What is the difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

ISO (International Organization for Standardization) provides guidelines and standards for various aspects of business and technology. Two important standards related to information security are ISO 27001 and ISO 27002. While both these standards aim to enhance an organization's information security management system, they have distinct differences in terms of scope and focus.

ISO 27001: Information Security Management System

ISO 27001 is a certification standard that sets out the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an organization's Information Security Management System (ISMS). The ISMS provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information and mitigating the risks associated with its handling.

The main emphasis of ISO 27001 is on establishing a robust framework for identifying and assessing information security risks, implementing controls to manage those risks effectively, and continuously monitoring and reviewing the performance of the ISMS. It requires organizations to establish policies, procedures, and processes to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their information assets.

ISO 27002: Code of Practice for Information Security Controls

ISO 27002, formerly known as ISO 17799, provides guidelines and best practices for selecting, implementing, and managing specific information security controls within the framework of the ISMS defined by ISO 27001. It is a comprehensive set of security controls covering various areas such as organizational security, asset management, human resource security, access control, cryptography, physical and environmental security, and more.

ISO 27002 acts as a companion guide to ISO 27001, offering detailed guidance on how to implement the controls required for managing information security risks. While ISO 27001 focuses on the overall management system, ISO 27002 provides specific control objectives and detailed implementation guidance to achieve those objectives.

Differences and Relationship

The key difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 lies in their scope and focus. ISO 27001 is a comprehensive standard that outlines the requirements for establishing an ISMS, while ISO 27002 is a complementary standard that provides detailed guidance on implementing the controls within the ISMS framework.

In other words, ISO 27001 sets the foundation for an organization's information security management system, while ISO 27002 offers a set of best practices and security controls that can be implemented to meet the requirements of ISO 27001.

It is important to note that ISO 27001 certification requires compliance with the standard's requirements, which includes the implementation of the controls outlined in ISO 27002. Therefore, ISO 27002 is often used as a reference for organizations seeking certification under ISO 27001.

In conclusion, ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are two closely related standards that collectively provide a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks. While ISO 27001 defines the requirements for establishing an ISMS, ISO 27002 offers detailed guidance on implementing security controls within that framework. Achieving compliance with both standards can help organizations enhance their information security posture and demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data.