ISO 27001 clause 6.1.2 focuses on "Information Security Risk Assessment" and requires organizations to perform regular risk assessments to identify, analyze, and evaluate information security risks within the defined scope of their Information Security Management System (ISMS).
The key requirements of this clause are:
- Risk Assessment Process: Establish a process for risk assessment that includes: a. Risk identification: Identifying sources of risk, areas of impact, and potential consequences. b. Risk analysis: Understanding the likelihood and potential consequences of the identified risks. c. Risk evaluation: Comparing the analyzed risks against the organization's established risk criteria to determine the acceptability of the risks.
- Risk Treatment: Based on the risk evaluation, determine appropriate risk treatment options, such as: a. Applying controls to modify or mitigate the risk. b. Accepting the risk with justification and approval. c. Avoiding the risk by terminating or modifying the activities or sources that give rise to the risk. d. Sharing or transferring the risk to other parties (e.g., through insurance or outsourcing).
- Information Security Risk Treatment Plan: Produce and maintain an information security risk treatment plan that documents the approved risk treatment options and how they will be implemented.
- Regular Review: Ensure that the risk assessment process and the risk treatment plan are regularly reviewed and updated as necessary to reflect changes in the risk landscape, business environment, or organizational context.
The intent of this clause is to ensure that organizations proactively identify, analyze, and address information security risks in a structured and systematic manner. Regular risk assessments help organizations understand their risk exposure, prioritize their efforts, and implement appropriate controls to protect their information assets and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their information.