As the deadline approaches for organisations to transition from the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standard to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, the clock is ticking. On 31 October 2025, the three-year grace period will end, requiring all organisations certified to the ISO/IEC 27001 standard to have transitioned to the latest version. For organisations currently aligned with the 2013 version, this final year is a critical window to plan, prepare and implement the necessary updates to maintain compliance and enhance their information security practices.
Below, we explore key actions that organisations should prioritise over the coming months to ensure a smooth, effective transition to ISO 27001:2022.
1. Understand the new requirements in ISO 27001:2022
The 2022 update to ISO 27001 introduced several notable changes. While many of the core principles and processes from the 2013 standard remain, the 2022 revision incorporates modernised controls and refines areas to address today's cybersecurity landscape. New emphasis is placed on:
- Threat intelligence and vulnerability management: Strengthening response to emerging threats
- Security monitoring: Regular assessments and real-time monitoring to detect anomalies and potential breaches
- Configuration management: Maintaining secure and consistent configurations across information assets
Organisations must conduct a detailed gap analysis to compare their current information security management systems (ISMS) against these new requirements. By identifying specific areas that require updating, this process will reveal the extent of changes needed for compliance.
2. Conduct a gap analysis for an accurate assessment
A gap analysis is an essential step in the transition, enabling organisations to assess the current state of their ISMS and determine areas needing attention. A thorough gap analysis should cover:
- Policy alignment: Ensure that all security policies are up-to-date and reflect the new controls and requirements.
- Operational changes: Evaluate current operations against the 2022 standard to identify if new controls need implementing.
- Technical controls and automation: Confirm that automated processes, especially around monitoring and configuration management, are up-to-date and aligned with best practices.
For an effective gap analysis, organisations should consider consulting with an accredited ISO 27001 specialist who can offer tailored insights and ensure nothing is overlooked.
Shirish Bapat, Technical Product Manager at LRQA, notes that “Many organisations have found this transition to be an eye-opener, revealing gaps they were not aware of and offering a valuable chance to strengthen security. Our advice to organisations is to approach this transition as an opportunity to not only update processes but to genuinely enhance their cybersecurity posture in line with evolving risks.”
3. Prioritise stakeholder engagement and staff awareness
ISO 27001 certification is not just a box-ticking exercise but an organisational commitment to information security. Building awareness across all levels is essential to ensure that all stakeholders, from the C-suite to operational staff, understand the significance of the transition.
- C-suite: Secure support from top leadership, as they play a pivotal role in resource allocation and enforcing a security-first culture.
- Employee training: Educate teams on any new processes and controls, such as the increased emphasis on threat intelligence and configuration management.
- Cross-departmental collaboration: Engage with departments such as IT, HR and operations to integrate ISO 27001 updates into day-to-day activities.
Ensuring everyone is aligned with the transition objectives will not only streamline the process but also reinforce a culture of security across the organisation.
4. Update risk management strategies
The 2022 update calls for more proactive risk management. As part of the transition, organisations should refine their approach to risk assessment and treatment, ensuring alignment with the latest security requirements.
Key actions include:
- Risk assessment methodology: Review and update your risk assessment processes to align with the new ISO requirements.
- Incident response: Strengthen your organisation’s incident response and recovery plans. With the new standard's focus on threat intelligence and security monitoring, incident response should now integrate real-time threat detection and automated response measures.
- Supply chain risks: Recognise the importance of managing third-party risks. Organisations should assess whether current suppliers meet the updated security requirements and, if necessary, enhance contractual terms and ongoing monitoring to ensure compliance.
5. Leverage internal audits to validate preparedness
Regular internal audits are invaluable in identifying any gaps that may still need addressing. They also prepare the organisation for the official external audit and certification process.
Considerations for internal audits include:
- Independent assessment: Use unbiased internal auditors or external consultants to conduct these audits, ensuring objectivity.
- Regular checkpoints: Schedule checkpoints to continuously measure the progress of the transition, rather than leaving it to the final months before the deadline.
- Documentation review: Ensure all documentation, including policies, procedures and risk assessments, are thoroughly updated and aligned with ISO 27001:2022.
By consistently monitoring progress, internal audits can provide reassurance that the transition is on track.
6. Engage with certification bodies as soon as possible
The final stage of the transition involves working with an accredited certification body to conduct the official audit and confirm alignment with ISO 27001:2022. As the deadline approaches, demand for certification is likely to increase, so it is essential to secure your auditor as soon as possible.
- Choose an accredited certification body: Partner with a certification body accredited to ISO/IEC 17021-1 to ensure the validity of your certification.
- Schedule ahead: By planning ahead, you ensure that your organisation has ample time to make any final adjustments before the audit.
- Final verification: Certification bodies provide a final, independent assessment of your ISMS, ensuring compliance with the updated standard and confirming that your organisation is prepared to face evolving cybersecurity risks.
7. Reinforce ongoing compliance for continuous improvement
ISO 27001:2022 is designed not as a one-time goal but as a framework for continuous improvement in information security management. Beyond the transition, the standard encourages organisations to keep improving their ISMS to stay ahead of emerging threats and adapt to new security challenges.
- Proactive security management: With a focus on threat intelligence, organisations should continually update threat profiles and adjust their controls accordingly.
- Review and refine controls: Regularly review the effectiveness of implemented controls to ensure that they continue to serve the organisation's security needs.
- Develop a culture of security: Use the ISO 27001 standard as a foundation to build a security-first mindset across the organisation, promoting best practices in information security at every level.
The final countdown for a proactive transformation
As organisations approach the final months before the ISO 27001:2022 deadline, this period is an opportunity not only to ensure compliance but also to strengthen information security resilience. By following these key steps, organisations can make the most of this time to address gaps, strengthen risk management and cultivate a proactive security culture that will serve them well into the future.
With a focus on continuous improvement and proactive measures, this transition can mark a significant advancement in your organisation's commitment to safeguarding data, meeting regulatory demands and instilling trust among stakeholders.
To complete your transition to the updated version of the standard today, contact your account manager.
