ISO security standards: A must-have for modern cybersecurity compliance

Security compliance isn’t just a checkbox—it’s essential for business. As cyber threats evolve and regulations tighten, companies must adopt structured approaches to protect sensitive data and maintain operational resilience. Non-compliance risks financial penalties, reputational harm, and business disruptions.

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) publishes over 25,000 standards across industries. Among these, ISO provides hundreds of globally recognized guidelines for information security, cybersecurity, and privacy protection. While ISO certification isn’t legally mandatory, it’s often required by contracts, government projects, or industry supply chains. Certification helps companies align with security best practices, demonstrate their commitment to compliance, and build trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.

In this blog, we’ll explore key ISO standards relevant to IT and security, highlighting their role in risk management and compliance.

What are ISO standards?

ISO standards are internationally recognized guidelines developed by the International Organization for Standardization to ensure the quality, safety, and efficiency of products, services, and systems. They help businesses operate more effectively and meet both customer and regulatory expectations.

These standards support better information security, environmental performance, and product consistency — leading to greater trust, lower risk, smoother global trade, and easier regulatory compliance.

Although voluntary, ISO standards are widely adopted in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, IT, energy, food safety, and aerospace, where reliability and safety are essential.

Who creates ISO standards, and how?

ISO was founded in 1947 and is a non-governmental international organization made up of national standards bodies from over 160 countries. Despite the name “International Organization for Standardization,” the abbreviation ISO is derived from the Greek word isos, meaning “equal.”

ISO standards aren’t created in a vacuum. They’re developed through a transparent, consensus-based process involving experts from industry, academia, government, and consumer groups. These experts work in technical committees to draft, review, and vote on standards before they’re published. The goal is to make sure the standards reflect both global best practices and real-world applicability.

How to choose the right ISO standard for security compliance

There are over 24,000 ISO standards — but only a handful are focused on security and privacy. Choosing the right one depends on the kind of data your business handles, the systems you rely on, and the compliance expectations you’re aiming to meet.

If your organization is looking to build a strong foundation for information security, ISO/IEC 27001 is usually the starting point. For businesses dealing with personally identifiable information and subject to regulations like GDPR or HIPAA, ISO/IEC 27701 offers a privacy-focused extension. Companies operating in cloud environments might also explore ISO/IEC 27017 for cloud-specific security controls and ISO/IEC 27018 for protecting personal data in public cloud setups.

Key factors to consider when choosing an ISO certification

1. Business objectives and security needs

• If your focus is information security, ISO 27001 is the ideal choice.
• If you handle personal data, ISO 27701 extends ISO 27001 for privacy management.
• If your organization relies heavily on cloud computing, ISO 27017 and ISO 27018 provide cloud-specific security and privacy controls.

2. Regulatory and contractual requirements

• ISO certification is not a direct regulatory requirement, but some industries, government contracts, or supply chain agreements may mandate it for compliance purposes.
• Businesses operating under GDPR, CCPA, or other data protection laws may benefit from ISO 27701 for privacy alignment.
• If resilience and business continuity are a priority, ISO 22301 ensures preparedness for disruptions.

3. Risk management and governance approach

• Organizations looking for a holistic risk management strategy should consider ISO 31000, which provides guidelines for identifying and managing risks across various domains.
• If your company is integrating AI into operations, ISO 42001 helps establish governance and risk management practices for AI systems.

4. Industry-specific considerations

• Technology and IT companies: ISO 27001, ISO 27701, ISO 27017, and ISO 27018 for cybersecurity and privacy.
• Financial institutions: ISO 22301 for business continuity, ISO 31000 for risk management.
• AI-driven businesses: ISO 42001 for AI security and governance.

What are the essential ISO standards for security compliance?

ISO offers several key standards that help organizations implement structured security measures. These standards address various aspects of information security, privacy, and risk management, providing a reliable foundation for businesses to safeguard their operations. Here are some of the most important ISO standards for security compliance.

1. ISO/IEC 27001

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It sets out the compliance requirements and criteria for building a risk-based, continuously improving framework to protect sensitive data — whether it’s digital, physical, or in transit.

