General questions about security, safety, and risk standards
Q: What is the scope of ISO standards in security, safety, and risk?
A: ISO standards in this sector provide frameworks to help organizations protect people, assets, and information across diverse industries. They help in managing risks, enhancing safety protocols, and ensuring resilience against cyber threats and operational hazards. These standards support regulatory compliance, operational security, and trust-building with stakeholders.
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Q: Why are ISO standards important for security and risk management?
A: They provide structured, internationally recognized approaches to identify, assess, treat, and monitor risks systematically. This reduces uncertainties, enhances decision-making, safeguards operations from cyber and physical threats, and promotes a culture of safety and sustainability.
Key ISO standards for security, safety, and risk management
Q: What ISO standard covers general risk management frameworks?
A: ISO 31000:2018 - Risk management – Guidelines provides principles, a comprehensive framework, and a process to identify, evaluate, and treat risks across any industry or organization size. It emphasizes integration, inclusivity, continual improvement, and use of best information in risk processes.
Q: Which ISO standards focus on information security management?
A:
ISO/IEC 27001:2013 defines requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS), helping organizations protect data confidentiality, integrity, and availability against cyber threats.
ISO/IEC 27005 provides detailed guidance on managing information security risks in alignment with ISO 27001 requirements.
ISO 27002:2022 offers implementation guidance on security controls covering cybersecurity and privacy.
These standards collectively build a strong cybersecurity posture.
Q: What standard helps maintain business continuity during disruptions?
A: ISO 22301 specifies requirements for Business Continuity Management Systems to ensure organizations can continue critical operations through incidents, minimizing impact.
Q: Which standards guide workplace safety and machinery safety?
A:
ISO 45001:2018 covers occupational health and safety (OH&S) management, reducing workplace injuries and promoting safe environments.
ISO 12100:2010 provides general principles for the design of safe machinery, including risk assessment and risk reduction methods.
ISO 13849 addresses safety-related parts of machinery control systems.
These standards ensure safety from design through operation.
Specialized standards related to security and safety
Q: Are there standards related to supply chain security?
A: Yes, ISO 28000 focuses on security management systems for the supply chain, helping organizations identify and mitigate risks to goods and assets during transport and logistics.
Q: What standards support enterprise risk management beyond IT and physical safety?
A: Besides ISO 31000, organizations often use ISO 31010 for risk assessment techniques, aiding in various types of risk evaluation, including financial, environmental, and operational.
Q: How do standards address sustainability and ESG in risk management?
A: ISO standards encourage integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors into risk and safety management to promote organizational resilience, sustainable growth, and regulatory compliance.
How to get started with ISO security, safety, and risk standards
Q: How do I obtain ISO standards for security and risk management?
A: ISO standards can be purchased from the official ISO website or through your country’s National Standards Body (NSB).
Q: How can my organization participate in the development of these standards?
A: Contact your NSB to join or follow work in relevant ISO Technical Committees such as:
Key ISO security, safety, and risk standards and committees
Standard / Committee | Focus area | Link |
ISO 31000 | Risk management guidelines | |
ISO 31010 | Risk assessment techniques | |
ISO/IEC 27001 | Information Security Management System (ISMS) | |
ISO/IEC 27005 | Information Security Risk Management guidance | |
ISO 27002 | Security controls and implementation guidance | |
ISO 22301 | Business continuity management | |
ISO 45001 | Occupational health and safety management | |
ISO 12100 | Safety of machinery design | |
ISO 13849 | Safety-related parts of control systems | |
ISO 28000 | Supply chain security management | |
ISO/TC 262 | Risk management technical committee | |
ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 | Information security, cybersecurity, privacy | |
ISO/TC 283 | Security and resilience |
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