What is the Difference Between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002?

The main difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 lies in their focus and level of detail. Here are the key distinctions between the two standards:

ISO 27001:

• It is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS).
• It outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.
• Companies can get certified against ISO 27001, and individuals can become ISO 27001-certified by attending a course, passing an exam, and proving their skills.
• ISO 27001 is recognized worldwide, increasing business opportunities for organizations and professionals.

ISO 27002:

• It is a supporting standard that provides guidance on how to implement the information security controls listed in Annex A of ISO 27001.
• It explains how each control works, its objective, and how to implement it, dedicating an average of one page per control.
• ISO 27002 is not a certification standard like ISO 27001, and organizations are under no obligation to comply with it.
• It provides best-practices guidance on selecting and implementing the controls listed in ISO 27001.

In summary, ISO 27001 is a formal standard that organizations can certify against, while ISO 27002 is a supplementary guide that provides detailed information on implementing the security controls outlined in ISO 27001.

Comparative Table: ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002

Here is a table summarizing the differences between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002:

In summary, ISO 27001 provides the "what" and "why" of data security, while ISO 27002 provides the "how" by offering best practices and controls to achieve the set objectives. Both standards share a symbiotic relationship, with ISO 27001 providing the overarching framework for building and sustaining an ISMS, and ISO 27002 explaining the details by suggesting a comprehensive set of controls and best practices.