In the realm of information security, adherence to internationally recognized standards is essential for establishing effective processes and achieving organizational resilience.
ISO/IEC 27035 and ISO/IEC 27001 are two pivotal standards that guide organizations in managing information security risks and incident response effectively.
Understanding these standards and their alignment supports a cohesive approach to securing information assets and maintaining compliance with regulatory requirements.
ISO/IEC 27035: Information Security Incident Management
ISO/IEC 27035 is a comprehensive international standard specifically focused on information security incident management. It provides organizations with a structured framework to detect, report, assess, and respond to information security incidents.
Updated in 2023, the standard defines best practices and a lifecycle approach for handling incidents to mitigate their impact and prevent recurrence.

ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management System (ISMS)
ISO/IEC 27001 is the overarching standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
It sets out requirements for a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure.
The key aspects of ISO/IEC 27001 include:
1. Risk-Based Approach: Identifying and treating information security risks through appropriate controls.
2. Leadership and Commitment: Ensuring top management’s involvement and commitment to information security policies.
3. Performance Evaluation: Monitoring and measuring the effectiveness of the ISMS.
4. Annex A Controls: Provides a comprehensive list of security controls addressing various security domains and threats.
Alignment Between ISO/IEC 27035 and ISO/IEC 27001
The alignment of ISO/IEC 27035 with ISO/IEC 27001 makes incident management an integral part of an organization’s ISMS. This combined approach enhances security by linking incident handling directly to risk management and organizational controls.
| ISO/IEC 27001 Clause | Alignment with ISO/IEC 27035 | Key Contribution |
| Clause 6 – Planning | ISO/IEC 27035 supports the planning and preparation for information security incidents as part of the organization’s risk treatment strategies. | Integrates incident response planning into overall risk management, ensuring preparedness. |
| Clause 8 – Operation | Guides the implementation and operation of incident detection, reporting, assessment, and response processes. | Ensures the organization can effectively manage and respond to incidents in real time. |
| Clause 9 – Performance Evaluation | Encourages continuous monitoring, reporting, and analysis of incidents to assess control effectiveness. | Provides measurable insights and feedback to evaluate ISMS performance. |
| Clause 10 – Improvement | Promotes learning from incidents to drive continual improvement and policy refinement. | Strengthens organizational resilience through corrective actions and updated procedures. |