What is needed to undertake an ISO 27001 internal audit?
An ISO 27001 internal audit is a mandatory requirement for certification. It evaluates whether your Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets ISO 27001 standards and identifies areas for improvement before the external certification audit.
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🔹 Steps to Conduct an ISO 27001 Internal Audit
1️⃣ Establish the Audit Plan
✅ Define the audit scope (e.g., departments, processes, IT systems).
✅ Develop an audit schedule (ISO 27001 requires regular audits).
✅ Assign an independent auditor (can be internal staff or an external consultant, but must be unbiased).
2️⃣ Review ISO 27001 Requirements & ISMS Policies
✅ Understand Annex A security controls & ISO 27001 clauses.
✅ Review internal security policies, risk assessments, and procedures.
✅ Ensure documentation (e.g., access control, incident management) aligns with ISO 27001.
3️⃣ Conduct the Audit
✅ Interview employees to verify their awareness of security policies.
✅ Examine records, logs, and security incidents.
✅ Test security controls (e.g., access management, backup procedures, encryption).
✅ Identify non-conformities (gaps between actual practices and ISO 27001 requirements).
4️⃣ Report Findings & Address Non-Conformities
✅ Document audit findings, including strengths, weaknesses, and risks.
✅ Classify issues as major or minor non-conformities.
✅ Develop a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) to fix security gaps.
5️⃣ Follow-Up & Continuous Improvement
✅ Implement corrective actions.
✅ Conduct follow-up audits to verify improvements.
✅ Maintain audit records for ISO certification audits.
🔹 Key Documents Needed for an Internal Audit
📌 ISMS Policy – Defines the security framework.
📌 Risk Assessment & Treatment Plan – Identifies security risks & mitigation measures.
📌 Access Control Policy – Outlines user permissions & authentication.
📌 Incident Management Plan – Details response procedures for security breaches.
📌 Security Awareness Training Records – Proof that employees are trained.
📌 Audit Reports & Previous Corrective Actions – Demonstrates compliance history.
🚀 Best Practices for a Successful Internal Audit
🔹 Use an ISO 27001 checklist to ensure full coverage.
🔹 Keep audits objective – Use external consultants if internal auditors have conflicts of interest.
🔹 Treat audits as a learning opportunity, not just a compliance task.
🔹 Maintain detailed documentation, as it will be reviewed in the external certification audit.