InfoSec and Compliance – With 20 years of blogging experience, DISC InfoSec blog is dedicated to providing trusted insights and practical solutions for professionals and organizations navigating the evolving cybersecurity landscape. From cutting-edge threats to compliance strategies, this blog is your reliable resource for staying informed and secure. Dive into the content, connect with the community, and elevate your InfoSec expertise!
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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:
A 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 Name
Example Controls Count
1
Governance & Leadership
15
2
Risk Management
14
3
Compliance & Legal
13
4
AI Ethics & Responsible AI
18
5
Data Governance
16
6
Model Lifecycle Management
17
7
Privacy & Data Protection
15
8
Security Architecture
13
9
Secure Development Practices
15
10
Threat Detection & Response
12
11
Monitoring & Logging
12
12
Access Control
14
13
Supply Chain Security
13
14
Business Continuity & Resilience
12
15
Human Factors & Awareness
14
16
Incident Management
14
17
Performance & Explainability
13
18
Third-Party Risk Management
13
+———————————————————————————+
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:
Audit and Assurance
Application and Interface Security
Business Continuity Management and Operational Resilience
Supply Chain Management, Transparency and Accountability
Threat & Vulnerability Management
Universal Endpoint Management
Gap Analysis Template based on AICM (Artificial Intelligence Control Matrix)
#
Domain
Control Objective
Current State (1-5)
Target State (1-5)
Gap
Responsible
Evidence/Notes
Remediation Action
Due Date
1
Governance & Leadership
AI governance structure is formally defined.
2
5
3
John D.
No documented AI policy
Draft governance charter
2025-08-01
2
Risk Management
AI risk taxonomy is established and used.
3
4
1
Priya M.
Partial mapping
Align with ISO 23894
2025-07-25
3
Privacy & Data Protection
AI models trained on PII have privacy controls.
1
5
4
Sarah W.
Privacy review not performed
Conduct DPIA
2025-08-10
4
AI Ethics & Responsible AI
AI systems are evaluated for bias and fairness.
2
5
3
Ethics Board
Informal process only
Implement AI fairness tools
2025-08-15
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
…
🔢 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
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).
Country
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
China
8,356
12,403
18,446
26,301
4,108
Japan
5,245
5,645
6,587
6,987
5,599
India
2,309
2,226
2,775
2,969
3,877
Indonesia
274
542
702
822
783
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
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.
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.
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.
🌟 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?
Risk Management: Helps organizations identify and manage risks to their information.
Compliance: Assists in meeting legal and regulatory requirements.
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!
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.
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.
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.
DISC’s guide on implementing ISO 27001 using generative AI highlights how AI technologies can streamline the establishment and maintenance of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). By leveraging AI tools, organizations can automate various aspects of the ISO 27001 implementation process, enhancing efficiency and accuracy.
AI-powered platforms like DISC InfoSec ISO27k Chatbot serve as intelligent knowledge bases, providing instant answers to queries related to ISO 27001 requirements, control implementations, and documentation. These tools assist in drafting necessary documents such as the Risk assessment and Statement of Applicability, and offer guidance on implementing Annex A controls. Additionally, AI can may facilitate training and awareness programs by generating tailored educational materials, ensuring that all employees are informed about information security practices.
The integration of AI into ISO 27001 implementation not only accelerates the process but also reduces the likelihood of errors, ensuring a more robust and compliant ISMS. By automating routine tasks and providing expert guidance, AI enables organizations to focus on strategic decision-making and continuous improvement in their information security management.
Hey I’m the digital assistance of DISC InfoSec for ISO 27k implementation.
I will try to answer your question. If I don’t know the answer, I will connect you with one my support agents.
Please click the link below to type your query regarding ISO 27001 (ISMS) implementation
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.
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.
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.
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.
Current Requirement in ISO 27001 ISO 27001 currently mandates that the SoA must include justifications for both the inclusion and exclusion of each Annex A control. This requirement is often interpreted to mean that organizations must provide individual reasoning for every control listed or omitted.
Guidance from ISO 27005:2022 ISO 27005:2022 clarifies that only controls identified through risk assessment and treatment planning should be included in the SoA. These controls are selected because they help reduce risk to acceptable levels. The guidance explicitly states that no further justification is necessary for their inclusion.
