For organisations aiming to protect sensitive data, ISO 27001 certification has long been the global benchmark for establishing a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS). With the release of ISO/IEC 27001:2022, businesses already certified or planning to certify must understand what’s changed—and why it matters.
In this article, we explore the key differences between ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27001:2022, the reasons behind the update, and what steps your organisation should take to remain compliant and secure.
Why ISO 27001 Certification Was Updated
Cybersecurity threats have evolved significantly over the past decade. As technology, cloud adoption, and remote work environments advanced, the need for a modernised approach to information security became clear. Like all ISO standards, ISO 27001 is reviewed periodically to ensure it reflects current risks, technologies, and best practices.
The 2022 update enhances the standard’s relevance in today’s digital world—especially for organisations seeking or maintaining ISO 27001 certification in sectors like finance, IT, healthcare, and government.
What’s New in ISO/IEC 27001:2022?
While the core management system clauses (0 to 10) remain largely unchanged, the most notable revisions appear in Annex A, where the information security controls are listed. Here’s a breakdown of the major changes:
1. Streamlined Controls Structure
- 2013 Version: 114 controls across 14 domains
- 2022 Version: 93 controls grouped into 4 themes:
- Organisational (37)
- People (8)
- Physical (14)
- Technological (34)
This streamlined structure improves usability and aligns with modern security strategies.
2. 11 New Controls Added
The 2022 edition introduces 11 new controls, reflecting today’s cybersecurity priorities:
- Threat intelligence
- Information security for cloud services
- ICT readiness for business continuity
- Data masking and deletion
- Web filtering
- Secure coding
- Monitoring activities
- Configuration management
- Physical security monitoring
- Data leakage prevention
These additions strengthen your organisation’s ability to respond to evolving digital threats.
3. Control Attributes Introduced
Each control now includes metadata attributes (e.g. control type, security domain, cybersecurity concept), allowing organisations to filter and categorise controls based on business relevance. This makes implementation and reporting more adaptable and aligned with other security frameworks like NIST or COBIT.
4. Updated Language and Layout
Terminology has been modernised and clarified. Examples include:
- “Documents and records” changed to “documented information”
- Control descriptions are more concise and implementation-focused
- Improved consistency across clauses and annexes
These updates enhance readability and simplify internal audits.
Why the 2022 Changes Matter
✅ Stronger Cyber Resilience
With updated controls addressing cloud services, coding practices, and threat monitoring, the 2022 version strengthens the ability to prevent, detect, and respond to modern attacks.
✅ Improved Alignment with Other Standards
The revised structure makes it easier to integrate ISO 27001 with other standards like ISO 9001 (Quality), ISO 22301 (Business Continuity), and ISO 20000-1 (IT Service Management).
✅ Simplified Implementation and Maintenance
The new structure and attributes help organisations focus on relevant controls, making the ISO 27001 certification process more efficient—especially for small and medium businesses.
Transitioning to ISO 27001:2022
ISO has provided a 3-year transition window, ending on October 31, 2025. If your organisation is already certified to ISO 27001:2013, you’ll need to:
- Conduct a gap analysis
- Update your risk assessment and Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Review or revise documentation and processes
- Train relevant stakeholders
- Schedule a transition audit with your certification body
Transitioning early can help avoid compliance risks and demonstrate your proactive commitment to information security.
Conclusion: Why Staying Updated Is Crucial
Whether you’re pursuing ISO 27001 certification for the first time or updating your current ISMS, aligning with the 2022 version ensures your security practices are in step with today’s threats and technologies.
At ISO R US, we help Australian businesses of all sizes achieve and maintain ISO 27001 compliance with expert consulting, tailored implementation, and ongoing support.
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