Understanding ISO 27001 Clause 6: Planning

Contact us today to learn more about ISO 27001 Clause 6 and how it can transform your organisation’s approach to quality.

Start Your ISO 27001 Journey Today

Strengthen Your Information Security with ISO 27001:2022 Clause 6 – Planning

ISO 27001:2022 is the internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), designed to help businesses protect sensitive data, manage risk, and demonstrate commitment to security and privacy. A crucial part of this standard is Clause 6 – Planning, which ensures organisations proactively identify risks, set objectives, and establish measures to achieve information security goals.

At Candy Management Consultants, we guide organisations through every step of ISO 27001 certification. Our experts help you identify and assess information security risks, define clear objectives, and plan controls to mitigate threats. By embedding effective planning into your ISMS, we ensure your organisation is prepared, compliant, and resilient against security challenges.

Ready to strengthen your information security planning?
Contact us today to learn how ISO 27001 Clause 6 can empower your organisation, reduce risk, and build trust with clients and stakeholders.

Request A Call Back

What is Clause 6 in ISO 27001?

Clause 6 requires organisations to plan their Information Security Management System (ISMS) effectively. This ensures that information security risks and opportunities are identified, measurable objectives are set, and actions are planned to achieve these objectives. By embedding proactive planning, organisations can manage threats, allocate resources appropriately, and strengthen their overall information security posture.

Key Components of Clause 6: Planning

Clause 6.1 – Actions to address risks and opportunities

Clause 6.1 requires organisations to identify and evaluate risks and opportunities that could affect the ability of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) to achieve its intended outcomes. This proactive approach ensures that potential security threats are addressed before they impact the organisation. Planning actions to manage risks and opportunities should be integrated into the ISMS processes, strengthening resilience, compliance, and overall information security performance.

Clause 6.2 – Information security objectives and planning to achieve them

Organisations must establish measurable information security objectives and plan the actions required to achieve them. This ensures objectives are aligned with strategic goals and address identified risks and opportunities. Planning for objectives should be integrated into ISMS processes, with responsibilities assigned and progress monitored to support continuous improvement.

Why Choose Candy Management Consultants for ISO 27001 Certification?

✅ Expert Guidance: Our team of ISO specialists provides tailored support throughout the certification process.

✅ Proven Success: We’ve helped businesses across multiple industries achieve and maintain ISO 27001 compliance.

✅ Simplified Process: We make ISO certification easier by streamlining documentation, training, and audits.

✅ Competitive Advantage: Achieving ISO 27001 enhances credibility, improves efficiency, and drives customer trust.

Get Started With ISO 27001 Certification Today!

Ensuring compliance with ISO 27001 Clause 6 is the first step in building a strong, customer-focused quality management system. Let us help you navigate the process seamlessly.

FAQ

What is Clause 6?

Clause 6 focuses on Planning within the Information Security Management System (ISMS). It ensures that organisations:
Identify and assess information security risks to protect their assets effectively
Determine objectives and plan actions to achieve them
Address risks and opportunities to ensure the ISMS remains effective and resilient

In essence, Clause 6 provides the roadmap for proactively managing information security, helping organisations anticipate challenges, reduce risks, and continually improve their ISMS.

What are the main components of Clause 6?

lause 6 ensures organisations plan their Information Security Management System (ISMS) effectively. The main components are:
6.1 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities
Identify information security risks and opportunities
Determine actions to mitigate risks and leverage opportunities
Ensure the ISMS can achieve its intended outcomes
6.1.2 Information Security Risk Assessment
Establish a systematic approach to assess risks to information assets
Consider likelihood and impact of security threats
Document and prioritise risks for treatment
6.1.3 Information Security Risk Treatment
Decide how identified risks will be managed: avoid, mitigate, transfer, or accept
Implement controls to reduce risks to an acceptable level
6.2 Information Security Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them
Set measurable and achievable ISMS objectives
Define actions, responsibilities, resources, and timelines for each objective
Ensure objectives align with business strategy and the organisation’s risk appetite
These components collectively ensure a proactive, structured approach to information security, enabling organisations to manage risks, plan improvements, and maintain ISMS effectiveness.