Exclusion Justification Also Redundant By extension, the only valid reason for excluding a control is that it was not identified as necessary in the risk treatment plan. If a control does not mitigate any identified risk, there is no need for it to appear in the SoA, and thus, no detailed justification is required.
Controls Must Be Risk-Driven Controls exist to manage or modify risks. Including or excluding them must be directly based on whether they are necessary for risk treatment. Requiring extra justification, separate from the risk assessment, is logically inconsistent with the function of controls within an ISMS.
Recommendation to Remove the Justification Requirement Given this risk-based logic, the recommendation is to eliminate the need for detailed justifications of inclusions or exclusions in the SoA. This requirement appears to be an error or legacy clause in ISO 27001 that contradicts more recent guidance.
Alignment with ISO 27005 and Future ISO 27003 This position aligns with ISO 27005:2022, which supports a simplified, risk-driven approach to the SoA. It is anticipated that the upcoming ISO 27003 update will reinforce this same guidance, helping to resolve the inconsistency across standards.
Practical Experience Supports the Change Despite popular belief, individualized justifications are not essential. The author has implemented many ISO 27001-certified ISMSs over the past decade without providing such justifications—and all achieved certification successfully.
Simplified SOA Approach Recommended The SOA should only list necessary controls derived from the risk assessment, with no additional rationale needed for inclusion or exclusion. Controls not identified as necessary should simply not be listed, and the SOA should remain tightly aligned with the risk treatment plan.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
​The document “Step-by-Step Explanation of ISO 27001/ISO 27005 Risk Management” by Advisera Expert Solutions offers a comprehensive guide to implementing effective information security risk management in alignment with ISO 27001 and ISO 27005 standards. It aims to demystify the process, providing practical steps for organizations to identify, assess, and treat information security risks efficiently.​ Advisera
1. Introduction to Risk Management
Risk management is essential for organizations to maintain competitiveness and achieve objectives. It involves identifying, evaluating, and treating risks, particularly those related to information security. The document emphasizes that while risk management can be complex, it doesn’t have to be unnecessarily complicated. By adopting structured methodologies, organizations can manage risks effectively without excessive complexity.​
2. Six Basic Steps of ISO 27001 Risk Assessment and Treatment
The risk management process is broken down into six fundamental steps:​
Risk Assessment Methodology: Establishing consistent rules for conducting risk assessments across the organization.
Risk Assessment Implementation: Identifying potential problems, analyzing, and evaluating risks to determine which need treatment.
Risk Treatment Implementation: Developing cost-effective strategies to mitigate identified risks.
ISMS Risk Assessment Report: Documenting all activities undertaken during the risk assessment process.
Statement of Applicability: Summarizing the results of risk treatment and serving as a key document for auditors.
Risk Treatment Plan: Outlining the implementation of controls, including responsibilities, timelines, and budgets.​
Management approval is crucial for the Risk Treatment Plan to ensure the necessary resources and commitment for implementation.​
3. Crafting the Risk Assessment Methodology
Developing a clear risk assessment methodology is vital. This involves defining how risks will be identified, analyzed, and evaluated. The methodology should ensure consistency and objectivity, allowing for repeatable and comparable assessments. It should also align with the organization’s context, considering its specific needs and risk appetite.​
4. Identifying Risks: Assets, Threats, and Vulnerabilities
Effective risk identification requires understanding the organization’s assets, potential threats, and vulnerabilities. This step involves creating an inventory of information assets and analyzing how they could be compromised. By mapping threats and vulnerabilities to assets, organizations can pinpoint specific risks that need to be addressed.​
5. Assessing Consequences and Likelihood
Once risks are identified, assessing their potential impact and the likelihood of occurrence is essential. This evaluation helps prioritize risks based on their severity and probability, guiding the organization in focusing its resources on the most significant threats. Both qualitative and quantitative methods can be employed to assess risks effectively.​
6. Implementing Risk Treatment Strategies
After assessing risks, organizations must decide on appropriate treatment strategies. Options include avoiding, transferring, mitigating, or accepting risks. Selecting suitable controls from ISO 27001 Annex A and integrating them into the Risk Treatment Plan ensures that identified risks are managed appropriately. The plan should detail the implementation process, including responsible parties and timelines.​
7. Importance of Documentation and Continuous Improvement
Documentation plays a critical role in the risk management process. The ISMS Risk Assessment Report and Statement of Applicability provide evidence of the organization’s risk management activities and decisions. These documents are essential for audits and ongoing monitoring. Furthermore, risk management should be a continuous process, with regular reviews and updates to adapt to changing threats and organizational contexts.​
By following these structured steps, organizations can establish a robust risk management framework that aligns with ISO 27001 and ISO 27005 standards, enhancing their information security posture and resilience.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
“The SOA can easily be produced by examining the risk assessment to identify the necessary controls and risk treatment plan to identify those that are planned to be implemented. Only controls identified in the risk assessment can be included in the SOA. Controls cannot be added to the SOA independent of the risk assessment. There should be consistency between the controls necessary to realize selected risk treatment options and the SOA. The SOA can state that the justification for the inclusion of a control is the same for all controls and that they have been identified in the risk assessment as necessary to treat one or more risks to an acceptable level. No further justification for the inclusion of a control is needed for any of the controls.”
