ISO 27001

An Introduction To ISO 27001 (ISO27001)
ISO 27001
This is the specification for an information security management system (an ISMS) which replaced the old BS7799-2 standard


The ISO 27001 standard was published in October 2005, essentially replacing the old BS7799-2 standard. It is the specification for an ISMS, an Information Security Management System.

http://www.27000.org/iso-27001.htm

The objective of the standard itself is to "provide a model for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System". Regarding its adoption, this should be a strategic decision. Further, "The design and implementation of an organization's ISMS is influenced by their needs and objectives, security requirements, the process employed and the size and structure of the organization".


The standard defines its 'process approach' as "The application of a system of processes within an organization, together with the identification and interactions of these processes, and their management". It employs the PDCA, Plan-Do-Check-Act model to structure the processes, and reflects the principles set out in the OECG guidelines (see oecd.org).


In a nutshell, the following diagram explains the logical flow of the process itself:



The process starts when the organization makes the decision to embark upon the exercise. Clearly, at this point, it is also important to ensure management commitment and then assign responsibilities for the project itself.

An organizational top level policy can then be developed and published. This can, and will normally, be supported by subordinate policies. The next stage is particularly critical: scoping. This will define which part(s) of the organization will be covered by the ISMS. Typically, it will define the location, assets and technology to be included.

At this stage a risk assessment will be undertaken, to determine the organization's risk exposure/profile, and identify the best route to address this. The document produced will be the basis for the next stage, which will be the management of those risks. A part of this process will be selection of appropriate controls with respect to those outlined in the standard (and ISO27002), with the justification for each decision recorded in a Statement of Applicability (SOA). The controls themselves should then be implemented as appropriate.

The certification process itself can then be embarked upon via a suitable accredited third party.