 😊

ISO/IEC 27001 Certification Trends in Asia

ISO’s annual surveys show that information-security management (ISO/IEC 27001) certification in Asia has grown strongly over the past decade, led by China, Japan and India. For example, China’s count rose from 8,356 certificates in 2019 (scribd.com) to 26,301 in 2022 (scribd.com) (driven by rapid uptake in large enterprises and government sectors), before dropping to 4,108 in 2023 (when China’s accreditation body did not report data) (oxebridge.com). Japan’s figures were more moderate: 5,245 in 2019, 6,987 in 2022 (scribd.com), and 5,599 in 202 (scribd.com). India’s counts have steadily climbed as well (2,309 in 2019 (scribd.com) to 2,969 in 2022 (scribd.com) and 3,877 in 2023 (scribd.com). Other Asian countries show similar upward trends: for instance, Indonesia grew from 274 certs in 2019 (scribd.com) to 783 in 2023 (scribd.com).

Country20192020202120222023
China8,35612,40318,44626,3014,108
Japan5,2455,6456,5876,9875,599
India2,3092,2262,7752,9693,877
Indonesia274542702822783
Others (Asia)……………

Table: Number of ISO/IEC 27001 certified organizations by country (Asia), year-end totals from ISO surveys (scribd.comscribd.comscribd.com). (China’s 2023 data is low due to missing report (oxebridge.com.)

Top Asian Countries

  • China: Historically the largest ISO/IEC 27001 market in Asia. Its certificate count surged through 2019–22 (scribd.comscribd.com) before the 2023 reporting gap.
  • Japan: Consistently the #2 in Asia. Japan had 5,245 certs in 2019 and ~6,987 by 2022 (scribd.com), dipping to 5,599 in 2023 (scribd.com).
  • India: The #3 Asian country. India grew from 2,309 (2019) (scribd.com) to 2,969 (2022) (scribd.com) and 3,877 (2023) (scribd.com). This reflects strong uptake in IT and financial services.
  • Others: Other notable countries include Indonesia (grew from 274 certs in 2019 to 783 in 2023 (scribd.comscribd.com), Malaysia and Singapore (each a few hundred certs), South Korea (hundreds to low-thousands), Taiwan (700+ certs by 2019) and several Middle Eastern nations (e.g. UAE, Saudi Arabia) that have adopted ISO 27001 in financial/government sectors.

These leading Asian countries typically mirror global trends, but regional factors matter: the huge 2022 jump in China likely reflects aggressive national cybersecurity initiatives. Conversely, the 2023 data distortion underscores how participation (reporting) can affect totals (oxebridge.com).

Sector Adoption

Across Asia, key industries driving ISO/IEC 27001 adoption are those with high information security needs. Market analyses note that IT/telecommunications, banking/finance (BFSI), healthcare and manufacturing are the biggest ISO 27001 markets. In practice, many Asian tech firms, financial institutions and government agencies (plus critical manufacturing exporters) have pursued ISO 27001 to meet regulatory and customer demands. For example, Asia’s financial regulators often encourage ISO 27001 for banks, and major telecom/IT companies in China, India and Japan routinely certify to it. This sectoral demand underpins the regional growth shown above businessresearchinsights.com.

Overall, the ISO data shows a clear upward trend for Asia’s top countries, with China historically leading and countries like India and Japan steadily catching up. The only major recent anomaly was China’s 2023 drop (an ISO survey artifact (oxebridge.com). The chart and table above summarize the year‑by‑year growth for these key countries, highlighting the continued expansion of ISO/IEC 27001 in Asia.

Sources: ISO Annual Survey reports and industry analyses (data as of 2019–2023). The ISO Survey notes that China’s 2023 data were incomplete

Understanding ISO 27001: Your Guide to Information Security

How to Leverage Generative AI for ISO 27001 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.


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

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

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

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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.

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

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Tags: iso 27001, iso 27001 certification


May 10 2025

Understanding ISO 27001: Your Guide to Information Security

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 9:57 am

🌟 Today, let’s dive into the world of ISO 27001, a crucial standard for anyone or any organization interested in information security. If you’re looking to protect your organization’s data, this is the gold standard you need to know about!

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It was first published in October 2005 and has been updated, with the latest version released in 2022.

Why is it Important?

  1. Risk Management: Helps organizations identify and manage risks to their information.
  2. Compliance: Assists in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
  3. Trust: Builds confidence with clients and stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to information security.

