This standard specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving a documented ISMS within the context of the organization’s overall business risks. It specifies requirements for the implementation of security controls customized to the needs of individual organizations or parts thereof (see Annex B which provides informative guidance on the use of this standard).
The ISMS is designed to ensure adequate and proportionate security controls that adequately protect information assets and give confidence to customers and other interested parties. This can be translated into maintaining and improving competitive edge, cash flow, profitability, legal compliance and commercial image.
The requirements set out in this British Standard are generic and are intended to be applicable to all organizations, regardless of type, size and nature of business. Where any requirement(s) of this standard cannot be applied due to the nature of an organization and its business, the requirement can be considered for exclusion.
Where exclusions are made, claims of conformity to this standard are not acceptable unless such exclusions do not affect the organization’s ability, and/or responsibility, to provide information security that meets the security requirements determined by risk assessment and applicable regulatory requirements. Any exclusions of controls found to be necessary to satisfy the risk acceptance criteria need to be justified and evidence needs to be provided that the associated risks have been properly accepted by accountable people.
Excluding any of the requirements specified in Clauses 4, 5, 6 and 7 is not acceptable.