Function:

This standard provides a clear structure for managing information security risks by:

• Identifying threats and vulnerabilities
• Defining security controls to reduce risks
• Setting up governance processes around how information is accessed, shared, and stored
• Ensuring ongoing monitoring and improvement of security measures

Key areas:

ISO 27001 focuses on a wide range of security domains, including:

• Risk assessment and treatment
• Information security policies and objectives
• Access control and user management
• Asset management
• Cryptography and data protection
• Incident response and business continuity
• Supplier and third-party risk management
• Employee awareness and training
• Regular internal audits and management reviews

Importance:

ISO 27001 is more than just a security checklist — it’s a business enabler. It helps organizations:

• Proactively manage and reduce cyber risks
• Meet legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements (e.g. GDPR, HIPAA, etc.)
• Strengthen trust with customers and partners
• Improve operational resilience and reduce downtime
• Stand out in security-conscious markets or industries
  

For growing companies, ISO 27001 often becomes the foundation for scaling secure operations and expanding into new markets with confidence.

2. ISO 31000

ISO 31000 is an international standard that provides guidelines for risk management. It offers a common approach to identifying, assessing, and treating all types of risks — strategic, operational, financial, compliance, and reputational — across any industry or sector.

Function:

Rather than prescribing specific controls or checklists, ISO 31000 helps organizations build a risk-aware culture and integrate risk management into decision-making. Its framework supports:

• Setting up a formal risk management process
• Embedding risk thinking into governance, planning, and operations
• Aligning risk responses with business goals and values

Key areas:

The standard outlines principles, a framework, and a process for effective risk management, covering:

• Establishing context — defining internal and external factors that influence risk
• Risk identification — spotting potential threats and opportunities
• Risk analysis and evaluation — understanding the impact and likelihood
• Risk treatment — selecting and applying mitigation strategies
• Monitoring and review — keeping risk controls effective over time
• Communication and consultation — engaging stakeholders throughout the process
  

Importance:

ISO 31000 is valuable because it:

• Helps organizations make informed, confident decisions under uncertainty
• Encourages proactive risk management rather than reactive fixes
• Supports compliance and strengthens resilience against disruptions
• Aligns risk with strategic planning, investments, and performance goals
• Can be adapted to organizations of all sizes and sectors without being overly prescriptive

3. ISO/IEC 42001

ISO/IEC 42001 is the first international standard for AI management systems (AIMS). It provides a governance framework for organizations that design, develop, or deploy artificial intelligence systems, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and responsible use of AI.

Function:

This standard helps organizations manage the risks and opportunities associated with AI by:

• Establishing structured policies and objectives for AI governance
• Ensuring AI systems are ethical, explainable, and aligned with business values
• Embedding risk-based controls into the AI lifecycle — from design to deployment

Key areas:

ISO 42001 outlines how to build and maintain a responsible AI management system, focusing on:

• AI governance and leadership accountability
• Risk assessment and mitigation for AI systems
• Bias detection, fairness, and transparency
• Human oversight and autonomy
• Data quality, privacy, and security in AI
• Continuous monitoring and improvement of AI models
• Stakeholder communication and documentation practices
  

Importance:

Implementing ISO 42001 helps organizations:

• Build trustworthy AI that aligns with legal, ethical, and societal expectations
• Prepare for compliance with upcoming AI regulations, such as the EU AI Act
• Demonstrate due diligence to customers, partners, and regulators
• Reduce AI-related risks such as bias, misuse, and lack of explainability
• Stay competitive by showing they can scale AI responsibly and safely
  

4. ISO 22301

ISO 22301 is the international standard for business continuity management systems (BCMS). It provides a framework for organizations to prepare for, respond to, and recover from disruptive incidents — whether natural disasters, cyberattacks, or supply chain failures.

Function:

The standard helps businesses ensure they can continue critical operations during and after unexpected disruptions. It guides organizations to:

• Identify their most essential functions
• Assess potential threats and vulnerabilities
• Develop response and recovery strategies
• Test and improve those strategies regularly

Key areas:

ISO 22301 covers the entire lifecycle of business continuity planning, including:

• Business impact analysis (BIA) to identify critical functions and dependencies
• Risk assessment and mitigation for potential disruptions
• Continuity strategies and recovery plans tailored to the organization
• Incident response protocols and defined roles during emergencies
• Training, awareness, and testing to ensure readiness
• Performance evaluation through audits and reviews
• Continuous improvement of the BCMS over time
  

Importance:

By implementing ISO 22301, organizations can:

• Minimize downtime and financial losses during crises
• Protect their people, assets, and brand reputation
• Comply with regulatory or contractual requirements related to resilience
• Strengthen stakeholder confidence and trust
• Ensure a faster, more structured recovery from disruptions

5. ISO/IEC 27002

ISO/IEC 27002 is a complementary standard to ISO/IEC 27001. While ISO 27001 focuses on the requirements for an information security management system (ISMS), ISO 27002 provides guidelines and best practices for implementing security controls listed in Annex A of ISO 27001.

