Many of our Assent Risk Management clients implement ISO 27001, the internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), because it provides a comprehensive framework for safeguarding data.
However, ISO 27001 is just the foundation in a family of international standards designed to maximise the effectiveness of an ISMS. Organisations that have an established ISO 27001 ISMS may wish to consider extending the scope into other standards from the family, such as ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and ISO 27701, each tailored to address specific aspects of information security and privacy.
In this blog, we’ll explore how these supplementary standards can be used to enhance and augment an ISO 27001 ISMS to better serve clients’ security needs.
ISO 27001: The Foundation
Before delving into the role of ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and ISO 27701, it’s important to understand the significance of ISO 27001.
ISO 27001 can serve as the foundation for all of an organisation’s information security efforts. It outlines the essential components of an ISMS, including risk assessment, policy development, and ongoing monitoring and improvement. ISO 27001 provides a holistic approach to information security management and acts as a starting point for organisations aiming to protect their information assets.
ISO 27001 Certification is also easily achieved via accredited ISO Certification Bodies.
ISO 27017: Cloud Security
As organisations increasingly rely on cloud services to store and process data, cloud security has become a critical concern. ISO 27017 specifically addresses cloud security, providing guidelines and controls tailored to cloud environments. By incorporating ISO 27017 into an ISO 27001 ISMS, organisations can ensure that their cloud-based assets are adequately protected.
Key benefits of integrating ISO 27017:
- Enhanced Cloud Governance:
ISO 27017 helps organizations establish robust governance over their cloud services, ensuring that they meet security and compliance requirements.
- Risk Mitigation:
The standard assists in identifying and mitigating cloud-specific security risks, such as data breaches or unauthorised access to cloud resources.
- Client Assurance:
Adhering to ISO 27017 demonstrates to clients that an organisation takes cloud security seriously, instilling confidence in its data handling practices.
ISO 27018: Privacy in the Cloud
Privacy is an essential aspect of information security, particularly when dealing with personal data. ISO 27018 is designed to address privacy concerns in cloud environments. It provides a set of controls and best practices for protecting individuals’ personally identifiable information (PII) stored in the cloud.
Ways ISO 27018 complements ISO 27001:
- Data Privacy Compliance:
ISO 27018 helps organisations align with various data protection regulations, such as the GDPR, by outlining specific privacy controls.
- Increased Trust:
By adhering to ISO 27018, organisations demonstrate their commitment to protecting customer data, fostering trust with clients concerned about privacy.
- Reduced Legal Risks:
Implementing ISO 27018 can help reduce the legal and financial risks associated with data breaches and non-compliance with privacy regulations.
ISO 27701: Privacy Information Management
While ISO 27001 and ISO 27018 focus on information security and cloud privacy, ISO 27701 takes a broader approach by addressing privacy information management systems (PIMS). It extends the ISMS to encompass privacy controls, helping organisations manage the complex landscape of data privacy regulations effectively.
Integration of ISO 27701 benefits an ISO 27001 ISMS in several ways:
- Holistic Privacy Protection:
ISO 27701 ensures that data privacy is integrated into an organisation’s overall information security strategy, creating a more comprehensive approach to data protection.
- Regulatory Alignment:
It aligns with various privacy regulations, such as the GDPR and CCPA, simplifying compliance efforts.
- Client Trust:
Demonstrating ISO 27701 compliance signals a commitment to safeguarding customer data and respecting privacy rights, fostering stronger client relationships.
Conclusion
ISO 27001 provides a solid foundation for information security management, however, organisations that want to maximise the effectiveness of their ISMS and meet the evolving demands of clients should consider integrating ISO 27017, ISO 27018, and ISO 27701 into their system.
These supplementary standards help address specific areas of concern such as cloud security, privacy in the cloud, and comprehensive privacy management.
Assent Risk Management has a proven track record of helping organisations implement and operate these information security standards. Contact us to find out how we can help.
