What Is ISO 27002?

ISO 27002 is a globally recognized standard that guides the selection of information security controls for information security management systems (ISMSs). It was jointly published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) back in 2013.

Since then, the standard has undergone several updates, with the latest version (ISO 27002:2022) published in February 2022. It’s important to note that organizations cannot get certified for ISO 27002, as it is only a guideline that can help achieve ISO 27001 certification.

Read More about ISO 27002

The global standard can help enhance your cybersecurity strategies, such as external attack surface management (EASM) efforts and risk management tactics. Learn more about the standard below.

What Is the Primary Focus of ISO 27002 ?

ISO 27002 mainly focuses on providing specific information security controls under four categories—organizational, people, physical, and technology controls. In total, the latest version has 93 controls broken down into:

Organizational: 37 controls.
People: Eight controls.
Physical: 14 controls.
Technology: 34 controls.

These security controls aim to help organizations effectively protect their assets against cyber threats and safeguard critical data from loss and unauthorized access. The standard covers various security topics, including cyber threats and vulnerabilities.

How to Get Started with ISO 27002

With 93 information security controls, how do organizations select the right ones to implement? This is where risk management comes into play. They need to know the top threats to their critical assets, which requires obtaining a comprehensive view of their attack surface.

This involves identifying and cataloging all their Internet-facing assets, such as websites, application programming interfaces (APIs), and cloud services. After that, they have to determine the specific vulnerabilities plaguing these assets and prioritize which pose the greatest risk. For example, they can ask, “Which vulnerable assets contain sensitive information?” or “Which vulnerabilities are being exploited in the real world?”

Once the risks are identified and prioritized, they can choose controls detailed in the standard that best address them.

What Is the Difference between ISO 27002 and 27001?

ISO 27001 is the actual standard that organizations can get certified for. It outlines the requirements for ISMS implementation and management.

Meanwhile, ISO 27002 guides organizations so they can obtain ISO 27001 certification by providing specific best practices. While ISO 27001 provides a high-level framework, ISO 27002 offers in-depth details on what controls to select and how to implement them.

Think of ISO 27001 as the blueprint for a house, while ISO 27002 is the construction manual. The blueprint defines the required elements like the foundation, walls, and roof. The specific materials and construction methods to use, however, are detailed in the construction manual.

What Are the Benefits of Implementing ISO 27002?

Following the guidelines specified by ISO 27002 requires more than just compliance. Here are some benefits organizations may enjoy by adhering to the standard.

Global Standard Security Framework

The standard provides detailed and widely accepted best practices for implementing and managing security controls across various areas (e.g., people, processes, and technologies). This means the security controls you implement are up-to-date, strengthening your security posture.

Enhanced Trust and Reputation

Adhering to the standard demonstrates a strong commitment to data security, which can help build trust with customers, partners, and other stakeholders.

Business Continuity

The security controls outlined in the standard can help ensure business operations and information security continue even during security incidents.

For example, the standard highlights the importance of having an incident response plan. This plan includes the roles and responsibilities all key personnel play when business disruptions occur. It also establishes clear communication channels and outlines procedures for containing, investigating, and recovering from security incidents.

Competitive Advantage

Organizations that want to stay ahead of competitors can do so by achieving ISO compliance since these standards allow them to demonstrate strong commitment to data security.

Therefore, achieving ISO 27001 by adhering to ISO 27002 differentiates organizations from others, giving them an edge in the marketplace.

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Adhering to the ISO standard is like hitting many birds with one stone. It allows organizations to achieve ISO 27001 compliance while enhancing their information security posture, minimizing risks, and building a more resilient business.

Key Takeaways

ISO 27002 is an international standard that guides organizations by providing information on the security controls needed for ISMS implementation and management.
It provides a wide range of security controls categorized into organizational, people, physical, and technology controls.
It is a practical guide for implementing the requirements outlined in ISO 27001.
The first step in implementing the standard is identifying and prioritizing security risks.
Its benefits include a stronger security posture, enhanced customer trust, business continuity, and competitive advantage.