ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template

Introduction

An ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template gives organizations the framework to establish structured, consistent and compliant communication processes within their Information Security Management System (ISMS). ISO 27001 Clause 7.4 Communication outlines specific requirements for how organizations must communicate about information security. This clause recognizes that security depends not just on technical controls but on how information flows throughout the organization.

The clause requires organizations to determine:

• What to communicate
  
  
• When to communicate
  
  
• Who to involve
  
  
• How to communicate

Key Elements Of An ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template

A good ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template will have the following sections:

1. Introduction: Purpose and context of the communication procedure
   
   
2. Scope: What is covered by the procedure
   
   
3. Roles and Responsibilities: Who can communicate about security
   
   
4. Methods and Channels: Approved communication vehicles
   
   
5. Establishing the Appropriate Channel: How to choose the right medium
   
   
6. Procedure: Step by step process for different types of communication
   
   
7. Training and Awareness Programs: How to train staff on communication protocols
   
   
8. Documentation and Record Keeping: Requirements for keeping communication records

How To Create An ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template

Creating a communication procedure requires careful planning and consideration of your organization’s specific needs. Here’s a step by step approach to how to create an ISO 27001 communication procedure:

Step 1: Define Communication Content: Start by determining what information needs to be communicated. This will include:

• Information security policies and objectives
  
  
• Staff roles and responsibilities regarding information security
  
  
• Security risks and controls
  
  
• Changes to the ISMS
  
  
• Security incidents or breaches.

Step 2: Establish Communication Timing: Determine when different types of communication should occur:

• Scheduled communications (weekly, monthly, quarterly)
  
  
• Event triggered communications (incidents, changes, new threats)
  
  
• Regulatory driven communications (compliance updates, audit findings)

Step 3: Identify Communication Stakeholders: Map out who needs to be involved in different communications:

• Who can communicate (especially with external parties)
  
  
• Who needs to receive different types of information
  
  
• How communication flows between different levels of the organization5

Step 4: Choose Communication Methods:  Select the right channel for different types of communication:

• Formal channels (policies, procedures, contracts)
  
  
• Digital channels (email, intranet, secure messaging)
  
  
• In-person channels (meetings, training sessions)
  
  
• Public channels (website, social media, press releases)

Step 5: Write it down

Put it all together into a formal procedure document following your organization’s documentation standards and ISMS.

Information Security Communications Plan ISO 27001

An Information Security Communications Plan ISO 27001 builds on the communication procedure by providing a framework for all security communications. This should align with your organisation’s overall security objectives and cover internal and external communication needs.

A good communications plan:

• Raises security awareness throughout the organisation
  
  
• Ensures security information is disseminated seamlessly
  
  
• Proactively manages information security risks
  
  
• Builds stakeholder trust through transparent communication
  
  
• Aligns with ISO 27001 standards to support certification

ISO 27001 Communication Requirements Step By Step

Meeting ISO 27001 communication requirements step by step means addressing the explicit requirements of Clause 7.4 and the implicit communication needs throughout the standard:

1. Authorisation: Clearly define who can communicate about security matters, especially with external parties.
   
   
2. Content guidelines: Create templates and guidelines for common security communications to ensure consistency and completeness.
   
   
3. Communication channels: Set up secure, reliable ways to share security information.
   
   
4. Communication schedule: Establish regular security updates and awareness.
   
   
5. Document everything: Record significant communications as evidence of compliance.
   
   
6. Train staff: Ensure everyone knows the communication protocols and their responsibilities.
   
   
7. Review and improve: Regularly review the communication processes and make improvements as needed.

Benefits Of Good Communication In Your ISMS

Having the best ISO 27001 communication procedure brings many benefits:

• Security awareness: Regular communication keeps security top of mind for all staff.
  
  
• Faster incident response: Clear communication channels mean quicker reaction to security incidents.
  
  
• Stakeholder trust: Transparent communication builds trust in your security practices.
  
  
• Compliance: Documented communication processes make audit preparation easier.
  
  
• Fewer security incidents: Informed staff make fewer security mistakes.

Conclusion

 A good ISO 27001 Communication Procedure Template is more than a tick box exercise it’s a valuable asset for your overall security. Follow this step by step guide to develop communication practices that meet ISO 27001 Clause 7.4 Communication and actually make a difference to how your organisation manages security information.