Key Components

  • Establishing an ISMS: Setting up a framework to manage sensitive information.
  • Continuous Improvement: Regularly updating and improving security measures.
  • Employee Training: Ensuring everyone in the organization understands their role in maintaining security.

Who Should Consider ISO 27001?

Any organization that handles sensitive information, from small businesses to large corporations, can benefit from ISO 27001. It’s especially relevant for sectors like finance, healthcare, and technology.

In a nutshell, ISO 27001 is all about safeguarding and protecting your information assets and ensuring that your organization is prepared for any security challenges that may arise. So, if you’re serious about protecting your data, this standard is definitely worth considering!

Got any questions about implementing ISO 27001 or how it can benefit your organization? Let’s chat!

Your Quick Guide to ISO 27001 Implementation Steps

Hey there! If you’re diving into the world of information security, you’ve probably heard of ISO 27001. It’s a big deal for organizations looking to protect their data. So, let’s break down the implementation steps in a casual way, shall we?

1. Get Management Buy-In

First things first, you need the support of your top management. This is crucial for securing resources and commitment.

2. Define the Scope

Next, outline what your Information Security Management System (ISMS) will cover. This helps in focusing your efforts.

3. Conduct a Risk Assessment

Identify potential risks to your information assets. This step is all about understanding what you need to protect.

4. Develop a Risk Treatment Plan

Once you know the risks, create a plan to address them. This could involve implementing new controls or improving existing ones.

5. Set Up Policies and Procedures

Document your security policies and procedures. This ensures everyone knows their roles and responsibilities.

6. Implement Controls

Put your risk treatment plan into action by implementing the necessary controls. This is where the rubber meets the road!

7. Train Your Team

Make sure everyone is on the same page. Conduct training sessions to educate your staff about the new policies and procedures.

8. Monitor and Review

Regularly check how well your ISMS is performing. This includes monitoring controls and reviewing policies.

9. Conduct Internal Audits

Schedule audits to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 standards. This helps identify areas for improvement.

10. Management Review

Hold a management review meeting to discuss the audit findings and overall performance of the ISMS.

11. Continuous Improvement

ISO 27001 is all about continuous improvement. Use the insights gained from audits and reviews to enhance your ISMS.

12. Certification

Finally, if you’re aiming for certification, prepare for an external audit. This is the final step to officially becoming ISO 27001 certified!

And there you have it! A quick and easy guide to implementing ISO 27001. Remember, it’s all about protecting your information and continuously improving your processes based on information security risks which align with your business objectives . Got any questions or need more details on a specific step? Just let us know!

How to Leverage Generative AI for ISO 27001 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.


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

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

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

Tags: InfoSec guide, iso 27001, iso 27001 certification


May 09 2025

How to Leverage Generative AI for ISO 27001 Implementation

Category: Information Security,ISO 27kdisc7 @ 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.

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

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

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

Tags: GenAI, iso 27001


May 05 2025

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

Category: AI,ISO 27kdisc7 @ 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/IEC 42001:2023, First Edition: Information technology – Artificial intelligence – Management system

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

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

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

“AI Regulation: Global Challenges and Opportunities”

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

Tags: AIMS, isms, iso 27001, ISO 42001


May 04 2025

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

Category: Information Security,ISO 27kdisc7 @ 11:54 am

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.
  6. 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.
  7. 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.
  8. 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

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

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


May 01 2025

ISO 27001 Compliance: Reduce Risks and Drive Business Value

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

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps


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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

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


Apr 29 2025

ISO 27001:2022 Risk Management Steps

​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:​

  1. Risk Assessment Methodology: Establishing consistent rules for conducting risk assessments across the organization.
  2. Risk Assessment Implementation: Identifying potential problems, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine which need treatment.
  3. Risk Treatment Implementation: Developing cost-effective strategies to mitigate identified risks.
  4. ISMS Risk Assessment Report: Documenting all activities undertaken during the risk assessment process.
  5. Statement of Applicability: Summarizing the results of risk treatment and serving as a key document for auditors.
  6. 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.

Information Security Risk Management for ISO 27001/ISO 27002

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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

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


Apr 26 2025

How Can Organizations Transition to ISO 27001:2022?

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 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.

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.

ISO 27001 Compliance and Certification

ISMS and ISO 27k training

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.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

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

DISC InfoSec Previous posts on ISO27k

ISO certification training courses.