Function:

The standard serves as a reference for selecting, implementing, and managing information security controls. It helps organizations apply ISO 27001 in a practical and detailed way, tailoring controls to their specific risk environment and business needs.

Key areas:

ISO 27002 is organized into control themes that cover a wide range of security domains, including:

• Organizational controls – such as information security roles, policies, and supplier management
• People controls – including user access, awareness, and responsibilities
• Physical controls – like secure facilities, equipment protection, and physical access
• Technological controls – including encryption, endpoint security, monitoring, and backups

The updated 2022 version also introduces attributes to help organizations filter and prioritize controls based on cybersecurity concepts like risk type, cybersecurity framework category, or operational capabilities.

Importance:

ISO 27002 adds depth and clarity to ISO 27001 by:

• Offering detailed implementation guidance for each control
• Helping organizations bridge the gap between policy and practice
• Supporting tailored, risk-based security strategies
• Enabling consistency across teams and departments

6. ISO 27701

ISO/IEC 27701 is a privacy extension to ISO/IEC 27001 that focuses on the management of personally identifiable information (PII). It provides a framework for implementing a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS) to support compliance with global data protection laws like GDPR, CCPA, and others.

Function:

This standard builds on the foundations of ISO 27001 by adding specific privacy controls and guidance for organizations that collect, process, or store personal data. It helps both data controllers and data processors manage privacy risks effectively and demonstrate accountability in how they handle personal information.

Key areas:

ISO 27701 introduces controls and guidance that cover:

• PII governance and role clarity for data controllers and processors
• Lawful basis and consent management
• Data subject rights (e.g., access, rectification, erasure)
• Third-party processing and data sharing
• Privacy impact assessments and risk treatment
• Monitoring, auditing, and reporting around privacy practices
• Alignment with national and international privacy regulations
  

Importance:

Implementing ISO 27701 helps organizations:

• Strengthen their privacy posture on top of their existing security program
• Build trust with customers, partners, and regulators
• Streamline compliance with evolving privacy regulations
• Reduce the risk of data breaches and legal penalties
• Demonstrate transparency and accountability in data handling practices

7. ISO 27017

ISO/IEC 27017 is an international standard that provides guidelines for information security controls specific to cloud services. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 by offering cloud-focused recommendations for both cloud service providers and cloud customers.

Function:

The standard helps organizations ensure that cloud-based environments are secure, well-managed, and compliant with best practices. It addresses unique cloud risks — such as shared responsibility, virtualization, and multi-tenancy — that aren’t covered in general-purpose security standards.

Key areas:

ISO 27017 covers:

• Responsibility assignment between cloud provider and customer
• Cloud-specific risk management and access controls
• Virtual machine configuration and protection
• Cloud service agreements and SLAs
• Customer data protection in multi-tenant environments
• Logging, monitoring, and incident response in the cloud
• Service provisioning and de-provisioning processes
  

Importance:

ISO 27017 helps organizations:

• Address security challenges unique to cloud platforms
• Reduce misunderstandings about who is responsible for what
• Enhance trust and transparency in cloud partnerships
• Ensure cloud security practices align with global standards
• Support smoother compliance with regulations and audits

8. ISO 27018

ISO/IEC 27018 is an international standard that focuses on protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public cloud environments. It builds on the controls in ISO/IEC 27002 and provides additional guidance tailored specifically for cloud service providers acting as PII processors.

Function:

The standard helps cloud providers implement privacy-specific controls to safeguard customer data. It ensures that personal data handled in the cloud is managed responsibly, lawfully, and transparently — especially in line with regulations like GDPR and CCPA.

Key areas:

ISO 27018 addresses:

• Consent and lawful processing of PII
• Transparency and control for cloud customers
• Use limitation and data minimization principles
• Data subject rights and access
• Contractual commitments for data handling and breach notification
• Security measures tailored for PII protection in the cloud
• Staff training, accountability, and audit readiness
  

Importance:

By adopting ISO 27018, cloud service providers can:

• Demonstrate compliance with global data privacy requirements
• Build customer trust through responsible cloud practices
• Reduce legal and reputational risks associated with mishandling personal data
• Clarify their role and responsibilities as PII processors
• Strengthen their overall cloud security and privacy posture
  

Why is ISO compliance important for business?

Whether you’re securing customer data, managing risks, or ensuring product quality, ISO compliance helps you put proven systems in place to do it right. It’s a way to bring clarity to complex operations, reduce guesswork, and show stakeholders — from customers to regulators — that your business meets globally recognized standards. Here’s how ISO compliance delivers real, tangible value to your organization.

