ISO 27001 clause 6 Planning

May 22, 2023by Maya G

Clause 6 of ISO 27001:2013 specifies the requirements for planning within an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This clause is titled "Planning" and is an essential part of the overall implementation and maintenance of the ISMS. It focuses on establishing the foundation for effective information security management.

ISO 27001 Documentation toolkit, ISO 27001, ISO 27001 ISMS

Here is an overview of the key elements and requirements of Clause 6 of ISO 27001:

  • Risk Assessment: This involves conducting a systematic assessment of information security risks to identify threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts on the organization. The risk assessment process helps determine the appropriate controls and safeguards to mitigate or manage the identified risks.
  • Risk Treatment: Once the risks are identified, an organization needs to decide how to treat them. This involves selecting and implementing controls and measures to mitigate, avoid, transfer, or accept the risks based on the organization's risk appetite and tolerance levels.
  • Statement of Applicability (SoA): The SoA is a document that outlines the controls selected and implemented by the organization to address the identified risks. It provides a clear reference for internal and external parties to understand the scope and coverage of the ISMS.
  • Information Security Objectives: Organizations must establish information security objectives that are consistent with the overall business objectives and the results of the risk assessment. These objectives should be measurable, achievable, and aligned with the organization's strategy.
  • Information Security Risk Treatment Plan: This plan describes the actions, responsibilities, and timelines for implementing the selected risk treatment measures and controls. It ensures that the necessary resources are allocated, and the implementation is managed effectively.
  • Resources, Roles, Responsibility, and Accountability: Organizations should allocate the necessary resources, define roles and responsibilities, and establish lines of authority and accountability for the implementation and maintenance of the ISMS.
  • Competence, Awareness, and Training: This element emphasizes the importance of ensuring that employees have the necessary competence and awareness of information security risks and their responsibilities within the ISMS. Adequate training programs should be implemented to enhance information security awareness.
  • Communication: Effective communication processes should be established to ensure the timely and appropriate dissemination of information related to information security risks, controls, and the ISMS itself.
  • Documented Information: Organizations are required to establish and maintain the necessary documented information to support the planning, operation, and control of the ISMS. This includes policies, procedures, guidelines, records, and other relevant documents.
  • Operational Planning and Control: Organizations should plan, implement, and control the processes needed to meet the information security requirements. This includes change management, incident response, business continuity planning, and other operational processes.

By fulfilling these requirements outlined in Clause 6 of ISO 27001, organizations can establish a solid foundation for the effective management of information security within their operations.

ISO 27001 Documentation toolkit, ISO 27001, ISO 27001 ISMS