ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002: Spotting the Variances

  • What is difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?
  • Published by: André Hammer on Apr 04, 2024

Have you ever thought about the differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002? They both focus on information security. However, there are subtle differences that distinguish them.

Understanding these distinctions can help organisations improve their security measures to meet their specific needs better. Let's explore the variances between these two globally recognised standards. This can help you feel more confident in navigating the realm of information security.

ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002: Spotting the Variances

ISO 27001 focuses on setting up, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in an organisation. It helps organisations create and apply security controls to manage information security risks.

ISO 27002, on the other hand, gives advice and best practices for choosing, implementing, and managing security controls within the ISO 27001 framework. It provides detailed guidance on specific security controls.

ISO 27001 is the certification standard. Organisations can get ISO 27001 certified by showing conformity to the standard's requirements during an audit process. ISO 27002 offers guidance on complying with security controls in Annex A of ISO 27001.

By following both standards, organisations can boost their security management system, meet ISO requirements, and enhance their overall security.

What is the Difference Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

Understanding ISO 27001 Standard

ISO 27001 focuses on Information Security Management Systems in an organization. It provides a framework to build, implement, monitor, review, maintain, and improve information security.

ISO 27002 gives guidance on security controls within an organization. It is a supplement to ISO 27001 and emphasizes the security controls an organization should implement based on best practices.

ISO 27001 certifies an organization's ISMS, ensuring they meet the standard's requirements. On the other hand, ISO 27002 focuses on specific security controls an organization should have.

The main difference is that ISO 27001 is a management standard while ISO 27002 is more about security controls. Both standards work together to improve an organization's security and compliance with best practices, including risk assessment, risk treatment, and access controls.

Understanding ISO 27002 Standard

The ISO 27002 Standard gives guidance on security controls for creating an effective Information Security Management System. It helps organisations improve their security posture by focusing on best practices.

ISO 27001 is a certification standard that outlines requirements for establishing, implementing, and improving an ISMS.

ISO 27002 provides detailed security controls guidance to assist in implementing ISO 27001 effectively.

Key elements include access controls, risk assessment, security policies, segregation of duties, and addressing vulnerabilities.

Following ISO 27002 can improve security measures, ensure standards compliance, and help pass audits for certification maintenance.

Key Differences Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002

Purpose of ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002

ISO 27001 focuses on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System within an organisation. It provides a framework for organisations to build and manage information security processes, ensuring data and information security.

On the other hand, ISO 27002 offers guidance on selecting and implementing specific security controls. It outlines best practices for organisations to improve their security and protect against vulnerabilities.

ISO 27001 is a management standard, while ISO 27002 is a supplementary standard that gives detailed advice on specific security controls.

By combining both standards, organisations can achieve ISO 27001 certification and show compliance with international best practices in information security management.

ISO 27001 focuses on the management system, while ISO 27002 provides specific controls to enhance the organisation's security.

Scope and Applicability

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are about managing information security.

ISO 27001 sets out rules for creating and improving an Information Security Management System.

Meanwhile, ISO 27002 gives advice on choosing and handling security measures to protect information's confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Every organisation may apply these standards differently based on their security needs, risks, and compliance.

ISO 27001 can be a guide to set up an ISMS, and ISO 27002 can assist with security controls.

Both are crucial for ISO compliance, risk management, and better security.

Following these standards helps with information security policies, access controls, risk assessment, and duties' separation.

Focus on Information Security

Organizations can improve information security by using ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 standards.

ISO 27001 helps create, implement, and manage Information Security Management Systems. It sets out requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving these systems.

On the other hand, ISO 27002 offers guidance on security controls. It provides guidelines for implementing security controls effectively.

The main difference between the two standards is that ISO 27001 focuses on the management system, while ISO 27002 concentrates on security controls.

To get certified, organisations need to follow ISO 27001 requirements and use the security controls from ISO 27002. This involves tasks like risk assessments, implementing treatment plans, creating security policies, and ensuring duties segregation.

Certification includes a detailed audit to evaluate security practices and compliance with standards.

Compliance Requirements

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are standards for information security management for organisations.

ISO 27001 sets out the requirements for creating, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System.

ISO 27002 offers guidance on security controls.

Compliance with these standards is necessary to protect data and reduce vulnerabilities.

Organisations must:

  • Establish and maintain policies

  • Conduct risk assessments

  • Implement access controls

  • Segregate duties

Regular audits and reviews are vital to assess the system’s effectiveness and ensure best practices are followed.

A key difference between the two standards is their focus:

  • ISO 27001 is a certification standard for ISMS

  • ISO 27002 provides advice on security controls and best practices

Understanding these differences is crucial for organisations aiming to enhance security and achieve ISO compliance.

Certification Process

The certification process for ISO 27001 involves several steps that organisations must follow to build and implement an Information Security Management System.