1. Builds trust and credibility

ISO certification signals to customers, partners, and regulators that your organization meets international best practices — boosting your reputation and helping you win more business.

2. Improves process efficiency

Standardized procedures reduce errors, streamline operations, and enhance productivity across teams.

3. Reduces business risk

From cyber threats to operational disruptions, ISO standards help identify, assess, and manage risks before they become costly problems.

4. Supports regulatory compliance

Many ISO standards align closely with laws and regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or the EU AI Act — making it easier to stay compliant and avoid penalties.

5. Enhances customer satisfaction

When your processes are consistent and your data is secure, customers are more likely to stick around and refer others.

6. Boosts competitive advantage

In sectors like tech, healthcare, or finance, being ISO-compliant can be a deal-breaker — especially when working with enterprise clients or government agencies.

7. Encourages continuous improvement

ISO standards require regular monitoring, audits, and updates — pushing your organization to keep improving, not just once, but over time.

How to automate compliance management in IT security

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Stay audit-ready with automated workflows, real-time monitoring, and AI-driven insights that help you focus on security, not paperwork. Simplify compliance with Scrut—faster, smarter, and stress-free. If you are not sure which standards are applicable to you, the Scrut Compliance Finder Tool can help you with your dilemma. Ready to simplify your compliance journey?

FAQs

Can ISO security standards overlap with other compliance frameworks or standards?

Yes, ISO security standards — especially ISO/IEC 27001 — often overlap with other frameworks like NIST, SOC 2, HIPAA, and GDPR. They share common principles around risk management, access control, incident response, and data protection. This overlap can actually simplify compliance, as implementing ISO standards can help meet multiple regulatory or contractual requirements at once.

What are the key ISO standards for cybersecurity?

Several ISO standards focus on different aspects of cybersecurity. Here are some of the most important ones:

• ISO/IEC 27001 – For establishing and maintaining an information security management system (ISMS)
• ISO/IEC 27002 – Offers detailed guidance on implementing security controls listed in ISO 27001
• ISO/IEC 27017 – Provides additional security controls tailored for cloud service environments
• ISO/IEC 27018 – Focuses on protecting personally identifiable information (PII) in public clouds
• ISO/IEC 27701 – Extends ISO 27001 to include privacy information management for GDPR and similar laws
• ISO/IEC 42001 – A new standard for managing AI-specific risks and governance within AI systems

These standards help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture while supporting regulatory and contractual compliance.

Is ISO compliance mandatory for all organizations?

No, ISO compliance is not mandatory for all organizations. These standards are voluntary by nature — meaning businesses choose to adopt them based on their industry needs, risk exposure, or client demands. However, in certain sectors or regions, ISO compliance may be strongly encouraged or even required by regulators, customers, or contractual agreements. 

How does ISO help in mitigating cybersecurity risks?

ISO standards provide a structured way to identify, assess, and manage cybersecurity risks. Standards like ISO/IEC 27001 require risk assessments and security controls, while others like ISO/IEC 27002 and 27017 offer practical guidance for protecting systems and data. This helps organizations reduce vulnerabilities, respond to threats, and strengthen overall security.

What are the different types of other ISO standards?

ISO standards cover a wide range of areas beyond just information security. Here are some key categories and the types of standards they include:

• Information security and IT:
  Includes standards like ISO/IEC 27001 for information security, ISO/IEC 27701 for privacy, and ISO/IEC 20000 for IT service management.
  
• Quality management:
  ISO 9001 is the most widely adopted standard here, helping organizations ensure consistent product and service quality.
  
• Health and safety:
  ISO 45001 sets out requirements for occupational health and safety management systems to help reduce workplace risks.
  
• Environmental management system:
  ISO 14001 helps organizations manage their environmental responsibilities and reduce their ecological footprint.
  
• Tourism and events:
  Includes ISO 21101 for adventure tourism safety and ISO 20121 for sustainable event management.
  
• Energy and natural resource management:
  Standards like ISO 50001 guide energy management, while others focus on water efficiency and environmental sustainability.
  
• Social responsibility:
  ISO 26000 provides guidance on operating in a socially responsible and ethical manner.
  
• Medical technology and practice:
  Covers areas like medical device quality (ISO 13485) and healthcare information (ISO/HL7 standards).
  
• Industry and production:
  Includes standards for manufacturing, construction, logistics, and supply chain quality, like ISO 28000 for supply chain security.

These standards help organizations across industries improve performance, reduce risks, and align with global best practices.