ISO 27001 Clause 7.4

Effective communication is essential for a functioning Information Security Management System (ISMS). Clause 7.4 of ISO 27001:2022 ensures that relevant information regarding information security is communicated clearly, consistently, and to the right people within and outside the organisation.

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What is ISO 27001 Clause 7.4?

Clause 7.4 requires organisations to establish internal and external communication processes related to the ISMS. This includes:

• Determining what information should be communicated.
• Identifying who needs the information, both inside and outside the organisation.
• Establishing when and how communication should occur.
• Ensuring that communication supports effective information security management.

This clause ensures that key information is shared appropriately and that stakeholders are informed and engaged in information security practices.

Why Communication Matters

Clear communication helps:

• Prevent misunderstandings about roles, responsibilities, and procedures.
• Ensure staff are aware of policies, objectives, and security incidents.
• Maintain transparency with customers, regulators, and partners.
• Support incident response and continuous improvement.

Without structured communication, employees and stakeholders may miss critical information, increasing the risk of breaches and non-compliance.

How to Address Clause 7.4

To comply with Clause 7.4, organisations should:

1. Identify what information needs to be communicated (e.g., policies, objectives, risks, incident reports).
2. Determine target audiences both internally and externally.
3. Select appropriate communication methods (meetings, emails, intranet, training sessions, or reports).
4. Establish timing and frequency to ensure communication is timely and relevant.
5. Monitor and review communication effectiveness to ensure understanding and engagement.

Example

A manufacturing company might:

• Share monthly security updates with staff.
• Provide suppliers with clear security requirements for handling company data.
• Report information security performance to senior management quarterly.

This structured approach ensures everyone receives the information they need to act responsibly and maintain security.

Final Thoughts

Clause 7.4 highlights that communication is a vital part of a successful ISMS. By sharing relevant information with the right people at the right time, organisations strengthen security awareness, accountability, and compliance.

Need assistance creating effective ISMS communication processes? Candy Management Consultants can help you design clear, structured communication strategies that support ISO 27001 compliance.

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