Once risks are identified and assessed, the next step is to manage them effectively. Clause 8.3 of ISO 27001:2022 focuses on information security risk treatment, ensuring that organisations implement measures to reduce or manage identified risks.
To get customised support specific to your organisation, please get in touch with us.
What is ISO 27001 Clause 8.3?
Clause 8.3 requires organisations to:
- Select appropriate risk treatment options to address identified risks.
- Implement controls to reduce risks to acceptable levels.
- Document the risk treatment plan, including responsibilities and priorities.
- Integrate risk treatment actions into the ISMS and operational processes.
Common risk treatment options include avoiding, transferring, mitigating, or accepting a risk. The chosen approach should reflect the organisation’s risk appetite and business objectives.
Why Risk Treatment Matters
Effective risk treatment:
- Protects information assets from threats and vulnerabilities.
- Reduces the likelihood and impact of security incidents.
- Supports compliance with ISO 27001 and legal or regulatory obligations.
- Strengthens stakeholder confidence in the organisation’s security practices.
Without a proper risk treatment plan, identified risks may remain unmanaged, leaving the organisation vulnerable to breaches and operational disruptions.
How to Address Clause 8.3
To comply with Clause 8.3, organisations should:
- Determine the risk treatment options for each identified risk (mitigate, transfer, accept, avoid).
- Select appropriate controls from Annex A of ISO 27001 or other relevant sources.
- Develop a documented risk treatment plan that outlines responsibilities, priorities, and timelines.
- Implement and integrate controls into daily operations.
- Monitor and review the effectiveness of risk treatment actions regularly.
Example
A financial institution might:
- Mitigate the risk of phishing attacks by implementing email filtering and staff training.
- Transfer the risk of data loss by using a secure cloud backup service.
- Accept minor operational risks that fall within the organisation’s risk tolerance.
By documenting and executing these treatments, the organisation ensures that risks are actively managed.
Final Thoughts
Clause 8.3 ensures that information security risks are addressed systematically and effectively. Implementing a structured risk treatment plan is essential for maintaining a resilient ISMS and protecting critical information.
Need guidance on developing and implementing risk treatment plans? Candy Management Consultants can help you create practical, ISO 27001-compliant strategies to manage your organisation’s information security risks.
Request a call back now