These steps include implementing security controls, conducting a risk assessment and treatment, developing policies and procedures, and undergoing an audit for compliance with the standard.

On the other hand, ISO 27002 offers guidance on security controls that organisations can use to improve their information security.

To get certified in ISO 27002, organisations must follow the outlined security controls and prove compliance through an audit.

By focusing on security controls and best practices, organisations can bolster their security framework and decrease vulnerabilities.

Basically, ISO 27001 certifies ISMS, while ISO 27002 offers additional advice on security controls.

Simplifying ISO 27001 and ISO 27002

Understanding the Basics

ISO 27001 is an international standard. It outlines the requirements for an Information Security Management System.

This standard focuses on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an ISMS within an organization.

ISO 27002, on the other hand, provides guidelines for selecting, implementing, and managing security controls.

It offers best practices to achieve objectives set out in ISO 27001.

ISO 27001 is a certification standard.

On the other hand, ISO 27002 is a supplementary standard that advises on implementing security controls.

Organizations seeking ISO 27001 certification must meet requirements such as conducting risk assessments and developing security policies.

They must also implement risk treatment plans and undergo audits for compliance.

ISO 27002 provides a framework for enhancing security posture.

It suggests best practices for access controls, segregation of duties, and management review.

How to Use ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 in Your Organisation

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are standards focusing on information security management systems. ISO 27001 sets out the requirements for building, implementing, and maintaining an ISMS. Meanwhile, ISO 27002 offers guidance on security controls.

To effectively implement these standards in your organisation, follow key steps:

  1. Conduct a risk assessment.

  2. Develop policies and procedures based on best practices.

  3. Ensure compliance with the standards.

By adhering to ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, organisations can:

  • Improve security posture.

  • Identify and address vulnerabilities.

  • Enhance overall data protection.

  • Obtain certification, demonstrating a robust information security management system.

ISO compliance:

  • Helps streamline access controls.

  • Reduces bureaucracy.

  • Streamlines management processes.

Overall, implementing ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 can help organisations:

  • Enhance security.

  • Reduce risks.

  • Demonstrate commitment to data protection best practices.

Author: Luke Irwin

Luke Irwin is an expert in information security, especially in ISO standards. He focuses on ISO 27001 and 27002 to help organisations improve their security.

Luke compares ISO 27001, which sets out requirements for Information Security Management Systems , with ISO 27002, offering guidance on security controls selection.

His writing simplifies complex topics, emphasising practical examples and best practices. This helps organisations implement effective security controls without unnecessary complexity.

Luke stresses the importance of aligning with ISO standards to strengthen security, reduce vulnerabilities, and achieve ISO compliance through risk assessment, access controls, and duty segregation.

His insights are valuable for organisations looking to enhance their security frameworks and overall security systems.

Comments and Details

ISO 27001 is all about information security. It helps set up, keep up, and make better an information security management system in a company.

On the flip side, ISO 27002 is an extra rulebook. It guides in picking, doing, and handling security measures. These ensure information safety within a company.

ISO 27001 puts in place what a company needs to get certified. In contrast, ISO 27002 advises on smart ways to construct and carry out security measures.

ISO 27001 is a management guide on info security as a whole. ISO 27002, however, is a deep dive into specific security measures and top practices for companies to use.

The two standards differ in what they focus on. ISO 27001 looks at management tasks and checks. ISO 27002, on the other hand, zeroes in on security measures and managing risks.

A company must grasp these differences. It helps with beefing up security and hitting ISO rules.

Over to you

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are standards in information security management.

ISO 27001 helps implement an Information Security Management System.

ISO 27002 gives best practices for managing security controls.

Knowing the differences is important for organisations improving security and meeting regulations.

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FAQ

What are the key differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

ISO 27001 is a certification standard for information security management systems, while ISO 27002 provides guidelines for implementing controls. ISO 27001 outlines the requirements for an ISMS, while ISO 27002 offers a comprehensive set of control objectives and controls.

How do ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 differ in terms of scope?

ISO 27001 focuses on establishing an Information Security Management System while ISO 27002 provides guidelines for implementing controls within the ISMS. ISO 27001 sets the requirements for certification, while ISO 27002 offers best practice recommendations for information security management.

Can ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 be implemented together?

Yes, ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 can be implemented together as they complement each other. For example, organizations can use ISO 27001 for establishing an ISMS framework and ISO 27002 for implementing specific security controls.

What are the main focuses of ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

ISO 27001 focuses on establishing an information security management system, while ISO 27002 provides guidelines for implementing and maintaining that system. Examples include risk assessment, security controls, and continuous improvement.

How do ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 contribute to overall information security management?

ISO 27001 provides a framework for implementing an Information Security Management System, while ISO 27002 offers guidelines for implementing specific security controls. Together, they help organisations establish and maintain a comprehensive approach to managing information security risks.

Two people monitoring systems for security breaches

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