How do you evidence awareness for an audit?

Evidence awareness through manual records like meeting minutes and read-receipts. Internal wiki logs and Jira task completions provide verifiable proof. Auditors prefer these native records over generic SaaS reports. These documents show security is part of daily business operations.

Why are SaaS awareness platforms discouraged?

SaaS platforms often decouple security from the actual work environment. Staff may click through slides without learning the content. Native document systems like SharePoint prove management oversight. These tools ensure awareness remains a documented process within the organisation.

ISO 27001 Clause 7.3 Guide: Building Security Awareness & Culture

Q: What is the core requirement of ISO 27001 Awareness?

The core requirement is that staff understand the security policy and their roles. Personnel must recognise how they improve security performance. They must also know the risks of failing to comply. You must document this understanding within your native management tools.

What is ISO 27001 Clause 7.3 Awareness in ISO 27001?

Clause 7.3 Awareness is a documented process. It ensures staff understand the Information Security Policy. Personnel must recognise their contribution to the ISMS. You must integrate these records into native tools like SharePoint. This makes security part of daily business-as-usual operations for all staff.

Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap

Automated awareness platforms often lead to surface-level compliance. Staff click through slides without internalising the message. This creates a disconnect between security and daily tasks. Auditors prefer seeing awareness evidence within your native document repositories. Using SharePoint or internal wikis shows real management ownership. We want to see how you communicate security in daily workflows. Do not rely on black-box software to fix your culture.

Requirement	ISO 27001:2013	ISO 27001:2022
Policy Awareness	Mandatory.	Mandatory.
ISMS Contribution	Required.	Required.
Consequences of Failure	Mandatory.	Mandatory.

How to Implement ISO 27001 Clause 7.3 Awareness (Step-by-Step)

Clause 7.3 requires staff to understand the Information Security Policy. They must know how they contribute to ISMS effectiveness. They must also understand the implications of failing to meet requirements. Document this via your internal document management system. Use existing tools like SharePoint to manage this process.

Step 1: Host the Policy on SharePoint

Upload your Information Security Policy to a controlled SharePoint folder. Enable version control. Use automated read-receipts to track staff acknowledgement. This provides a clear audit trail of policy distribution.

Step 2: Conduct Internal Briefings

Use your internal wiki or Confluence to host awareness modules. Tailor the content to your specific business operations. Record attendance in meeting minutes. Link these records to your management review process.

Step 3: Log Awareness in Jira

Create Jira tasks for annual awareness training. Assign these to all personnel. Require staff to upload a brief confirmation of their roles. This embeds awareness into your standard project management environment.

ISO 27001 Clause 7.3 Awareness Audit Evidence Checklist

Focus on manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and intent. Avoid relying on automated external reports.

SharePoint logs showing policy read receipts.
Minutes from department-level security briefings.
Training records stored within internal HR systems.
Wiki pages detailing staff security responsibilities.
Version-controlled presentation materials for security inductions.

Relational Mapping

Clause 7.3 is the foundation for a secure culture. It supports Clause 5.2 (Policy) by ensuring distribution. It complements Clause 7.2 (Competence) by addressing the human element. Finally, it links to Clause 10.2 (Non-conformity). Awareness reduces the frequency of security failures.

Auditor Interview

Question: Where can I find the Information Security Policy?

Answer: It is hosted in our central SharePoint library.

Question: How does your daily work support the ISMS?

Answer: I follow our documented Jira workflows to ensure data integrity.

Question: What happens if you ignore security procedures?

Answer: Our staff handbook outlines the disciplinary consequences of non-conformity.

Common Non-Conformities

Failure Mode	Cause	Auditor Finding
Automated Complacency	Reliance on a SaaS platform’s “green tick.”	Major NC: Staff cannot explain their contribution.
Policy Inaccessibility	Policy hidden in an external portal.	Minor NC: Personnel cannot find the policy.
Lack of Oversight	No record of briefings or induction.	Minor NC: Failure to maintain documented information.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main requirement of Clause 7.3?

The main requirement is that staff understand the security policy and their roles. Personnel must recognise how they improve security performance. They must also know the risks of failing to comply. You must document this understanding within your native management tools. This ensures security is part of the culture.

How can SharePoint help with awareness?

SharePoint tracks policy access and versioning. It provides verifiable evidence that staff have read the policy. You can use it to host awareness videos and quizzes. This keeps compliance data within your own business environment. It proves management owns the awareness process.

Why is awareness considered a continuous process?

Security threats change constantly. Staff must receive regular updates on new procedures and risks. Document these updates in your management review minutes. Use Jira to schedule periodic refresher sessions. This ensures the organisation maintains a strong security posture over time.

LA CASA DE CERTIFICACIÓN