ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002: Understanding Key Differences

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are fundamental standards within the ISO/IEC 27000 family, designed to strengthen information security. While they complement each other, they serve distinct purposes. ISO 27001 provides a framework for creating, implementing, and cultivating an Information Security Management System (ISMS), while ISO 27002 offers detailed guidance and best practices for implementing specific security controls. 

This blog explores the critical aspects of both standards, briefly introducing their core functions. It delves into the differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, including when to use each and how they interrelate. Additionally, it highlights the benefits of achieving ISO compliance, helping organisations enhance their security posture and align with global benchmarks.

Table of Contents 

1) A Brief Introduction to ISO 27001 and ISO 27002

2) What is an ISMS?

3) What are the Differences Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

4) When Should you use Each Standard?

5) How do ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 Relate to Each Other?

6) Conclusion

A Brief Introduction to ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 

Before we discuss their differences in detail, we will first discuss both ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 in detail.   

What is ISO 27001? 

The ISO 27001 standard, developed collaboratively by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), serves as the foundation of the ISO 27000 series framework. This series comprises documents that establish standards for Information Security Management. 

ISO 27001, also known as ISO/IEC 27001, is the primary certification standard for the planning, implementation, operation, monitoring, and continuous improvement of an Information Security Management System (ISMS)

What is ISO 27002? 

ISO 27002, officially known as ISO/IEC 27002:2022, is a comprehensive guide for selecting, implementing, and managing security controls aligned with an organisation’s unique information security risk environment. Acting as a supplementary standard to ISO 27001, it provides detailed explanations and practical advice on applying the security controls outlined in ISO 27001. 

This enables organisations to tailor their security measures effectively, ensuring a robust and adaptable approach to safeguarding sensitive information. 
 

What is an ISMS?

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a structured framework of rules and practices that an organisation establishes to manage and safeguard information security effectively. It involves several key steps:

a) Identify stakeholders and understand their expectations regarding information security.

b) Assessing existing risks and potential vulnerabilities.

c) Defining controls and measures to address these risks and meet stakeholder expectations.

d) Setting clear objectives for achieving robust information security.

e) Implementing the defined controls and appropriate risk treatment methods.

f) Continuously monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of these controls to ensure they perform as intended.

g) Driving ongoing improvements to enhance the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the ISMS.

What are the Differences Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002? 

There are five main differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, all five of which we have discussed in detail as follows:

Applicability 

A crucial factor in implementing an ISMS is recognising that not all information security controls are relevant to every organisation. The ISO 27001 framework emphasises the importance of conducting a risk assessment to identify and prioritise security threats, ensuring the selection of appropriate controls. 

In contrast, ISO 27002 does not mandate a risk assessment, making it challenging to determine which controls to adopt without the context provided by ISO 27001.

Detail 

ISO 27002 is significantly more detailed compared to its predecessor. Including such extensive detail in ISO 27001 would make it overly complex and unwieldy. Instead, ISO 27001 provides a high-level framework for each aspect of an ISMS. For detailed, specific guidance, organisations are directed to complementary standards like ISO 27002, which elaborates on implementing and managing security controls. This division ensures clarity and usability for both standards.

Control Domains 

ISO 27001 focuses on the overall management of information security within an organisation, providing a framework for establishing, implementing, and improving an ISMS. It is not specific to control domains. In contrast, ISO 27002 offers a detailed set of security controls organised into 14 domains. These include access control, incident management, and physical security, providing practical guidance on implementing these controls effectively.

Want to learn ISO 27002? Join our industry leading ISO 27002 Training today.  

Certification 

Another critical difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 lies in certification. Organisations can achieve certification for ISO 27001, as it is a management standard with a comprehensive list of compliance requirements. However, ISO 27002 does not offer certification, as it serves as a supplementary standard, focusing on specific aspects of an ISMS by providing detailed guidance on implementing security controls.

Compliance 

ISO 27001 compliance emphasises meeting legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements, ensuring organisations align with external obligations.  In contrast, ISO 27002 provides flexible guidelines for applying security controls that can be adapted to an organisation’s unique needs and risk landscape, enabling a more personalised approach to managing information security.

Take the first step towards securing your organisation's information with our comprehensive ISO 27001 Foundation Course – register now! 

When Should you use Each Standard? 

The choice between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 depends on your organisation's goals and existing security posture. This section will help you select the most appropriate standard based on your specific information security objectives, whether you aim to establish a certified ISMS or implement detailed security controls tailored to your organisation's needs.

A key aspect to consider when implementing an ISMS is that not all the Information Security controls are applicable to your organisation. ISO 27001 framework clarifies that organisations must conduct a risk assessment to help identify and prioritise Information Security threats.. On the other hand, ISO 27002 does not specify this – so if you were to adopt the Standard, it would be practically impossible to determine what controls you should adopt.   

ISO 27001 

ISO 27001 lays the foundation for a concrete ISMS, mainly focusing on two key objectives:  

a) Risk Assessment: It identifies any potential risks and vulnerabilities to data within the organisation.  

b) Risk Mitigation: It determines what steps an organisation must take to safeguard their data.  

Organisations should implement ISO 27001 when they:  

a) Aim to achieve certification to the international security Standards  

b) Do not have an ISMS and want to implement one based on the best global Standard  

c) Want to assess and mitigate any ISO 27001 Physical Security risks in the organisation

d) Need to ensure compliance with business, legal or regulatory requirements   

ISO 27002 

ISO 27002 provides further elaboration on the details contained in the Annex A controls of ISO 27001, offering additional guidance to organisations seeking to implement security controls specified in the ISO 27001 Controls list. Organisations should only use ISO 27002 after identifying the security controls they plan to implement from the previous version of the security Standard. ISO 27002 helps organisations apply the framework they developed in ISO 27001. Therefore, it should only be used in tandem with ISO 27001.

Want to gain the expertise to lead and conduct successful ISO 27001 audit? Sign up for our ISO 27001 Lead Auditor Course today! 

How do ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 Relate to Each Other?  

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are two very closely related international Standards which address Information Security Management within organisations. These two Standards are used with each other as ISO 27002 helps organisations implement controls and Standards to be ISO 27001 certified. The following table will help you understand the relation between ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002.

Want to learn about ISO 27002? Join our industry leading ISO 27002 Training today.   

Conclusion  

ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 are like two sides of the same security coin—one lays the foundation, and the other polishes the details. Together, they empower organisations to tackle risks, protect data, and stay ahead in a world where security is everything. By blending strategy with action, these standards create a potent recipe for safeguarding your business and building trust.

Want to elevate your organisation's Cybersecurity practices? Make sure to register for our industry-leading ISO 27001 Certification!