Experiencing security issues is not a matter of if but when, as organizations are continually exposed to risks threatening their operations. The potential for theft of high-value products, hacking of confidential information, and personnel injury underscores the importance of robust security management. These incidents not only result in financial losses but also pose legal and reputational risks. Recognizing this, security management has become paramount for organizations, and ISO 28000 provides a comprehensive framework to address these challenges.
What is ISO 28000?
ISO 28000 outlines requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Security Management System (SeMS), including aspects relevant to supply chain security. The 2022 edition, titled “Security and resilience – Security management systems – Requirements,” replaces the 2007 version, emphasizing its applicability to all organizations, irrespective of type, size, or industry. The revised structure aligns with ISO’s harmonized format, facilitating integration with other ISO-based management systems.
New additions to ISO 28000 include recommendations aligning with ISO 31000 on security management principles and ISO 22301 on business continuity management. These enhancements enhance alignment and complementarity with risk management and business continuity standards.
Why is ISO 28000 important for organizations?
Given the unpredictable nature of security incidents, adopting a proactive security management approach is crucial. ISO 28000 empowers organizations to identify valuable assets and implement tailored security processes and controls. This includes safeguarding property, personnel, products, data, and infrastructure. An effective SeMS supports improved recognition, reputation enhancement, increased business profitability and efficiency, and long-term cost reduction.
ISO 28000 mandates leadership commitment to security management, ensuring the establishment of a security policy, setting objectives, and integrating security into organizational processes. This alignment enables organizations to embed security in daily operations, align security efforts with overall goals, and foster a security culture conducive to proactive risk management.
Requirements related to risk assessment, security controls, strategies, and plans are integral components of ISO 28000. Effective risk assessment processes help identify, analyze, and evaluate security-related risks. Organizations can then implement controls and strategies to prevent or mitigate security-related risks, with security plans facilitating responses to incidents to minimize operational and business impact.
ISO 28000 also outlines requirements for monitoring and measuring the SeMS. Monitoring identifies vulnerabilities, enabling organizations to take corrective actions to minimize risk and loss. Additionally, it ensures compliance with evolving security regulations and standards, preventing legal consequences and reputational damage resulting from violations.
Benefits of an effective SeMS based on ISO 28000
An ISO 28000-based security management system offers several benefits, enabling organizations to:
- Enhance business capabilities
- Ensure the security of the operating environment
- Comply with statutory, regulatory, and voluntary security obligations
- Identify and address security-related risks and opportunities
- Effectively handle security violations
- Recover from disruptions in the supply chain
- Manage relationships with relevant stakeholders in the supply chain
- Manage security-related risks
- Create and protect value
- Align security processes and controls with organizational objectives
- Gain a competitive advantage
- Demonstrate conformity through assessments by accredited third parties