If you have been working with information security standards for a while, you know that ISO 27001 isn’t a static document. It evolves to keep pace with an increasingly complex digital landscape. One of the specific areas that often sparks questions during a transition is Annex A 5.6, which deals with “Contact with special interest groups.”
You might remember this control from the 2013 version as Annex A.6.1.4. While the core intent remains the same, the shift to the 2022 version brought some subtle but important changes in how we view external collaboration. Let’s dive into what actually changed and what it means for your organisation.
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The Shift from 2013 to 2022: What’s New?
In the ISO 27001:2013 framework, this control was numbered A.6.1.4. In the 2022 update, it was reclassified and renumbered to Annex A 5.6. This change is part of a larger restructuring where controls were grouped into four distinct themes: People, Physical, Technological, and Organisational. Annex A 5.6 now sits firmly within the “Organisational” category.
The actual wording of the control has been streamlined, but the scope has broadened. The 2022 version emphasises not just “maintaining” contacts, but ensuring those contacts are used to stay ahead of emerging threats and best practices. According to HighTable.io, the primary objective here is to ensure that the organisation maintains high-level awareness regarding information security trends, vulnerabilities, and relevant legislation.
Why Contact with Special Interest Groups Matters
In the 2013 version, many organisations treated this as a “tick-box” exercise—perhaps joining a mailing list and calling it a day. The 2022 version encourages a more proactive stance. Cyber threats don’t happen in a vacuum, and by engaging with special interest groups, you gain access to “early warning” systems that you simply wouldn’t have internally.
Special interest groups can include professional bodies, industry-specific forums, or even government-led security clusters. The goal is to facilitate a two-way flow of information. You aren’t just taking advice; you are part of a community that shares knowledge to improve the resilience of the entire sector.
Key Requirements of Annex A 5.6
To meet the updated 2022 standard, your organisation needs to demonstrate that it is actively engaging with these external entities. This usually involves:
- Identifying which groups are relevant to your industry and your specific security risks.
- Establishing clear roles for who is responsible for communicating with these groups.
- Ensuring that the information gained from these groups is actually filtered back into your Information Security Management System (ISMS).
- Reviewing these memberships regularly to ensure they still provide value.
The 2022 version places a bit more weight on the “intelligence” aspect. It’s not just about networking; it’s about threat intelligence. If a new vulnerability is discovered that affects your industry, your membership in a special interest group should be the reason you heard about it before it hit the mainstream news.
Implementation Tips for the 2022 Version
Transitioning to the 2022 version doesn’t mean you have to scrap your old processes. If you already had a list of contacts under A.6.1.4, you have a great head start. However, you should take this opportunity to modernise your approach.
As noted by HighTable.io, documentation is still king. You should maintain a register of these groups, including contact details and the specific purpose of the association. When an auditor asks how you stay current with the threat landscape, this register—combined with examples of how you’ve acted on shared information—will be your best evidence.
Think about including groups like the Information Security Forum (ISF), local chapters of ISACA, or industry-specific Information Sharing and Analysis Centres (ISACs). Even following key regulatory bodies can count, provided there is a mechanism for your team to digest and implement their updates.
Final Thoughts
The change from ISO 27001:2013 A.6.1.4 to ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.6 is less about a radical shift in rules and more about a refinement of purpose. The 2022 version asks us to be more intentional. In a world where threats evolve daily, staying isolated is a risk no company can afford. By embracing Annex A 5.6, you aren’t just fulfilling a requirement; you are building a shield of collective intelligence around your data.