A Useful Comparison of ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 for People Who Work in Information Security
Even though information security is always changing, ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are always important standards to keep in mind. Both are part of the ISO/IEC 27000 family and deal with information security, but they are used for different things and are different in other ways. The point of this piece is to compare these two standards in a useful way, showing how they are different and how they work together, and to give computer security workers advice on how to use both standards effectively in their jobs.
The main goal and scope
ISO 27001:
The main goal is to give you a plan for creating, putting into action, keeping, and always making an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Scope: It includes how the whole company handles information security risks.
ISO 27002:
The main goal is to give thorough instructions on how to set up rules for information protection.
Goals: It focuses on certain security rules and best practices for different parts of computer security.
Practical Implication: People who work in information security should use ISO 27001 as the overall framework for their company’s ISMS and look at ISO 27002 for specific instructions on how to set up controls within that framework.
Building and Content
ISO 27001:
Structure: 10 clauses (0–10) and Annex A. Content: High-level needs for an ISMS, such as the organization’s background, leadership, planning, support, operation, review of performance, and growth.
ISO 27002:
The structure is set up with themes and control groups.
Details about security controls are given, along with instructions on how to use them and other information.
Use ISO 27001 to make sure that all parts of the ISMS are covered when making security policies and procedures, and then look at ISO 27002 for specific control methods.
Certification and Following the Rules
ISO 27001:
Norm that can be certified
Compliance can be checked on organizations and given a certificate.
ISO 27002:
Not a measure that can be verified
Used as a guide and document for best practices
Doing Things: If your company wants to get ISO 27001 approval, you should focus on following the steps in ISO 27001 to get it. Use ISO 27002 as an extra tool to help you set up settings correctly.
Methods for Managing Risk
ISO 27001:
requires an organized process for assessing risk and treating it
Needs businesses to come up with a risk treatment plan
ISO 27002:
Doesn’t say how to handle risk management
Offers safeguards that can be used to lower known risks
Practical Implication: According to ISO 27001, you need to do risk assessments and make treatment plans. Then, use ISO 27002 to choose and put in place the right controls based on the results of your risk assessment.
Choosing and putting in place controls
ISO 27001:
There is a list of control goals and limits in Annex A.
Organizations must look at all rules and explain why some aren’t used.
ISO 27002:
Provides full instructions on how to set up security controls
Allows for freedom in choosing the right settings
Practical Implication: Use Annex A of ISO 27001 as a guide to make sure that all security rules are covered. Then, look at ISO 27002 for detailed instructions on how to put each rule you chose into action correctly.
Sum of the Details
ISO 27001:
Sets high-level needs
This article is about the “what” of computer security management.
ISO 27002:
Provides thorough instructions for implementation
focuses on the “how” of putting security controls in place
Practical Implication: Use ISO 27001 to make sure you’re covering all the important points when creating your ISMS. If you need specific advice on how to set up certain rules or deal with certain security issues, look at ISO 27002.
Who and How They Use It
ISO 27001:
Management and those in charge of managing the ISMS are the main target.
Used for developing strategies and running the ISMS as a whole
ISO 27002:
Main readers: people who work in security and those who put controls in place
Used for putting in place tactical and operations security
As a result, people in charge of information security should know a lot about ISO 27001 so that they can help plan the general ISMS strategy. For everyday use of security controls, people who work in security should know about ISO 27002.
Always Getting Better
ISO 27001:
Focuses on the PDCA loop (Plan-Do-Check-Act).
requires that the ISMS be constantly checked, measured, and made better
ISO 27002:
Doesn’t say directly that constant change is needed
suggests that installed rules be looked at and updated on a regular basis
Practical Implication: As needed by ISO 27001, start a process of constant growth. Use ISO 27002 as a guide to improve and update certain controls over time.
Needs for Documentation
ISO 27001:
Lists the required written information
needs to keep notes of the ISMS, such as rules, processes, and documents
ISO 27002:
Does not require certain paperwork
suggests writing down some parts of putting control in place
Make sure that your paperwork meets the standards of ISO 27001 in real life. Follow the advice in ISO 27002 to make your paperwork better by adding best practices and information on how to adopt certain controls.
Ability to change and adapt
ISO 27001:
Gives you some freedom in meeting standards
Any exceptions to Annex A rules must be explained by the organizations involved.
ISO 27002:
Very adaptable, letting businesses pick the tools they need.
Can be quickly changed to fit the needs of different businesses and industries
Practical Implication: Use ISO 27001 as a guide to make your ISMS fit the needs of your company. ISO 27002 gives you a lot of freedom to set up controls in a way that works best for your company’s goals and risk profile.
How to Use Both Standards in Real Life
Finding the Gaps:
Check your general ISMS development with ISO 27001
Check ISO 27002 to see where certain control methods are lacking.
Setting up policies:
The framework of your information security strategy should be based on what ISO 27001 says.
Use ISO 27002 to help you write detailed policy statements and processes.
Evaluation of Risk:
When you do risk reviews, make sure you follow the ISO 27001 rules.
Check out ISO 27002 for possible risks and rules that apply to certain places.
Implementation of Control:
Base your choice of controls on the risk assessment you did for ISO 27001
Use the full instructions in ISO 27002 to set up settings.
Audits of the inside:
Follow the guidelines in ISO 27001 when setting up your internal audit program.
Use ISO 27002 as a guide to figure out how well certain settings are working.
Training and Being Aware:
Based on the standards of ISO 27001, make a general security training program.
You can use ISO 27002 to make detailed teaching materials on certain security practices.
Taking care of incidents:
As needed by ISO 27001, set up a plan for managing incidents.
For detailed instructions on how to set up crisis reaction rules, see ISO 27002.
Taking care of suppliers:
Make a plan for managing suppliers based on ISO 27001
Follow the steps in ISO 27002 to set up special rules for handling your interactions with suppliers.
Management of compliance:
As part of your ISO 27001, list the standards for compliance. ISMS: Look at ISO 27002 to find specific rules that can help you meet different legal requirements.
Always Getting Better:
As needed by ISO 27001, use the PDCA cycle.
Use ISO 27002 to find places where certain control methods can be made better.
Conclusion: Making the Most of Both Standards
Even though ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are focused on different areas and can be used for different things, they are meant to work together to make an all-around approach to managing information security. Information security experts can use both standards to make strong, effective, and legal security programs if they know what each one is good at and why it exists.
ISO 27001 is the basic structure for creating and keeping an ISMS. This makes sure that a company handles information security in a planned and complete way. It helps match information security with general business goals by giving a “big picture” view.
On the other hand, ISO 27002 gives you the specific, useful instructions you need to set up security rules that work. It is a very useful tool for people who work in security and are responsible for putting security measures into place and managing them on a daily basis.
Companies can create a strong, risk-based information security plan that meets licensing requirements and is also in line with best practices in the industry by using both standards together. This two-pronged method helps companies build strong security that can adapt to the constantly changing danger situation while still meeting their own goals and the rules set by regulators.
ISO 27001 tells you “what” and “why” you should handle information security, while ISO 27002 tells you “how.” Together, they make a strong set of tools for information security workers who want to keep their companies safe in today’s complicated digital world.