This paragraph from ISO 27005 explains the relationship between the Statement of Applicability (SoA) and the risk assessment process in an ISO 27001-based Information Security Management System (ISMS). Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
SoA Derivation from Risk Assessment
The SoA must be based on the risk assessment and risk treatment plan.
It should only include controls that were identified as necessary during the risk assessment.
Organizations cannot arbitrarily add controls to the SoA without a corresponding risk justification.
Consistency with Risk Treatment Plan
The SoA must align with the selected risk treatment options.
This ensures that the controls listed in the SoA effectively address the identified risks.
Justification for Controls
The SoA can state that all controls were chosen because they are necessary for risk treatment.
No separate or additional justification is needed for each individual control beyond its necessity in treating risks.
Why This Matters:
Ensures a risk-driven approach to control selection.
Prevents the arbitrary inclusion of unnecessary controls, which could lead to inefficiencies.
Helps in audits and compliance by clearly showing the link between risks, treatments, and controls.
Practical Example of SoA and Risk Assessment Linkage
Scenario:
A company conducts a risk assessment as part of its ISO 27001 implementation and identifies the following risk:
Risk: Unauthorized access to sensitive customer data due to weak authentication mechanisms.
Risk Level: High
Risk Treatment Plan: Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) to reduce the risk to an acceptable level.
How This Affects the SoA:
Control Selection:
The company refers to Annex A of ISO 27001 and identifies Control A.9.4.1 (Use of Secure Authentication Mechanisms) as necessary to mitigate the risk.
This control is added to the SoA because the risk assessment identified it as necessary.
Justification in the SoA:
The SoA will list A.9.4.1 – Secure Authentication Mechanisms as an included control.
The justification can be: “This control has been identified as necessary in the risk assessment to mitigate the risk of unauthorized access to customer data.”
No additional justification is needed because the link to the risk assessment is sufficient.
What Cannot Be Done:
The company cannot arbitrarily add a control, such as A.14.2.9 (Protection of Test Data), unless it was identified as necessary in the risk assessment.
Adding controls without risk justification would violate ISO 27005’s requirement for consistency.
Key Takeaways:
Every control in the SoA must be traceable to a risk.
The SoA cannot contain controls that were not justified in the risk assessment.
Justification for controls can be standardized, reducing documentation overhead.
This approach ensures that the ISMS remains risk-based, justifiable, and auditable.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is an internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a structured framework to protect sensitive information through risk management, governance, and compliance. One of the key updates in the 2022 revision is the overhaul of Annex A, which outlines security controls essential for mitigating information security risks.
Annex A has been refined to align with modern security challenges, reducing the number of controls from 114 to 93. These controls are now grouped into four categories: organizational, people, physical, and technological. The restructuring enhances clarity and ensures a more effective implementation of security measures within organizations.
