Key Features of ISO 27001- A Complete Guide

Given that ISO 27001 oversees defining how an Information Security Management System (ISMS) should be implemented in corporate environments, it is a suitable standard for businesses seeking to obtain ISO certification.  

The internationally recognised ISO 27001 standards were jointly published by the ISO and IEC in 2005, with further revision made in 2013 to address the security risks. In 2017, there were two more revisions made, and a large-scale study was conducted in 2020 to address the effectiveness of ISO 27001 certification. 

Table of Contents 

1) What is ISO 27001? 

2) What is ISMS? 

3) What Benefits can ISO 27001 Provide to Businesses?

4) List the Key Features of ISO 27001 

5) What are the ISO 27001 Clauses? 

6) What are the ISO 27001 Controls? 

7) Conclusion 

What is ISO 27001?

ISO/IEC 27001 is a certification standard recognised worldwide for its best practices indicating the alignment between information security and ISMS. By managing information security, ISO 27001 helps organisations to address people, processes, and technologies.

ISO 27001 was established to manage the information security of the organisation in any given situation. 
 

What is ISMS? 

An ISMS is a systematic approach to control and manage the information security of the organisation. The framework of ISMS (Information Security Management System) enables the organisation to monitor, review, manage, improve, and implement the information security policies in one setup. 

Following is the image depicting how ISMS can have an impact on your business. 

People intending to lead audits in ISMS can join the ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Training. 

What Benefits can ISO 27001 Provide to Businesses?

ISO 27001 is one of the most popular certifications related to information security standards recognised worldwide. The number of certification holders has grown widely, up to almost 450% growth in the last ten years. The demand for ISO 27001 certification holders underscores the value organizations place on information security. The benefits provided by ISO 27001, demonstrated through the ISO 27001 Audit, highlight the capability of these holders to meet the stringent requirements of the organization. 

ISO 27001 Compliance information will help you with the risk management process and determine which security controls need to be maintained and implemented. 

Let us have a look at the highlighted benefits of ISO 27001 mentioned below:

1) ISO 27001 requirements can help you protect all types of data and information, irrespective of whether the data is stored in digital or hard copy format or a cloud database.  

2) Increased resilience to deal with cyber-attacks related to your organisation.  

3) Helps you reduce the information security costs associated with data breaches.  

4) Flexibility to adapt to organisational changes.  

5) Respond to security threats evolving internally and externally in the organisation.  

6) Organisations can bring in new business as the certification demonstrates high credibility and commitment to data security.  

7) Understand the frequent risks and embrace security practices.  

8) By ensuring frequent checks and regular internal audits you can gain an edge over the competitors.  

9) Your commitment towards security by applying new and updated measures can win new business and retain new customers.  

10) With low disruptions and security breaches, there will be an opportunity for the organisation to expand and grow steadily to reach its goals effectively.  

11) Having obtained notable ISO certifications, the customers can trust your organisation to be safe and generate confidence among the associates. 

List the Key Features of ISO 27001

Following are the major features of ISO 27001 

Risk Assessment and Analysis 

The organisation must periodically complete a security risk analysis following the standards every time a significant change is proposed or implemented. Setting up risk acceptance criteria and defining how these risks will be measured is crucial for performing the appropriate analysis. 

The possible effects of identified risks together with their likelihood and magnitude, should also be evaluated. 

Commitment of Senior Management 

The ISO 27001 Framework also stipulates that top management must show dedication to the ISMS and participate in the department within the business that oversees information security. Leaders have the duty to mentor staff members to make the system truly effective. The top management is accountable for ensuring all resources for system implementation are available and distributed appropriately. 

Defining Goals and Strategies 

The company must be transparent and sure during planning about the ISO 27001 Physical Security objectives it wants to achieve and the strategies it will establish to reach those goals. However, considering the safety needs of the organisation, the organisational goals must be specific and measurable. 

Abilities and Resources 

The organisation must also make sure that all the resources required for system maintenance and installation are on hand. Additionally, it is vital to determine the abilities that are required and to confirm that the people in charge are skilled enough. 

Professionals involved in internal audits in ISMS can benefit from ISO 27001 Internal Auditor Training. Apply now! 

What are the ISO 27001 Clauses?

The ISO standard has ten short management system clauses and a long Annex, which covers: 

1) Standard Scope  

2) Normative documental references  

3) Terms and definitions in ISO/IEC 27000 

4) Organisational Context  

5) Leadership and support for policy 

6) Planning an IS management, risk assessment, and risk treatment  

7) Supporting an ISMS  

8) Making ISMS Operational 

9) Performance evaluation 

10) Corrective action or improvement 

Annex A: Objectives and a list of controls 

If interested, this structure can help organisations comply with multiple other management standards. 
 

What are the ISO 27001 Controls? 

A risk assessment needs to be performed to determine which controls are required and which can be excluded. It is not necessary to adopt all 114 controls in 14 groups and 35 categories. Ensuring the proper ownership and gaining a balance over risks and controls by performing risk assessments was one of the crucial factors for its ISO 27001 Latest Version.

Below is the list of 14 groups of control sets. 

1) A.5 Information security policies 

2) A.6 Organisation of information security 

3) A.7 Human resource security 

4) A.8 Asset management 

5) A.9 Access control 

6) A.10 Cryptography 

7) A.11 Physical and environmental security 

8) A.12 Operations security 

9) A.13 Communications security 

10) A.14 System acquisition, development, and maintenance 

11) A.15 Supplier relationships 

12) A.16 Information security incident management 

13) A.17 Information security aspects of business continuity management 

14) A.18 Compliance with internal and external requirements, such as policies and laws 

Conclusion 

This blog helps you understand the ISO 27001 controls,features, benefits, clauses and other information which explains how an ISO 27001 certification can impact your business or an organisation. Acquiring a certification in ISO 27001 can boost your professional career and improve your overall skills to tackle various issues concerning IT-related threats. 

Apply with ISO 27001 Certification to upgrade your career in Information Security Management now.