ISMS and ISO 27k training

Difference Between Internal and External Audit

InfoSec services | InfoSec books | Follow our blog | DISC llc is listed on The vCISO Directory | ISO 27k Chat bot | Comprehensive vCISO Services | ISMS Services | Security Risk Assessment Services

 

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


Apr 11 2025

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

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 12:08 pm

Maintaining an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) under ISO 27001 necessitates ongoing evaluation and enhancement. Clause 10 of the standard emphasizes the importance of continual improvement to ensure that security measures remain robust and aligned with organizational objectives. This involves regularly monitoring the effectiveness of implemented controls, measuring their performance against set objectives, and making necessary adjustments to address evolving information security risks.

The dynamic nature of information security threats, particularly in the cyber realm, requires organizations to be proactive. Cybercriminals continually develop new tools and methods, making it imperative for organizations to adapt their defenses accordingly. Additionally, as organizations evolve, new risks may emerge, and existing ones may change, underscoring the need for continuous assessment and refinement of security measures.

ISO 27001’s Clause 10.1 mandates organizations to continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of their ISMS. This can be achieved by identifying opportunities for enhancement during management reviews and through the nonconformity and corrective action processes outlined in Clause 10.2. Regular internal audits and management reviews play a crucial role in this continual improvement cycle. ​

Nonconformities within an ISMS are categorized into three types: major nonconformities, minor nonconformities, and opportunities for improvement (OFIs). Major nonconformities indicate significant failures, such as the absence of a critical process like risk assessment. Minor nonconformities refer to partial compliance with some deficiencies that don’t critically harm the ISMS’s operation. OFIs highlight minor issues that aren’t currently problematic but could become so in the future. Identifying these nonconformities typically occurs through internal audits, monitoring, and analysis of logs or records.

Upon identifying a nonconformity, organizations are required to take corrective actions. This involves reacting to the nonconformity, determining its cause, and implementing measures to prevent its recurrence. The effectiveness of these corrective actions should be reviewed, and all related activities must be documented to demonstrate compliance and facilitate ongoing improvement.

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.

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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.

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Tags: Clause 10, Continuous Improvement, iso 27001, PDCA


Apr 02 2025

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Controls Explained

Category: ISO 27kdisc7 @ 9:19 am

​ISO 27001:2022 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS), providing a framework for organizations to identify and address information security risks. While clauses 4–10 outline the broader ISMS requirements, Annex A offers a detailed list of 93 security controls categorized into four themes: Organizational, People, Physical, and Technological. This structure differs from the 2013 version, which contained 114 controls across 14 domains.​

The Organizational category comprises 37 controls focusing on policies, procedures, and responsibilities essential for effective information security. These include establishing an information security policy, defining management responsibilities, maintaining contact with authorities, gathering threat intelligence, classifying information, managing identity and access, and overseeing asset management.​

The People category encompasses 8 controls addressing the human element of information security. Key aspects involve conducting pre-employment screening, providing staff awareness training, implementing contracts and non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), managing remote working arrangements, and establishing procedures for reporting security events.​

The Physical category contains 14 controls that pertain to securing the physical environment of the ISMS. These controls cover areas such as defining security perimeters and secure areas, enforcing clear desk and screen policies, ensuring the reliability of supporting utilities, securing cabling infrastructure, and maintaining equipment properly.​

The Technological category includes 34 controls related to the digital aspects of information security. This encompasses implementing malware protection, establishing backup procedures, conducting logging and monitoring activities, ensuring network security and segregation, and adhering to secure development and coding practices.​

Selecting appropriate Annex A controls should be based on an organization’s specific risk assessment. After identifying relevant controls, organizations compare them against Annex A to ensure comprehensive risk coverage. Any exclusions of Annex A controls must be justified and documented in the Statement of Applicability (SoA).​

The SoA is a critical document within the ISMS, listing all Annex A controls along with justifications for their inclusion or exclusion and their implementation status. It should also incorporate any additional controls from other frameworks or those developed internally. Maintaining the SoA with version control and regular reviews is essential, as it plays a significant role during certification and surveillance audits conducted by certification bodies.​

Understanding the distinctions between ISO 27001’s Annex A and ISO 27002 is important. While Annex A provides a concise list of controls, ISO 27002 offers detailed implementation guidance for these controls, assisting organizations in effectively applying them within their ISMS.

Reach out to us for a free high-level assessment of your organization against ISO 27002 controls.

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