Introduction
Successfully implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) under ISO/IEC 27001:2022 doesn’t just depend on having policies and risk assessments, it comes down to whether the controls are effectively chosen and embedded in your organization’s day-to-day operations.
That’s where ISO/IEC 27002:2022 plays a vital role.
While ISO/IEC 27001 sets out the requirements for an ISMS, ISO/IEC 27002 serves as a practical guide for applying the controls listed in Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001. It turns theory into practice, offering clear and actionable recommendations on how to implement, manage, and measure each control effectively.
Need help mapping ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A controls to your environment? Contact Pacific Certifications at support@pacificcert.com for expert guidance.
What is ISO/IEC 27002:2022?
ISO/IEC 27002:2022, titled “Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection — Information security controls”, is a supporting standard that provides detailed implementation guidance for the 93 controls listed in Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001:2022.
ISO/IEC 27002 is a guidance document. It helps organizations understand the purpose, context, and methods behind each control so that implementation can be aligned with business needs, risk priorities, and operational realities.
In the 2022 revision, ISO/IEC 27002 groups the 93 controls into four core themes:
- Organizational controls (37)
- People controls (8)
- Physical controls (14)
- Technological controls (34)
Each control also includes “attributes” to help organizations tag and filter controls by cybersecurity concepts, information properties, and operational capabilities.
Confused about the updated control structure in ISO/IEC 27002:2022? Reach out to support@pacificcert.com to get a side-by-side mapping tool for easier implementation.
Purpose and Role in ISO/IEC 27001 Implementation
ISO/IEC 27002 exists to operationalize the requirements of ISO/IEC 27001. While ISO/IEC 27001 requires you to select appropriate controls to treat risks (as part of your Statement of Applicability), ISO/IEC 27002 tells you how those controls should be implemented in a practical, risk-informed, and auditable way.
For example:
ISO/IEC 27001 requires control A.8.1.1: “Inventory of information and other associated assets.”
ISO/IEC 27002 explains what assets should be included, who should maintain the inventory, and how it should be updated and protected.
This guidance ensures that your ISMS is not just compliant, but functionally secure and sustainable.
Let Pacific Certifications support your ISO/IEC 27002-based implementation review. Contact support@pacificcert.com.
Best Practices for Implementing ISO/IEC 27001 Controls Using ISO/IEC 27002
Here are practical best practices drawn from ISO/IEC 27002 for effective implementation of ISO/IEC 27001 controls:
1. Understand the Control’s Objective First
Every control in ISO/IEC 27002 starts with a clearly defined objective. Before implementation, ensure your team understands why the control exists and what risk it addresses.
2. Tailor the Control to Your Risk Environment
Controls are not “one-size-fits-all.” ISO/IEC 27002 encourages customization based on your business model, regulatory obligations, and risk assessment results. A cloud-native SaaS firm may implement controls differently than a government body with on-prem infrastructure.
3. Leverage the Control Attributes
The 2022 version introduces “attributes” for each control. These include:
- Cybersecurity concepts (aligned with NIST and ISO/IEC 27110)
- Operational capabilities (like governance or protective technologies)
- Information properties (confidentiality, integrity, availability)
Use these to prioritize controls based on your strategic goals and threat landscape.
4. Assign Ownership and Define Metrics
ISO/IEC 27002 recommends assigning clear responsibilities for each control and tracking performance indicators to ensure continuous improvement.
5. Align Controls Across Management Systems
Many ISO/IEC 27001 controls overlap with ISO 9001 (quality), ISO 22301 (business continuity), and ISO/IEC 20000 (IT service management). Harmonize documentation and controls to streamline compliance and reduce redundancy.
Global Relevance
In 2025, organizations are facing heightened regulatory scrutiny, rapid digitization, and escalating cyber threats. These trends make ISO/IEC 27001 more important than ever, but also more challenging to implement thoroughly.
ISO/IEC 27002 is now considered an enabler, helping organizations:
- Navigate complex compliance requirements (GDPR, HIPAA, NIS2)
- Demonstrate due diligence in third-party risk audits and supply chain assurance
- Establish technical and procedural safeguards that are globally recognized and locally enforceable
In the United States, ISO/IEC 27002 is increasingly referenced in contracts with federal agencies, defense subcontracting, and SOC 2 Type II alignment efforts. In Europe and Asia-Pacific, it is used to bridge the gap between regulatory expectations and operational controls in sectors like finance, healthcare, and cloud services.
Large enterprises, SMEs, and government entities alike are turning to ISO/IEC 27002 not just as a guide, but as an internal governance tool to mature their ISMS programs.
Want to align your ISMS with international expectations and reduce security gaps? Contact support@pacificcert.com to request a governance-aligned ISO/IEC 27002 checklist.
How Pacific Certifications Can Help?
As an accredited certification body, Pacific Certifications helps organizations:
- Validate Annex A control implementation using ISO/IEC 27002 guidance
- Support integrated ISMS audits (ISO/IEC 27001 + ISO 22301)
- Provide documentation templates and audit tools based on 27002 best practices
- Offer expert-led implementation and awareness training
Whether you're seeking certification or simply improving control maturity, we ensure your ISO/IEC 27001 implementation is effective and aligned with global expectations.
Reach out to our audit team at support@pacificcert.com and start implementing ISO/IEC 27001 controls the right way!
Training Programs by Pacific Certifications for ISO/IEC 27002
To help organizations and individuals implement ISO/IEC 27001 controls effectively, Pacific Certifications offers specialized training programs:
- ISO/IEC 27002 Awareness Training
A concise overview of how the standard supports ISO/IEC 27001 control implementation, designed for ISMS team members and IT managers. - ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer (includes 27002 guidance)
In-depth training on establishing an ISMS with practical 27002-based control guidance integrated into the curriculum. - ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor (aligned with ISO/IEC 27002)
Teaches participants how to audit control implementation using ISO/IEC 27002 as the baseline for effectiveness.
To schedule your training or get a customized in-house session, email support@pacificcert.com
FAQs – ISO/IEC 27002 & ISO/IEC 27001 Controls
Q1. Do I need to implement all 93 controls in ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A?
No. You select controls based on your risk assessment. ISO/IEC 27002 helps you decide how to implement the controls you select.
Q2. Is ISO/IEC 27002 a certifiable standard?
ISO/IEC 27002 is a guidance standard. ISO/IEC 27001 is certifiable.
Q3. Can ISO/IEC 27002 be used as a standalone security framework?
While it provides comprehensive best practices, it’s meant to be used in conjunction with ISO/IEC 27001.
Q4. What changed in ISO/IEC 27002:2022?
The controls were consolidated from 114 to 93, reorganized into four themes, and assigned attributes to support filtering and prioritization.
Q5. Who should use ISO/IEC 27002?
ISMS managers, CISOs, auditors, compliance officers, and implementation teams responsible for aligning operational controls with ISO/IEC 27001.
Ready to get ISO 27002 certified?
Contact Pacific Certifications to begin your certification journey today!
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