System Guides

ISO 18788 - Clause 4.1.1 - SOMS General

ISO 18788 Clause 4.1.1 addresses the general requirements for establishing and implementing a Security Operations Management System (SOMS). This clause sets the foundational elements that an organization needs to consider when developing its security management system. Here's an explanation of the key elements of this clause:

Clause 4.1.1 - General:

1. Scope of the SOMS: Define the scope of your SOMS, specifying the boundaries and applicability of the system within your organization. This helps in understanding which security operations and activities are within the system's purview.

2. Applicability of the Standard: Determine how ISO 18788 applies to your organization and whether it covers the full scope of your security operations or only specific aspects.

3. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Identify and understand the relevant legal and regulatory requirements that apply to your security operations. Compliance with these requirements is a fundamental aspect of security management.

4. Leadership and Commitment: Ensure that top management is committed to establishing, implementing, and maintaining the SOMS. This includes assigning roles, responsibilities, and accountabilities for security management within the organization.

5. Security Policy: Develop a security policy that outlines your organization's commitment to security, its objectives, and the overall framework for security management.

6. Risk Assessment: Establish a process for identifying and assessing security risks. This involves understanding the threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts on security.

7. Security Objectives and Targets: Set clear security objectives and targets that align with your organization's security policy and risk assessment. These objectives provide a direction for your security efforts.

8. Integration with Other Management Systems: Consider how the SOMS integrates with other management systems, such as quality management (ISO 9001) or environmental management (ISO 14001), if applicable.

9. Resources: Allocate the necessary resources, including personnel, technology, and finances, to support the establishment and maintenance of the SOMS.

10. Competence and Awareness: Ensure that personnel involved in security operations have the required competence and awareness of security risks and management practices.

11. Communication: Establish effective communication processes both within the organization and with external parties to facilitate information flow related to security.

12. Documentation and Records: Develop and maintain documented information, including procedures, guidelines, records, and reports, that support the implementation of the SOMS.

13. Operational Planning and Control: Develop plans and procedures for the effective control of security operations, including emergency response and incident management.

14. Performance Evaluation: Establish methods for monitoring, measuring, and evaluating the performance of security operations against the defined objectives and targets.

15. Internal Auditing: Implement internal auditing processes to assess the effectiveness of the SOMS and identify areas for improvement.

16. Management Review: Conduct periodic reviews by top management to evaluate the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the SOMS.

17. Continuous Improvement: Foster a culture of continuous improvement within your security management practices.

Clause 4.1.1 sets the stage for the development of a robust and effective SOMS. It emphasizes the importance of leadership commitment, risk assessment, compliance with legal requirements, and the integration of security management into the organization's broader framework.

Organizations should develop specific procedures and documentation to address these general requirements and align them with the unique needs and circumstances of their security operations and objectives.