Comprehensive Task List For ISO 27001:2022 Compliance
We have crated a comprehensive task list or action item that you can easily implement in your organization to make it ISO 27001:2022 compliant.
1. Information Security Policy (ISP) and Governance
- Create Information Security Policy (ISP)
- Get approval from top management for the ISP
- Circulate all employees
- Define roles and responsibilities for information security
- Establish a formal process for continuous improvement of ISMS
2. Access Control
- List all systems and data assets that require access control.
- Define roles and permissions for each system.
- Write guidelines for granting, revoking, and reviewing access.
- Decide on backup frequency (e.g., daily, weekly).
- Choose a secure location for backups (e.g., cloud, offsite storage).
- Implement data backup solution
- Enable MFA on all accounts
- Restrict access to authorized personnel only
- Document and implement a risk treatment plan for access control
3. Backup and Data Management
- Perform regular database backups
- Draft steps for data restoration and testing
- Set up automated backup jobs (e.g., daily for critical data)
- Test backup restoration monthly
- Define categories of data (e.g., confidential, internal use, public)
- Develop a data retention and deletion policy
- Ensure compliance with data retention regulations
- Back up all business-related documents, internal application databases, and critical data
4. Incident Management
- Document steps to report an incident (e.g., email, ticketing system)
- Define roles and responsibilities during an incident (e.g., response team)
- Create a form/template for incident logging
- Create an Incident Response Team
- Develop a checklist for handling incidents
- Develop a communication plan for security incidents (internal/external)
- Implement a ticketing system for incident tracking
5. Risk Management
- Identify critical systems and processes
- List potential risks (e.g., cyberattacks, power outages)
- Conduct a risk assessment to evaluate critical assets and processes
- Prioritize risks based on impact and likelihood
- Document recovery steps for each risk scenario
- Implement risk controls and assign responsibilities
6. Security Controls
- Install a firewall
- Set up antivirus software
- Implement data encryption for sensitive data
- Install an Intrusion Detection System (IDS)
- Ensure physical security of critical areas (e.g., keycard access, biometric locks for server rooms)
7. Logging and Monitoring
- Enable logging on critical systems (e.g., servers, databases)
- Set up log retention policies (e.g., keep logs for 6 months)
- Review logs periodically for suspicious activities
- Implement a monitoring system for security events
8. Asset Management
- Implement asset management software to list all assets like software and hardware
- Regularly update the asset register with new and decommissioned assets
- Track asset ownership and location
9. Training and Awareness
- Create a short presentation on basic security principles (e.g., phishing, passwords)
- Conduct training for employees on information security and best practices
- Distribute and get signed acknowledgments for company device and network usage policies
- Ensure ongoing employee security awareness programs (e.g., quarterly)
- Provide role-specific security training for critical employees (e.g., IT, HR)
10. Compliance and Legal Requirements
- Review and update contracts with third parties to ensure security compliance
- Implement a process for monitoring compliance with security regulations
- Ensure alignment with relevant data protection laws (e.g., GDPR, local laws)
11. Audit and Certification Preparation
- Conduct a gap analysis against ISO 27001:2022 requirements
- Implement improvements identified in the gap analysis
- Establish an internal audit process (quarterly or bi-annual)
- Prepare documentation and evidence for the ISO certification audit
- Hire an auditor for an external audit of your ISMS
- Address audit findings and make necessary improvements
12. Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery
- Ensure a disaster recovery plan (DRP) for critical systems is in place
- Test the disaster recovery plan regularly (e.g., quarterly)
- Define and document business continuity procedures for critical operations
- Establish recovery objectives (RTO, RPO) for critical systems
13. Penetration Testing and Vulnerability Management
- Conduct regular penetration testing (e.g., annually or after major system changes)
- Remediate vulnerabilities identified in penetration tests and security scans
14. Change Management
- Implement a formal change management process for systems and applications
- Document and assess risks associated with changes before they are implemented
- Ensure all changes are logged and reviewed for security impacts