What are “risks and opportunities” in Clause 6?

In Clause 6 – Planning, risks and opportunities refer to factors that can affect the ability of your Information Security Management System (ISMS) to achieve its intended outcomes:
Risks:
Potential events or vulnerabilities that could negatively impact information security.
Examples: cyberattacks, data breaches, system failures, human error, or regulatory non-compliance.
Organisations must identify, assess, and treat these risks to reduce their likelihood or impact.
Opportunities:
Potential events or changes that could positively enhance ISMS performance.
Examples: implementing new security technologies, improving staff awareness, or streamlining processes.
Organisations should leverage opportunities to strengthen security, efficiency, and compliance.
Purpose:
By addressing risks and opportunities, organisations ensure their ISMS is proactive, resilient, and continuously improving, rather than reactive to threats alone.

How do I identify risks and opportunities?

1. Understand Your Context (Clause 4)
Review internal factors: IT infrastructure, processes, staff expertise, company culture.
Review external factors: legal/regulatory requirements, market trends, cyber threats, stakeholder expectations.
2. Engage Stakeholders
Include management, IT teams, and key employees to get diverse perspectives.
Consider the expectations and requirements of customers, suppliers, and regulators.
3. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Identify assets: data, systems, applications, hardware.
Identify threats: malware, insider threats, natural disasters, human error.
Assess vulnerabilities: weak passwords, outdated software, poor policies.
Evaluate likelihood and impact: rank risks to prioritise treatment.
4. Identify Opportunities
Look for improvements in processes, technology, training, or culture.
Examples: automation to reduce human error, new security tools, awareness programs, or policy updates.
5. Document Findings
Maintain a risk register and an opportunity log.
Include descriptions, likelihood, impact, and proposed actions.
6. Review and Update Regularly
Risks and opportunities change over time; schedule regular reviews to keep your ISMS current.
Solution:
Candy Management Consultants can guide your team through structured risk and opportunity assessments, ensuring your ISMS addresses the right threats while capitalising on improvement opportunities.

Do I need to document risks, opportunities, and objectives?

Yes, ISO 27001 requires that you retain evidence of your planning activities to demonstrate compliance with Clause 6. This doesn’t mean excessive paperwork, but you must document enough to show that risks, opportunities, and objectives have been identified, assessed, and managed.

Specifically:
Risks and Opportunities
Maintain a risk register or log that records:
Identified risks and opportunities
Likelihood and impact of risks
Planned treatments or actions
This provides evidence that risks are assessed and opportunities are considered.
Information Security Objectives
Document objectives in a clear, measurable way. Include:
What the objective is
Who is responsible
How it will be achieved
Timeframe for completion
Show that objectives are aligned with business strategy and risk management.
Actions to Achieve Objectives
Document the planned actions and resources needed to meet objectives.
Keep evidence of monitoring and reviews to demonstrate continual improvement.

Tip: Keep documentation practical and focused, enough to demonstrate compliance without creating unnecessary bureaucracy.

How often should risks and opportunities be reviewed?

ISO 27001 doesn’t prescribe a fixed interval, but risks and opportunities must be reviewed regularly and whenever changes occur to ensure your ISMS remains effective. Key points include:
Periodic Reviews
Common practice is at least annually, often aligned with management reviews.
More frequent reviews may be needed in high-risk environments or rapidly changing industries.
Trigger-Based Reviews
Review whenever there are significant changes in:
Business processes or technology
Legal, regulatory, or contractual requirements
Threat landscape or security incidents
Management Review Integration
Risks and opportunities should be a standing item in management review meetings to assess ISMS performance and adjust controls as needed.
Best Practice:
Maintain a living risk and opportunity register that is updated continuously, not just at fixed intervals, to ensure proactive management and continual improvement.

Optimise Your Business with ISO 27001 Certification

Partner with Candy Management Consultants for expert support in ISO 27001 certification and compliance. Take the next step toward operational excellence today!

Get your free quote now!