ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 is about top leadership showing they are dedicated to a company’s security system. This is a very important part of the standard. It makes sure that keeping information safe is a key goal for the whole company, not just for the IT department.
What is ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 Leadership and Commitment?
The latest version of the ISO 27001 standard is ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (published in October 2022).
In the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Standard the control is titled “Leadership and Commitment”.
What is the ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 control objective?
The formal definition and control objective in the standard is: “Top management shall demonstrate leadership and commitment with respect to the information security management system by:
a) ensuring the information security policy and the information security objectives are established and are compatible with the strategic direction of the organisation;
b) ensuring the integration of the information security management system requirements into the organisation’s processes;
c) ensuring that the resources needed for the information security management system are available;
d) communicating the importance of effective information security management and of conforming to the information security management system requirements;
e) ensuring that the information security management system achieves its intended outcome(s);
f) directing and supporting persons to contribute to the effectiveness of the information security
g) promoting continual improvement
h) supporting other relevant management roles to demonstrate their leadership as it applies to them“
What is the purpose of ISO 27001 Clause 5.1?
The purpose of ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 is “To make sure that information security is driven from the top.“
Is ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 Mandatory?
ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 (Leadership and Commitment in the 2022 standard) is a mandatory clause in the main body of the standard.
What Is Required?
Company leaders must show they are committed in a few ways. They need to:
- Be Accountable: They are responsible for making sure the security system works well.
- Set the Direction: They must make sure the security rules and goals fit with the company’s other plans.
- Provide Resources: They must give the security team the money, tools, and people they need.
- Promote the System: They must tell everyone why the security system is important. This helps make a culture where everyone cares about safety.
- Support Others: They must help other managers do their part to keep things safe.
How to Show Commitment
Leaders can show they care by:
- Having a signed security policy.
- Taking part in security meetings.
- Making sure the security system is a normal part of how the business works.
- Making sure the security system gets the right results.
What Auditors Look For
Auditors will check to see if leaders are truly involved. They might ask for interviews with top managers. They want to know if the leaders understand and support the security system. They are looking for real proof, not just a document that says they care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Without leaders’ support, a security system often fails. They set the tone for the whole company.
No. They need to understand the big picture, the main goals, and the risks. They do not need to know every small detail.
No. A policy is a good start, but leaders must also show they support it with their actions and by providing resources.
You can learn more about Leadership and Commitment and ISO 27001 by watching this video: ISO 27001 Clause 5.1 Leadership and Commitment Explained.
