Experiencing security issues is usually not a matter of if but when. Organizations are continuously facing security risks that seriously threaten their operations. High-value products are prone to theft, confidential information is prone to hacking, and personnel are prone to injury. Such security incidents will not only cause financial and business losses, but may also lead to legal consequences and reputational damage. This is why security management has become a crucial aspect for organizations. In this regard, ISO 28000 provides organizations with a comprehensive approach to security management.

What is ISO 28000?

ISO 28000 specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a security management system (SeMS), including the aspects relevant to the security of the supply chain. 

ISO 28000:2022 Security and resilience – Security management systems – Requirements replace the ISO 28000:2007 Specification for security management systems for the supply chain. The title of the standard has been changed to emphasize that ISO 28000 requirements are applicable to organizations in the supply chain and to all organizations, regardless of the type, size, or industry. 

The new edition of ISO 28000 follows the harmonized structure of ISO, where the requirements for the SeMS are outlined in clauses 4 to 10. This enables organizations to integrate the SeMS with other management systems based on ISO standards.

The new edition of ISO 28000 includes additional recommendations as well. In clause 4, recommendations on eight principles for security management have been added to ensure better alignment with ISO 31000 (the standard for risk management). In addition, clause 8 recommends security strategies, procedures, processes and treatments, and security plans that ensure consistency with ISO 22301 (the standard for business continuity management).  

Why is ISO 28000 important for organizations?

Since security incidents can occur at any moment, organizations need to adopt a proactive approach toward security management. A security management system based on ISO 28000 enables organizations to identify their valuable assets, including property, personnel, products, data, and infrastructure, and implement appropriate security processes and controls to safeguard them. In addition, an effective SeMS enables organizations to improve recognition, increase reputation, enhance business profitability and efficiency, and reduce long-term costs.

ISO 28000 requires the organization’s leadership to demonstrate a commitment to security management by, among others, establishing a security policy, setting security objectives, and integrating security management into the organization’s processes and operations. This enables organizations to align security efforts with their overall goals and objectives, embed security in their daily operations, and promote a security culture that leads to proactive risk management.

In addition, ISO 28000 includes requirements that address risk assessment, security controls and strategies, and security plans. By establishing processes for risk assessment, organizations can effectively identify, analyze, and evaluate security-related risks. Then, they can implement controls and strategies to prevent security-related risks or mitigate and treat those that cannot be prevented. On the other hand, security plans enable organizations to respond to security-related incidents to minimize the possible impact on operations and business.

ISO 28000 also outlines requirements regarding the monitoring and measurement of the SeMS. Monitoring enables organizations to identify and appropriately address vulnerabilities, thus minimizing risk and loss. In addition, it allows them to ensure compliance with changing regulations and standards related to security, as violations of such regulations may lead to legal consequences and reputational damage.

What are the benefits of an effective SeMS based on ISO 28000?

A security management system based on ISO 28000 enables organizations to achieve their security management objectives. In particular, it allows organizations to: 

• Enhance business capabilities 
• Ensure the security of the environment in which they operate
• Comply with statutory, regulatory, and voluntary security obligations
• Identify and address risks and opportunities related to security management 
• Effectively deal with security violations 
• Recover from disruptions in the supply chain 
• Manage relationships with all relevant interested parties in the supply chain 
• Manage security-related risks
• Create and protect value
• Align security processes and controls with the organisation’s objectives
• Gain a competitive advantage 
• Demonstrate conformity to ISO 28000 through assessments by accredited third parties

Why choose PECB courses?

As a global training, examination, and certification service provider, PECB aims to help you demonstrate your commitment and competence by providing valuable education, evaluation, and certification against internationally recognised standards. A PECB ISO 28000 certification will give you a competitive advantage in the fast-paced and ever-evolving security field. The PECB ISO 28000 certification program is globally recognised and will help you become a highly competent and knowledgeable professional.