What is the ISO 27002 Standard?

ISO/IEC 27002:2013, established by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission, provides guidelines to assist enterprises in establishing and improving their information security standards and management practices. Officially titled ‘Information technology — Security techniques — Code of practice for information security controls‘, it is typically implemented alongside ISO 27001, which outlines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). ISO/IEC 27002:2022 is a code of practice that offers guidance and suggestions, rather than mandatory requirements, for effective information security management.

ISO 27002 guides organizations in selecting, implementing, and managing controls on their cybersecurity risk environment—the controls on risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information in their information systems.

Organizations adopting this standard must perform their own information security risk assessment. They must also clarify their security policy and control objectives and apply appropriate controls (or other forms of risk management) using the standard for implementation guidance.

What is ISO 27002?

ISO 27002 is a widely recognized international standard for information security management. Officially known as ISO/IEC 27002, it is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards, which are dedicated to information security. Specifically, ISO 27002 provides guidelines and best practices for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an organization’s information security management.

The standard outlines a comprehensive set of information security control objectives and a range of security controls that organizations can implement. These controls cover various aspects of information security such as risk management, human resource security, access control, cryptography, physical and environmental security, operations security, communications security, and compliance.

ISO 27002 is designed for organizations to use when:

•   Selecting controls to use in their information security management system (ISMS), in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001, the international standard for ISMS management;
•     Implementing commonly accepted information security controls, or
•     Developing their own information management security guidelines.

It’s important to note that ISO 27002 serves as a guideline or code of practice rather than a certifiable standard like ISO 27001. Organizations often use ISO 27002 to guide the selection and implementation of controls within their Information Security Management System (ISMS), which is based on the requirements of ISO 27001. ISO 27002 is designed to apply to all types and sizes of organizations. It provides a reference framework to help ensure the effective management of information security and network security through controls and information security management guidelines designed to minimize vulnerabilities and improve access policies such as dual-factor authentication.

The standard contains 19 chapters addressing:

•     Information security policies
•     Organization of information security
•     Human resources security
•     Asset management
•     Access control
•     Cryptography
•     Physical and environmental security
•     Operations security
•     Communications security
•     Systems acquisition, development and maintenance
•     Supplier relationships
•     Information security incident management
•     Information security aspects of business continuity management
•     Compliance

Is ISO 27002 a control framework?

Yes, ISO 27002 functions as a control framework. It provides a comprehensive set of information security control guidelines organizations can implement to enhance their privacy protection and information security posture. The framework includes a variety of controls and best practices related to risk management, data protection, cybersecurity, and compliance. It is particularly useful for organizations looking to establish systematic and robust information security management practices.

A control framework in the context of information security, business processes, or corporate governance is a structured and organized set of guidelines, best practices, and standards that help organizations manage risks, ensure compliance with laws and regulations, and achieve business objectives effectively.

Key aspects of a control framework include:

1. Risk Management: Identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks that could impact the organization’s operations or objectives.
2. Regulatory Compliance: Ensuring that the organization adheres to relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards.
3. Process Improvement: Providing a structured approach for optimizing business processes and improving efficiency and effectiveness.
4. Internal Controls: Establishing policies and procedures to safeguard assets, ensure the accuracy of financial records, prevent fraud, and promote operational reliability.
5. Performance Measurement: Enabling the evaluation and monitoring of performance against defined goals and objectives.
6. Governance: Assisting in the governance of the organization by ensuring that business activities align with the overall strategy and objectives, and are conducted ethically and transparently.

Control frameworks are essential for organizations of all sizes and types, providing a roadmap for systematically managing various aspects of their operations and minimizing potential risks. It instructs control sets and control types, such as physical controls, organizational controls, and technological controls, to support cybersecurity concepts and best practices. Successfully adopting these controls is the means to achieve ISO 27001:2022 or ISO 27002 certification.

What are the Benefits of ISO 27002?

ISO 27002 offers numerous benefits, including:

• Enhanced Security Measures: It provides organizations with a set of established best practices for securing information assets.
• Risk Management: ISO 27002 helps in identifying, assessing, and managing information security risks effectively.
• Compliance and Trust: Implementing ISO 27002 can aid in achieving compliance with various regulatory requirements, thus enhancing stakeholder trust.
• Improved Information Security Culture: Adopting ISO 27002 guidelines can foster a culture of information security awareness within the organization.
• Customizable Framework: ISO 27002 offers flexibility, allowing organizations to tailor the security controls to their specific needs and context.

What is the Difference Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

The primary difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 lies in their focus and application:

• ISO 27001 is a certification standard that specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS) within the context of the organization.
• ISO 27002, on the other hand, is a supplementary guideline that provides best practice recommendations on information security controls for those implementing an ISMS based on ISO 27001.

What are the Steps to the ISO 27002 Process?

The ISO 27002 process generally involves the following steps:

1. Assessment of Security Needs: Understanding the organization’s information security requirements.
2. Selection of Controls: Choosing appropriate controls from ISO 27002 to address specific security needs.
3. Implementation: Integrating these controls into the organization’s processes and systems.
4. Monitoring and Review: Regularly assessing the effectiveness of the implemented controls and making necessary adjustments.
5. Continuous Improvement: Evolving the security controls in line with changing threats and organizational dynamics.

Start implementing information security best practices with ZenGRC

Starting the implementation of information security best practices with ZenGRC streamlines and simplifies the journey towards robust information security management. ZenGRC’s comprehensive platform offers an integrated approach to managing and monitoring compliance with standards like ISO 27002, ensuring your organization adheres to established best practices in information security. Its user-friendly interface and automated workflows facilitate efficient risk assessment, control tracking, and reporting, making it easier for teams to stay aligned with security objectives. Additionally, ZenGRC’s real-time dashboards and analytics provide valuable insights for continuous improvement, ensuring that your security posture evolves in line with emerging threats and regulatory changes. With ZenGRC, you can confidently navigate the complexities of information security management, ensuring your organization’s data and resources are well-protected.