Safety First: Why ISO 27001 is the Cornerstone of Modern Information Security

ISO 27001 in an Integrated Management System: Spotlight on SOA, Processes, Assets, and Risks

How well does ISO 27001 fit into an integrated management system? The answer: perfectly. By embedding security mechanisms directly into existing business processes, companies can not only secure their data environments but also improve overall operational efficiency.

So how do we practically integrate ISO 27001 into such a system? Implementation generally focuses on four key areas: SOA, processes, assets, and risks.

1. Statement of Applicability (SOA)

The SOA — or Statement of Applicability — is a core document that outlines which of the Annex A controls from ISO 27001 are being applied, not applied, or planned, and explains why. It’s essential for certification and can also be seen as a control-to-standard mapping. It clearly defines the scope of the ISMS and provides the rationale for every control decision.

2. Processes

ISO 27001 requires clear definition and documentation of leadership, core, and support processes. These clarify roles, responsibilities, and decision-making authority across the organization. They also help demonstrate compliance with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements. Often, companies incorporate these into their existing structures as part of an integrated management approach.

3. Assets

Assets are all resources that hold value for the organization — anything whose loss, compromise, or misuse could harm information security. These include:

• Hardware: servers, computers, printers
• Software: operating systems, applications, databases
• Data: digital and physical information
• Services: cloud platforms, network infrastructure, email systems
• Processes: those supporting core business functions
• Documentation: policies, procedures, reports
• Physical media: printed or handwritten documents

To manage assets in line with ISO 27001, follow these three steps:

• Create an asset inventory that lists all relevant items and assigns clear ownership.
• Use a classification method that rates assets based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
• Label assets in accordance with their classification.

Pro tip: Add additional information to the inventory such as responsible parties, data protection roles, processing agreements, and links to the business processes in which the assets are used. This supports transparency and traceability during changes or audits.

4. Risks

Risks arise from threats and vulnerabilities that can undermine information security — especially in terms of confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The goal is to avoid, reduce, transfer, or accept these risks by implementing appropriate controls.

Improving Information Security with ISO 27001

As with other standards, ISO 27001 requires regular audits to ensure the ISMS is effective and evolving. Companies that take this seriously not only maintain compliance — they strengthen their overall security posture and deepen stakeholder trust.

Tackling ISO 27001 Challenges in Daily Operations

Implementing ISO 27001 can pose challenges. Here are a few common ones — and how to address them:

• Avoid redundant documentation: For example, integrate your information security policy into your broader corporate policy instead of managing a separate document. Clearly define how and where security requirements are addressed in existing processes.
• Maintain a complete and up-to-date asset inventory: Define roles for evaluating information security during procurement and ensure asset tracking continues after purchase. Clarify ownership, protection needs, and responsibilities from the start.
• Assess risks from both an asset and process perspective: Think about potential threats like system failures, data breaches, or data loss. Conduct regular risk workshops and document the outcomes to track the effectiveness of your mitigation strategies.

ISO 27001: A Must-Have for the Digital Age

In a world where data is currency and cyber threats are growing, ISO 27001 is not just an option — it’s a necessity. By integrating it into your overall management system, you not only strengthen security but also streamline your operations. With a thoughtful implementation, your company not only meets compliance requirements but builds real resilience and trust — essential ingredients for success in the digital era.