ISO 27001:2022 Transition Guide
Overview
ISO 27001:2022 was published in October 2022, replacing ISO 27001:2013. Organizations certified under the 2013 version have until October 31, 2025 to transition to the new standard.
Key Changes in ISO 27001:2022
Restructured Annex A Controls
The most significant change is the reorganization of Annex A controls:
ISO 27001:2013: - 14 control categories - 114 total controls - IT-focused organization
ISO 27001:2022:
- 4 control themes
- 93 total controls
- Business-focused organization
New Four-Theme Structure
A.5 - Organizational Controls (37 controls) - Policies, procedures, and governance - Risk management and business continuity - Supplier relationships and outsourcing - Information security in projects
A.6 - People Controls (8 controls) - Human resources security - Awareness, training, and competence - Terms and conditions of employment - Disciplinary processes
A.7 - Physical Controls (14 controls) - Secure areas and physical entry - Equipment protection and maintenance - Environmental controls - Asset disposal and handling
A.8 - Technical Controls (34 controls) - Access control and authentication - Cryptography and data protection - Systems security and malware protection - Network security and monitoring
New Controls in 2022
The 2022 version introduces 11 completely new controls addressing modern security challenges:
- A.5.7 - Threat intelligence
- A.5.23 - Information security for use of cloud services
- A.5.30 - ICT readiness for business continuity
- A.7.4 - Physical security monitoring
- A.8.9 - Configuration management
- A.8.10 - Information deletion
- A.8.11 - Data masking
- A.8.12 - Data leakage prevention
- A.8.16 - Monitoring activities
- A.8.23 - Web filtering
- A.8.28 - Secure coding
Transition Planning
Assessment Phase (Now - Q2 2024)
- Gap Analysis: Compare your current controls against the new 2022 structure
- Control Mapping: Map existing 2013 controls to the new 2022 framework
- Risk Assessment: Identify areas where new controls may be needed
Implementation Phase (Q3 2024 - Q1 2025)
- Update Documentation: Revise policies, procedures, and Statement of Applicability
- Implement New Controls: Deploy the 11 new controls relevant to your organization
- Training: Educate staff on the new control structure and requirements
Certification Phase (Q2 2025 - October 2025)
- Internal Audit: Conduct internal audits against the 2022 standard
- Management Review: Hold management review meetings to assess readiness
- External Audit: Schedule transition audit with your certification body
Control Mapping Examples
| ISO 27001:2013 | ISO 27001:2022 | Change Type |
|---|---|---|
| A.6.1.1 Information security roles and responsibilities | A.5.2 Information security roles and responsibilities | Renamed/Moved |
| A.12.2.1 Controls against malware | A.8.7 Protection against malware | Renamed/Moved |
| A.9.2.1 User registration and de-registration + A.9.2.6 Removal or adjustment of access rights | A.5.18 Access rights | Merged |
| - | A.8.28 Secure coding | New control |
Benefits of the 2022 Version
- Clearer organization: Four logical themes instead of 14 scattered domains
- Business alignment: Less IT-centric, more business-focused language
- Modern threats: New controls address cloud, data protection, and current cyber threats
- Simplified implementation: Merged controls reduce duplication and complexity
Common Transition Challenges
- Control mapping complexity: Some 2013 controls have been split or merged
- New control implementation: Organizations may lack capabilities for new technical controls
- Documentation overhaul: Extensive updates to policies and procedures required
- Staff training: Teams need education on the new structure
- Timeline pressure: Limited time until the October 2025 deadline
Recommendations
- Start early: Begin transition planning as soon as possible
- Focus on gaps: Prioritize implementing the 11 new controls
- Use transition period: Leverage the overlap period for gradual implementation
- Seek guidance: Consider professional consultation for complex mappings
- Test thoroughly: Conduct comprehensive testing before the final audit
Organizations that proactively plan their transition will find the 2022 standard provides a more logical, business-focused approach to information security management while addressing modern cybersecurity challenges.