In an era characterized by digital transformation and increased cybersecurity dangers, protecting sensitive information has risen to the top of the priority list for businesses worldwide. Businesses are turning to internationally recognized standards to strengthen their security posture and secure their priceless assets as data breaches and cyberattacks continue to make headlines. ISO 27001 is one such standard that has become well-known for its thorough approach to information security management.

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is created and maintained in accordance with ISO 27001 as a guide. Annex A, a vital collection of controls painstakingly created to handle a variety of information security concerns, is essential to ISO 27001’s effectiveness. But, in 2022, ISO 27001 will have gone through changes. The largest modification is found in Annex A, which contains particular controls derived from ISO 27002:2022 Annex A.
In this article, we’ll look at how ISO 27001 Annex A controls give businesses essential direction as they navigate the always-changing information security landscape and protect their most valuable assets. Mainly, we will get to know what the changes are in ISO 27001:2022 compared to its predecessor, ISO 27001:2013.

WHAT IS ISO 27001:2022?

The information security management systems (ISMS) ISO 27001 standard is frequently used. It offers a methodical approach to maintaining private firm data, guaranteeing its availability, confidentiality, and integrity. 

ISO 27002:2022 controls is the new and third version of the ISO 27001 standard. Based on the structure described in ISO 27001, ISO 27002:2022 is a standard that offers recommendations and best practices for implementing information security measures. It is intended to supplement ISO 27001 by providing additional in-depth guidance on certain information security measures that businesses can use to meet their specific security needs.

WHAT ARE ISO 27001 ANNEX A CONTROLS?

The ISO 27001 Annex A controls are essential for assisting enterprises in strengthening their information security management procedures. These measures are intended to address particular information security threats and weaknesses. Companies can benefit from putting the Annex A controls into practice. Like identifying the risks and establishing security baselines, those controls aren’t one size fits all; they are designed to be flexible and adaptable to different business contexts.

The following steps are frequently included in the implementation of ISO 27001 Annex A controls:

• Risk assessment: Identification of information assets and the dangers they face through risk assessment; analysis of the possibility and potential effects on the organization of those risks. 
• Control selection: Choose controls from Annex A that are pertinent to the risks identified and will assist in effectively mitigating them. 
• Control Implementation: Create and execute policies, procedures, and other means to carry out the controls that have been chosen. 
• Monitoring and Evaluation: To make sure the controls are operating as intended, periodically monitor and evaluate their efficacy. 
• Audits and reviews: Internal audits and management reviews should be conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the ISMS and pinpoint areas for development.
• Continuous Improvement: Adapt the ISMS regularly to evolving risks and business requirements based on audit findings and reviews.

Before releasing the new version of these ISO 27001 Annex A controls, they were divided into 14 categories, each of which dealt with a different area of information security. The controls are made to assist businesses in establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving their information security management system (ISMS). The Annex A controls are summarized as follows:

A.5 Information security policies: Controls related to defining, documenting, and communicating information security policies and objectives

A.6 Organization of information security: Controls covering the governance and organizational structure for managing information security.

A.7 Human resource security: Controls related to managing security aspects for employees, contractors, and third-party users.

A.8 Asset management: Controls focused on inventorying, classifying, and handling information assets appropriately.

A.9 Access control: Controls aimed at ensuring authorized access to information and resources while preventing unauthorized access.

A.10 Cryptography: Controls regarding the proper use of cryptographic techniques to protect information

A.11 Physical and environmental security: Controls addressing the physical protection of information and equipment

A.12 Operations Security: Controls related to the secure management of day-to-day operations, including logging and monitoring

A.13 Communications Security: Controls focused on securing networks and communication channels

A.14 System acquisition, development, and maintenance: Controls covering the secure development and maintenance of information systems

A.15 Supplier relationships: Controls related to managing security aspects in the context of supplier and third-party relationships

A.16 Information security incident management: Controls concerning the identification, reporting, and handling of information security incidents

A.17 Information security aspects of business continuity management: Controls aimed at ensuring business continuity and availability of critical information

A.18 Compliance: Controls addressing regulatory, contractual, and internal information security requirements

To address distinct information security risks and difficulties, companies can implement the specific procedures and practices included in each of these controls. Companies may create a strong and efficient ISMS that will increase security and reduce exposure to information security threats by adopting and adapting these rules to their unique context.

HOW DOES ISO 27001:2022 DIFFER FROM ITS PREDECESSOR, ISO 27001:2013?

We all know that ISO 27001 has an updated version that helps build a secure infrastructure for a company’s information security. Now, we will get to know what changes have been made and how the new ISO 27001:2022 version works. Let’s delve into more information to find out whether the ISO 27001:2022 security controls list is up to the mark.

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A controls:

The controls in ISO 27001:2022 Annex A have been reorganized and combined to reflect contemporary security challenges. However, the Annex A control set has been updated to reflect more recent hazards and the controls that go along with them. The fundamental ISMS management techniques have not altered. 

Major changes made in ISO 27001:2022 controls: 

• From 114 to 93 controls, fewer have been added.
• Instead of the previous 14 sections, the controls are now divided into 4.
• While no controls were deleted and many controls were merged, there are now 11 new controls.
• Clauses 4 to 10 of ISO 27001, which make up the majority of the standard, have barely altered. 

Annex A controls have been grouped into four instead of 14: 

1. Organizational (37 controls)
2. People (8  controls)
3. Physical (14 controls)
4. Technological (34 controls) 

New security controls that have been added are: 

1. A.5.7  Threat intelligence
2. A.5.23 Security of data when using cloud services
3. A.5.30 ICT readiness for business continuity
4. A.7.4 Physical security monitoring
5. A.8.9 Configuration management
6. A.8.10 Information deletion
7. A.8.11Data masking
8. A.8.12 Data leakage prevention
9. A.8.16 Monitoring activities
10. A.8.23 Web filtering
11. A.8.28 Secure coding

SHOULD ORGANIZATIONS RECONSIDER THEIR ISO 27001 IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS?

Although there aren’t many differences between ISO 27001:2022 Annex A controls and the 2013 version, some minor alterations can be made. As there is a three-year window for updating your Information Security Management System (ISMS), it is not necessary to address them right now. 

Certifying authorities may not approve the earlier version if these upgrades are delayed for three years. You can use the controls listed in Annex A and compare them to the controls from the 2013 version in your Statement of Applicability (SoA) to evaluate your controls. 

To begin implementing ISO 27001:2022, take a look at the following checklist: 

• Your risk treatment plan should be reviewed and updated to reflect the new controls.
• Your Statement of Applicability (SoA) should be updated.
• Examine and improve your ISMS review procedure.
• Revisit your ISMS communication strategy.
• Review and update the IS goals. 

By using this checklist, your company may retain a strong information security management system while ensuring a smooth transition to the revised edition of ISO 27001:2022.

NEED EXPERT HELP IN ORDER TO BE COMPLIANT WITH ISO 27001:2022?

Ensuring compliance with ISO 27001:2022 is a bit of a complicated task. CertPro, as a trusted expert in ISO 27001:2022 compliance, can guide your organization through the entire process.

CertPro’s team of skilled professionals will work closely with your organization to implement the necessary security measures, establish a robust risk management framework, and conduct regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance. Their comprehensive approach will not only help you meet the ISO 27001:2022 requirements but also enhance your overall information security posture.

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