The emergence of the Internet of Things and the interconnected nature of various industrial processes have created a host of regulations and guidelines to ensure IIoT security. ISO/IEC 27001 is one of the more vital guidelines businesses have to adhere to to ensure that they are not just fit for transactions but are also taking active steps to ensure that their assets are safe.
The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the latest version of this guide, and we will examine key aspects of it and how it affects OT systems.
What is ISO/IEC 27001:2022
The ISO/IEC 27001 is an information security management standard that provides businesses with a framework that helps them safeguard and protect their information security management systems (ISMS) and their general information assets. Its range covers risk evaluation, management, and enhancement. As information control means it is a practical framework for managerial control that ensures that businesses have complete oversight over their information and enhances their CPS security.
The first set of ISO/IEC 27001 standards was published in 2005; it was then updated in 2013, and its most recent update came on the 25th of October 2022. Businesses and organizations that have been certified by the previous version of the documentation have to transition to the latest version before the 31st of October 2025. Businesses of all sizes and industries can benefit from ISO 27001: 2022. If a company has implemented a system to address relevant data security risks, it signifies they comply with ISO/IEC 27001: 2022. Like the NIST cybersecurity framework, adoption of the IEC 27001 is voluntary.
Why is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Important for OT Security?
There are numerous benefits with OT/IT convergence, but it also has its risks that have exposed industrial cybersecurity systems to newer threats. Having frameworks that provide well-rounded IT and OT security guidelines becomes imperative, as they help businesses dot their security “Is” and cross their “Ts.” The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 ensures that in order to meet its requirements, companies must implement risk management strategies and develop the capacity to proactively detect, assess, and reduce potential threats. The standard offers a methodical approach to handling sensitive data and making sure it stays safe.
Furthermore, customers value credibility, and ISO 270001 needs certification, which improves a company’s standings as security compliant and diligent before a global market. Customers are more likely to patronize an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certified business than one that isn’t. Signifying that ISO/IEC 27001:2022 not only offers security from cyber threats but also opens up businesses to more opportunities and increases their competitive advantage.
Key Changes in ISO/IEC 27001:2022 From 27001:2013
A couple of important changes were added to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for those looking to get their ISO 27001 certification. Although most of these changes were made to Annex A, they remain relevant. The standard also has some changes to the main part. Besides the noticeable change to the standard’s title, here are some other key changes.
- A decrease in the overall number of controls from 114 to 93 as a result of the addition of 11 new controls and the deletion, merging, and revision of existing controls.
- Reducing the number of areas or subsets in the control structure from 14 to four: organizational, people, physical, and technological.
- The new section 6.3, “Planning of Changes,” deals with how you handle modifications to your ISMS. As stated in clause 6.3, “When the organization determines the need for changes to the ISMS, the changes shall be carried out in a planned manner.” In most cases, your information security management committee (ISMC) would need to take action.
- There has been an increased focus on popular security topics such as secure coding, cloud security, threat intelligence, and configuration management.
- To assist businesses in better understanding their security postures and identifying vulnerabilities, the concept of attributes has been introduced. These attributes include:
- Control type
- Operational capabilities
- Security domains
- Cybersecurity concepts
- Information security properties
How Does ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Apply to OT Environments?
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is poised to play an essential role in OT environments. This is primarily because of the gradual integration of OT with IT systems. OT environments are vulnerable to cyber security risks and need standards that prioritize SCADA and ICS security. A couple of ways where ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is useful in OT environments include:
Risk-based approach
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 employs a risk-based approach making it compatible with OT security. This allows for assessing OT-specific risks that can jeopardize entire systems, allocating resources to forestall attacks, and reducing the threats in such areas.
Focus on Supply Chain Security
OT environments are heavily reliant on third parties for supplies and information. These supply chain pipelines are often very vulnerable to external attacks and breaches which can ground entire industries. The ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standards direct enhanced focus on possible supply chain risks due to their vital roles in OT environments.
Alignment with other standards
The OT industry already has standards that guide security implementation in its environments. Several aspects of OT management, such as control systems and security for industrial automation, are already covered by OT-specific standards such as IEC 62443. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and IEC 62443 can work together since the former covers general ISMS security, and the latter tackles more narrowly focused problems.
Better response and management of incidents
In OT environments, tools like an intrusion detection system (IDS) ensure prompt responses to security breaches. The importance of rapid and proper response to malware attacks and hackers cannot be overemphasized. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standards direct efforts towards incident management, ensuring that cyberattacks are promptly addressed.
Benefits of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 in OT/IoT security
There are a lot of benefits for companies that implement ISO 27001:2022 standards in their operations, including:
Compliance with global regulations
There are a host of laws that govern international data privacy and security, and it can be difficult to keep track of them. Breaking some of these laws can attract varying punishments across different jurisdictions, ensuring that compliance with some regulations is compulsory. Adherence to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 helps businesses meet basic requirements for many of these laws across the board.
Increases company’s attack resilience
In improving industrial cybersecurity, these standards help reduce IT and OT attack surfaces for businesses and provide a cohesive response strategy in case of breaches. This helps mitigate attacks and equips companies to transition from attacks back to fully functional procedures safely.
Protects your data
ISO/IEC 27001:2022, as a set of standards, improves industrial cybersecurity and data security by helping businesses that use OT and IT systems identify gaps and possible vulnerabilities before bad actors can exploit them. It does not just help identify these gaps but also equips businesses with the controls to handle these risks properly. This reduces the rate of business disruption from attacks, improving business efficiency.
Competitive edge
While getting an ISO 27001 certification looks easy on paper, it requires a lot of work and dedication. Getting the certification helps businesses stand out amongst their competitors as trustworthy partners that prioritize data security and customer safety. This is a great selling point for customers and investors alike.
Boost focus and organizational structure
By clearly outlining roles and duties for managing information risks, ISO 27001 certification can assist businesses in improving their organizational structure and focus. As a company expands, it may become unclear who is in charge of safeguarding certain assets. ISO 27001 takes care of this by making decision-making and productivity easier by standardizing the delegation of duties.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and OTORIO Titan
OTORIO is proud to hold ISO 27001 certification, along with other industry accepted best practice certifications, underscoring our unwavering commitment to safeguarding information and delivering secure, reliable solutions. This certification demonstrates that OTORIO adheres to globally recognized standards for information security management, ensuring that our customers’ sensitive data is handled with the utmost care. For our clients, this means partnering with a trusted cybersecurity provider that prioritizes their protection, enhances regulatory compliance, and supports business continuity in today’s rapidly evolving threat landscape.
