A Global Standard for Information Security
ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 are the cornerstone of information security management worldwide.
Together, they provide a unified framework to establish, operate, and continuously improve an Information Security Management System (ISMS) — ensuring that data, assets, and operations remain secure in a rapidly evolving threat landscape.
-
ISO/IEC 27001 defines the requirements for an ISMS.
-
ISO/IEC 27002 provides the controls and practical guidance to implement those requirements effectively.
These standards apply to organizations of all sizes and sectors — from financial institutions to healthcare, manufacturing, and government agencies — including those managing complex supplier networks.
ISO 27001: The Framework for Information Security
ISO/IEC 27001 provides the blueprint for designing and maintaining a structured and certifiable ISMS.
It guides organizations through the process of identifying risks, implementing safeguards, and improving continuously.
Key elements of ISO 27001 include:
-
Context and stakeholder analysis – Understanding the internal and external environment and defining key stakeholders.
-
Risk assessment and treatment – Identifying and managing risks to information assets.
-
Security policies and planning – Establishing rules and objectives that define security behavior.
-
Operational security controls – Implementing technical, procedural, and organizational measures.
-
Continuous improvement and auditing – Regularly reviewing and enhancing the ISMS.
Because ISO 27001 is certifiable, organizations can be formally audited and accredited for compliance — a key differentiator in industries where trust and transparency are essential.
ISO 27002: The Practical Handbook for Security Controls
Where ISO 27001 defines the what, ISO/IEC 27002 defines the how.
It provides a detailed catalogue of 93 actionable controls, grouped into four domains:
-
Organizational controls
Policies, governance, and leadership measures that structure information security. -
People and culture
Controls around employee awareness, roles, and training. -
Physical controls
Safeguards that protect offices, data centers, and equipment. -
Technological controls
Technical measures like access control, encryption, backups, and logging.
Each control includes implementation guidance, applicability, and examples, making ISO 27002 a hands-on resource for security professionals.
In essence, ISO 27002 is the implementation manual that turns ISO 27001 theory into operational reality.
Why ISO 27001 and 27002 Matter
Implementing ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 helps organizations manage information security in a structured, consistent, and risk-based way.
The benefits include:
-
Improved data protection and risk management
A systematic approach to identifying and mitigating threats. -
Regulatory alignment
Support for compliance with frameworks such as GDPR, NIS2, and DORA. -
Customer and stakeholder trust
Demonstrable proof of a mature, well-governed security program. -
Supply chain assurance
A common language for evaluating supplier and third-party risks.
Many public tenders, enterprise contracts, and cross-industry partnerships now require ISO 27001 certification or evidence of alignment with its principles.
In short, it’s no longer a “nice-to-have” — it’s a competitive necessity.
How RiskStudio Supports ISO 27001 and ISO 27002
While ISO standards define what needs to be done, organizations still face the challenge of applying those principles across their supply chain.
That’s where RiskStudio comes in.
RiskStudio helps organizations operationalize ISO standards in dynamic, complex ecosystems by providing visibility, automation, and real-time intelligence.
With RiskStudio, you can:
-
Map suppliers by critical process or asset
Understand which vendors impact your most important information flows. -
Assess and monitor ISO-related risks
Evaluate suppliers against ISO 27002 control areas such as encryption, access management, and incident response. -
Track compliance over time
Identify improvement trends and measure supplier maturity continuously. -
Link technical evidence to ISO controls
Combine outside-in data (e.g., vulnerabilities, breaches, hygiene) with the ISO framework for actionable governance.
This integration makes your information security program visible, scalable, and auditable — ensuring your ISO efforts extend beyond your own perimeter into the entire digital ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What is ISO/IEC 27001?
ISO 27001 is the international standard that defines the requirements for establishing, implementing, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
2. What is ISO/IEC 27002?
ISO 27002 provides the practical controls and guidelines to implement the security measures defined by ISO 27001. It includes 93 detailed controls across organizational, physical, human, and technological domains.
3. Can an organization get certified for both ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?
Only ISO 27001 is certifiable. ISO 27002 serves as a best-practice guide to help achieve ISO 27001 compliance.
4. How do ISO 27001 and 27002 relate to regulations like GDPR or NIS2?
Both standards align closely with data protection and cybersecurity frameworks. Implementing ISO controls helps organizations meet GDPR and NIS2 requirements.
5. How can RiskStudio support ISO implementation?
RiskStudio helps organizations apply ISO principles to third-party and supplier management — linking ISO controls to real-world data for continuous risk visibility and compliance monitoring.
6. Why are these standards important for the supply chain?
Because information security doesn’t stop at your organization’s boundary. ISO 27001 and 27002 provide a consistent framework to assess and manage supplier risks across complex ecosystems.
Conclusion
ISO/IEC 27001 and ISO/IEC 27002 provide a proven, globally recognized foundation for information security.
They help organizations balance compliance, governance, and practical risk management in an increasingly interconnected world.
With RiskStudio, you can extend that foundation to your entire supply chain, ensuring every partner, vendor, and dependency aligns with your ISO-driven standards.
It’s not just about certification — it’s about visibility, resilience, and trust.