ISO 27001, also known as IEC 27001 is an information security standard and is published by the International Organization for Standardization  and the International Electrotechnical Commission.

Most organizations have some information security controls, but these may not be sufficiently comprehensive in their coverage. An information security management system (ISMS) can remedy this situation.

It specifies a management system and gives specific requirements. Organizations that meet the requirements may be certified by an accredited certification body following successful completion of an audit.

ISO 27001 requires that management:

• Systematically examine the organization’s information security risks, taking account of the threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts
• Design and implement a coherent and comprehensive suite of information security controls and/or other forms of risk treatment (such as risk avoidance or risk transfer) to address those risks that are deemed unacceptable
• Adopt an overarching management process to ensure that the information security controls continue to meet the organization’s information security needs on an ongoing basis

The ISO 27001 certification, like other ISO management system certifications, usually involves a three-stage external audit process.

Stage 1 is a preliminary, informal review of the ISMS, for example checking the existence and completeness of key documentation such as the organization’s information security policy, Statement of Applicability and Risk Treatment Plan. This stage serves to familiarize the auditors with the organization and vice versa.

Stage 2 is a more detailed and formal compliance audit, independently testing the ISMS against the requirements specified in ISO/ 27001. The auditors will seek evidence to confirm that the management system has been properly designed and implemented, and is in fact in operation (for example by confirming that a security committee or similar management body meets regularly to oversee the ISMS). Certification audits are usually conducted by ISO 27001 Lead Auditors. Passing this stage results in the ISMS being certified compliant with ISO/ 27001.

Stage 3 is Ongoing and involves follow-up reviews or audits to confirm that the organization remains in compliance with the standard. Certification maintenance requires periodic re-assessment audits to confirm that the ISMS continues to operate as specified and intended. These should happen at least annually but (by agreement with management) are often conducted more frequently, particularly while the ISMS is still maturing.

For detailed information on ISO 27001 refer to https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/iso27001

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