ISO 27001 Clause 9.2

Internal audits are essential for verifying that an Information Security Management System (ISMS) is functioning effectively. Clause 9.2 of ISO 27001:2022 ensures organisations regularly assess their ISMS processes, identify gaps, and implement corrective actions.

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What is ISO 27001 Clause 9.2?

Clause 9.2 requires organisations to:

• Plan and conduct internal audits at scheduled intervals.
• Evaluate the ISMS against ISO 27001 requirements, policies, objectives, and legal or regulatory obligations.
• Report audit results to relevant management.
• Follow up on corrective actions to address non-conformities.

Internal audits provide objective insights into the effectiveness of controls and processes, supporting continual improvement.

Why Internal Audits Matter

Internal audits:

• Verify compliance with ISO 27001 and organisational policies.
• Identify weaknesses or gaps in the ISMS.
• Provide a basis for risk mitigation and continual improvement.
• Build confidence among management, employees, and external auditors.

Without regular audits, organisations risk unaddressed vulnerabilities and may fail to maintain compliance.

How to Address Clause 9.2

To comply with Clause 9.2, organisations should:

1. Develop an internal audit program that covers all ISMS processes and critical controls.
2. Select competent auditors who are independent of the area being audited.
3. Conduct audits according to defined criteria and document findings.
4. Report results to management, highlighting non-conformities and improvement opportunities.
5. Implement and verify corrective actions to close gaps and prevent recurrence.

Example

A software company might:

• Schedule quarterly audits of access control procedures and incident response processes.
• Assign trained internal auditors from a different department.
• Document audit results and corrective actions in an internal tracking system.
• Review completed actions during the next audit cycle.

This process ensures continuous verification and improvement of the ISMS.

Final Thoughts

Clause 9.2 reinforces the need for systematic internal audits to maintain an effective ISMS. Regular audits help organisations identify gaps, verify compliance, and drive continual improvement in information security management.

Need guidance on planning and executing ISO 27001 internal audits? Candy Management Consultants can help you design and run audits that ensure compliance and strengthen your ISMS.

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