ISO/IEC 27002 defines recommended security controls and helps companies implement best practices in information security.

What is ISO/IEC 27002?

ISO/IEC 27002 is an international standard that provides guidance on establishing and managing information security controls. It offers specific recommendations—so-called “best practices”—for organizations aiming to effectively protect their data, systems, and information assets. The standard complements the ISO/IEC 27001 framework by offering practical advice on setting security policies, managing access, safeguarding data, and responding to incidents.

How ISO/IEC 27002 appears in practice?

Examples of situations where the standard is applied:

• When setting access controls for company systems.
• When implementing rules for working with encrypted data.
• When training employees on secure behavior and best practices.
• During audits or reviews of organizational security controls.
• When developing recovery plans after an incident or outage.

ISO/IEC 27002 helps companies turn general information security requirements into actionable measures—whether it’s physical security, access management, or remote work policies. It serves as a practical catalog of security controls that can be tailored to the specific needs of any organization.

How is ISO/IEC 27002 different from similar terms?

• ISO/IEC 27001 – Specifies the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
• ISO/IEC 27002 – Provides detailed guidance on how to implement those requirements through specific controls.
• ISO/IEC 27005 – Focuses on risk management in the context of information security.

While ISO/IEC 27001 defines what must be implemented (e.g., an access control policy), ISO/IEC 27002 explains how to implement it. The distinction is crucial—27002 is not a certifiable standard, but a practical guide that helps organizations comply with standards and raise their security maturity.

How to implement or evaluate ISO/IEC 27002 in your company

Recommended steps:

1. Conduct an initial assessment of your current security posture.
2. Select relevant controls from ISO/IEC 27002 based on your business needs.
3. Integrate specific measures into your company’s processes and documentation.
4. Regularly train staff and review internal policies.
5. Evaluate control effectiveness and adapt to new threats.

ISO/IEC 27002 is not just about technology—it emphasizes organizational and human factors too. Many companies underestimate the importance of access control, audits, or staff awareness. This standard helps systematically address such risks and ensures security isn’t just a checklist item but an active part of daily business operations.