Information Security Management System
A systematic framework of policies, processes, and controls that an organization establishes to manage and protect its information assets. An ISMS addresses people, processes, and technology to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is the central concept behind ISO 27001. It provides a structured, organization-wide approach to managing information security risks rather than relying on ad-hoc technical controls alone.
The ISMS follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. In the Plan phase, organizations identify their information assets, assess risks, and determine which controls to implement. The Do phase involves implementing those controls and training staff. The Check phase covers monitoring, measuring, and auditing the effectiveness of the ISMS. The Act phase addresses corrective actions and continuous improvement.
A well-implemented ISMS is not a one-time project — it's a living management system that evolves as the organization grows, threats change, and new risks emerge. ISO 27001 certification audits evaluate the ISMS as a whole, not just individual technical controls. This means that documentation, management commitment, internal audits, and continuous improvement processes are all assessed alongside technical security measures.
Related frameworks
Related terms
Access Control
The set of policies, procedures, and technical mechanisms that govern who can access which information assets, systems, and resources. Access control ensures that only authorized individuals can view, modify, or interact with sensitive data and systems.
Annex A
The appendix to ISO 27001 that contains a reference set of 93 information security controls organized into four themes: Organizational, People, Physical, and Technological. Organizations use Annex A as a checklist to ensure their ISMS addresses all relevant control areas.
Risk Assessment
A structured process for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating information security risks. Risk assessments determine the likelihood and potential impact of threats to an organization's information assets, guiding decisions about which controls to implement.
Statement of Applicability
A key ISO 27001 document that lists all 93 Annex A controls and states whether each is applicable to the organization, along with justification for inclusion or exclusion and a description of how applicable controls are implemented.
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