The revised framework emphasizes adaptability, encouraging organizations to assess their unique risk environments and apply relevant controls accordingly. Rather than a rigid checklist, Annex A serves as a flexible reference for tailoring security strategies to specific business needs, helping organizations build resilience against evolving threats.
Organizations adopting ISO/IEC 27001:2022 must update their security policies and procedures to reflect these changes. By integrating the revised Annex A controls, they can enhance their information security posture, meet compliance requirements, and safeguard critical data more efficiently in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape.
The document highlights the comprehensive vCISO (virtual Chief Information Security Officer) services offered by DISC LLC to help organizations build and strengthen their security programs. Here’s a summarized rephrasing:
Key Services:
InfoSec Consultancy: Tailored solutions to protect businesses from cyber threats.
Security Risk Assessment: Identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities in IT infrastructures.
Cybersecurity Risk Management: Proactively managing and reducing cyber risks.
ISO 27001 Compliance: Assistance in achieving certification through robust risk management.
ISMS Risk Management: Developing resilient Information Security Management Systems.
Approach:
DISC LLC specializes in bridging the gap between an organization’s current security posture (“as-is”) and its desired future state (“to-be”) through:
Gap assessments to evaluate maturity levels.
Strategic roadmaps for transitioning to a higher level of maturity.
Implementing essential policies, procedures, and defensive technologies.
Continuous testing, validation, and long-term improvements.
Why Choose DISC LLC?
Expertise from seasoned InfoSec professionals.
Customized, business-aligned security strategies.
Proactive risk detection and mitigation.
Their services also include compliance readiness, managed detection & response (MDR), offensive control validation (penetration testing), and oversight of security tools. DISC LLC emphasizes continuous improvement and building a secure future.
The second page outlines DISC LLC’s approach to revitalizing cybersecurity programs through their vCISO services, focusing on gap assessments, strategy development, and continuous improvement. Here’s a concise summary and rephrased version:
Key Highlights:
Assess Current State: Evaluate the “as-is” security maturity level and identify gaps compared to the desired “to-be” future state.
Define Objectives: Build a strong case for enhancing cybersecurity and set a clear vision for the organization’s future security posture.
Strategic Roadmap: Create a transition plan detailing the steps needed to achieve the target state, including technical, management, and operational controls.
Implementation:
Recruit key personnel.
Deploy essential policies, procedures, and defensive technologies (e.g., XDR, logs).
Establish critical metrics for performance tracking.
Continuous Improvement: Regular testing, validation, and strengthening of controls to reduce cyber risks and support long-term transformation.
Services Offered:
vCISO Services: Strategy and program leadership.
Gap Assessments: Identify and address security maturity gaps.
Compliance Readiness: Prepare for standards like ISO and NIST.
Offensive Control Validation: Penetration testing services.
DISC LLC emphasizes building a secure future through tailored solutions, ongoing program enhancement, and leveraging advanced technologies. For more details, they encourage reaching out via their provided contact information.
This table highlights the key differences between NIST CSF and ISO 27001:
Scope:
NIST CSF is tailored for U.S. federal agencies and organizations working with them.
ISO 27001 is for any international organization aiming to implement a strong Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Control Structure:
NIST CSF offers various control catalogues and focuses on three core components: the Core, Implementation Tiers, and Profiles.
ISO 27001 includes Annex A, which outlines 14 control categories with globally accepted best practices.
Audits and Certifications:
NIST CSF does not require audits or certifications.
ISO 27001 mandates independent audits and certifications.
Customization:
NIST CSF has five customizable functions for organizations to adapt the framework.
ISO 27001 follows ten standardized clauses to help organizations build and maintain their ISMS.
Cost:
NIST CSF is free to use.
ISO 27001 requires a fee to access its standards and guidelines.
In summary, NIST CSF may be flexible and free, whereas ISO 27001 provides a globally recognized certification framework for robust information security.
The article explores the true reasons companies pursue ISO 27001 certification, emphasizing that it’s not just about security. While the standard helps improve information security practices, businesses often seek certification to gain a competitive edge, meet client demands, or satisfy regulatory requirements. ISO 27001 also builds trust with stakeholders, demonstrates a commitment to data protection, and opens new market opportunities. Ultimately, the certification is as much about business strategy and reputation as it is about security.
