ISO 27001:2022 vs ISO 27001:2013 | Key Differences Explained

Introduction

In the present digital era, organisations have been relying on secure and reliable information systems. One of the most reliable standards of Information Security Management System (ISMS) is ISO 27001. The cyber threats have been evolving, technology has changed, and the demands of security have risen over the years. In order to remain relevant, ISO 27001 has been revised in 2022 with updated controls and requirements. The knowledge of the differences between ISO 27001:2022 and ISO 27001:2013 assists organisations to remain compliant and increase their security posture. This blog clearly spells out the updates, benefits and what organisations should do.
  

What Is ISO 27001?

The ISO 27001 is a global standard used in managing the security of information among organisations. It assists in safeguarding information against attacks, malpractice, unauthorised access, and hacking. The standard offers a systematic approach to people, processes and technology to offer unending protection of information.

Why Was ISO 27001 Updated?

Since 2013 the technology has been growing at a fast rate. Ten years ago cloud computing, working remotely and new types of cyberattacks were not widespread. The 2022 update has been presented to ensure the controls remain relevant and make them less complex to match the emerging threats and global security requirements.

Significant Comparisons Between ISO 27001:2022 And ISO 27001:2013.

1. Control Structure Changes

• • The ISO 27001:2013 contained 114 controls on 14 domains.
    
    
  • There are 93 controls contained in ISO 27001:2022 that are divided into 4 themes.

New Themes (2022):

• • Organisational Controls
    
    
  • People Controls
    
    
  • Physical Controls
    
    
  • Technological Controls

What Changed?

• • Similar controls were merged together.
    
    
  • The framework is less complex and simple to apply.
    
    
  • Modern cybersecurity requirements are present in controls.
    
    

2. Implementation Of 11 New Controls.

Additional controls were introduced in ISO 27001:2022 to deal with the existing risks.

New Controls Include:

1. 1. Threat Intelligence
      
      
   2. Cloud Services Information Security.
      
      
   3. ICT Disaster Preparedness of Business.
      
      
   4. Physical Security Surveillance.
      
      
   5. Configuration Management
      
      
   6. Information Deletion
      
      
   7. Data Masking
      
      
   8. Data Leakage Prevention
      
      
   9. Monitoring Activities
      
      
   10. Web Filtering
       
       
   11. Secure Coding

These controls introduce a further level of emphasis on cloud, coding practices, and monitors of systems.

3. Combination And Change Of Controls.

There was a lot of duplication in the controls in 2013 and this has been eliminated.
Examples include:

• • The asset management controls were reduced into fewer and more efficient controls.
    
    
  • The physical security control was combined to minimize redundancy.
    
    
  • Access control and system security controls rearranged to make sense.

This enhances ease of readability and facilitates the implementation of the same by organisations.

4. Increased Attention To Cybersecurity And Cloud.

The 2022 edition enhances the security of:

• • Cloud-hosted data
    
    
  • Software applications
    
    
  • Remote work environments
    
    
  • Modern cyber threats
    
    
  • Security surveillance and control.

These updates will be of great benefit to organisations that utilise cloud services or those that operate in a hybrid environment of working.

5. Revised Annex A Control Mapping.

The version of the Annex A has been completely updated and now follows the current ISO 27002:2022 format.This makes the mapping of controls to be implemented to be smoother and clearer.

6. Better Conformity To Other ISO Standards.

Other management system standards such as: are more consistent with ISO 27001:2022.

• • ISO 9001 (Quality)
    
    
  • ISO 22301 (Business Continuity)
    
    
  • ISO 20000 (IT Service Management)

This simplifies the construction and maintenance of integrated management systems.

7. Streamlined Documentation Requirement.

Although documentation is needed, the 2022 version focuses on:

• Flexibility
  
  
• Risk-based decisions
  
  
• Eliminating redundant documents.
  
  
• The more efficient evidence gathering.

This saves the administration burden and assists organisations to concentrate on the actual security threats.

Benefits Of Upgrading To ISO 27001:2022

1. Enhanced Internet Security.

• • Increased correspondence to contemporary cyber threats.
    
    
  • Presents cloud, coding, and monitoring controls.
    
    
  • Minimizes the risk of attacks.
    
    

2. Better Operational Efficiency.

• • Reduced complexity of control.
    
    
  • Quickly implemented and maintained.
    
    
  • Greater transparency among auditors and teams.
    
    

3. Future-Ready ISMS Structure

• • Fits in with the modern world of technology.
    
    
  • They are configured to support remote working and cloud-based deployments.
    
    
  • Assists in long-term business development.
    
    

4. Higher Customer Confidence

• • Shows enthusiasm in good data protection.
    
    
  • Enhances credibility among customers, business associates, and the government.
    
    

5. Competitive Business Advantage.

• • New certification enhances your brand image.
    
    
  • Demonstrates that your organisation is in line with the best practices in the world.

Practical Guide To Moving ISO 27001:2013 To ISO 27001:2022.

1. Perform A Gap Analysis

• • Determine the requirements and controls that have changed.
    
    
  • Compare current ISMS with that of 2022.
    
    
  • Gaps and areas of improvement in documents.
    
    

2. Update The Risk Assessment

• • Add cloud risks, cybersecurity risks, and risks based on a new technology.
    
    

3. Review And revise Annex A Controls.

• • Correlate your current controls to the 2022 control list.
    
    
  • Add new controls where necessary.
    
    

4. Revamp Policies And Procedures.

• • Represent the new organization and new controls.
    
    
  • Make sure that audit requirements are documented.
    
    

5. Educate Employees About New Changes.

• • Train users about new controls and requirements.
    
    
  • Enhance cybersecurity and cloud security.
    
    

6. Conduct An Internal Audit

• • Check preparation to transition audit.
    
    
  • Proper non-conformities during certification.
    
    

7. Pass The External Transition Audit.

• • Adherence to ISO 27001:2022 will be checked by certification body.

Conclusion

The ISO 27001:2022 introduces an updated, more straightforward, and more robust method of information security. It represents the current technology, the dynamic nature of cyber threats, and the necessity to protect data at all times. The organisations need to know the variations between the 2013 and 2022 versions to remain compliant and resilient. The upgrading guarantees enhanced cybersecurity, increased trust, and business value in the long term. Implementation of the new standard is no longer a compliance measure--it is a prudent step to information security in the future.