ISO 27001 - Clause 6.1.3 d) Produce a Statement of Applicability
Clause 6.1.3(d) of the ISO 27001 standard emphasizes the requirement to produce a Statement of Applicability (SoA) that outlines the necessary controls, justifications for including or excluding controls from Annex A, and the rationale behind those decisions within an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The SoA serves as a critical document that helps stakeholders understand the organization's approach to managing information security risks and its commitment to protecting sensitive information.
Producing the Statement of Applicability
1. Identify Applicable Controls
Review Annex A: Review the controls listed in Annex A of the ISO 27001 standard.
Map to Risks: Map each control to the identified information security risks based on the results of the risk assessment.
2. Determine Inclusions and Exclusions
Include Controls: Include controls in the SoA that are deemed necessary to address identified risks.
Exclude Controls: Document controls that are excluded from the SoA with justifications for exclusion.
3. Justifications for Inclusions
Contextual Relevance: Explain how each included control addresses specific information security risks within the organization's context.
Rationale: Provide a clear rationale for why each control is included based on the assessed risks.
4. Justifications for Exclusions
Unapplicable Controls: Explain why certain controls are excluded because they are not applicable to the organization's context.
Alternative Measures: If an alternative measure is used instead of a control, justify the use of the alternative measure.
5. Align with Organizational Goals
Connect with Objectives: Align the controls listed in the SoA with the organization's objectives, industry requirements, and legal/regulatory obligations.
6. Review and Approval
Validation: Ensure the SoA is reviewed and validated by relevant stakeholders, including management and information security professionals.
Approval: Obtain formal approval from management, signifying their acknowledgment and endorsement of the selected controls.
7. Documentation
Create Document: Compile the SoA document, clearly listing the controls, justifications for inclusions/exclusions, and any alternative measures used.
Benefits of the Statement of Applicability
Transparency: Clearly communicates the organization's information security control decisions to stakeholders.
Risk Alignment: Demonstrates a strategic approach to managing information security risks and vulnerabilities.
Regulatory Compliance: Provides evidence of the organization's commitment to meeting information security regulations and standards.
Conclusion
Clause 6.1.3(d) of ISO 27001 highlights the importance of creating a comprehensive Statement of Applicability within the Information Security Management System. By detailing the chosen controls, their relevance to identified risks, and the rationale for inclusions/exclusions, organizations can effectively communicate their approach to information security to stakeholders. The SoA serves as a crucial document for demonstrating the organization's commitment to safeguarding sensitive information, complying with regulations, and continuously improving its information security practices.