How can you identify risks during ISMS audits?

During an ISMS (Information Security Management System) audit, risks can be identified through various methods such as reviewing documentation, conducting interviews with staff members, analyzing previous incident reports, and observing the system's performance. Additionally, risk identification can involve evaluating the effectiveness of security controls, assessing compliance with regulatory requirements, and identifying potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the system's infrastructure. Regular risk assessments and continuous monitoring are vital to ensure a comprehensive identification of risks during ISMS audits.

Setting clear boundaries and goals is like using a map and compass in a dense forest. For instance, an audit at a tech company might focus on cloud data controls. The objectives could include ensuring GDPR compliance and identifying gaps in data encryption practices — establishing scope clarity to help ensure they evaluate the precise areas critical to the organization's risk profile.

The audit scope encompasses a comprehensive review of the Information Security Management System (ISMS), evaluating policies, processes, and controls. Objectives include identifying vulnerabilities, assessing compliance, and ensuring the effectiveness of security measures to safeguard information assets.

When reviewing evidence documents, focus on how effective the controls are. Don’t focus on format or trivial information such as timestamp, etc. Validity of data collection can be done through live or in person observation which is much more efficient and effective compared to asking the organization to provide unnecessary screenshots to prove trivial information.

Examine ISMS documentation and evidence to verify adherence to security policies and controls. Assess the completeness, accuracy, and currency of documents, including risk assessments, policies, procedures, and incident response plans. Confirm evidence of implementation and effectiveness, ensuring alignment with ISO 27001 standards for a robust Information Security Management System.

Do your homework before going to the interviews. Don’t waste everyone else’s time by asking trivial questions which answers already available on public or provided documents. It shows in depth knowledge of the audience and the context of the audit.

Perform interviews with key stakeholders, including management, IT personnel, and end-users, to gather insights into information security practices and awareness. Conduct observations of daily operations to validate the practical implementation of security controls, identifying potential gaps or areas for improvement within the organization's Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Thoroughly analyze audit findings, identifying vulnerabilities and non-compliance with ISMS controls. Categorize risks based on impact and likelihood, emphasizing critical issues. Craft a concise report detailing identified risks, their root causes, and recommended corrective actions. Prioritize findings to guide effective risk mitigation strategies, fostering a resilient Information Security Management System.

In the context of an ISMS (Information Security Management System) audit, an auditor's primary role isn't to directly identify risks but rather to assess the effectiveness of the organization's ISMS. Auditors evaluate whether the company has established and maintained a robust ISMS capable of identifying and managing risks internally. Instead of pinpointing specific risks, auditors focus on verifying that the established processes, controls, and policies within the ISMS effectively enable the organization to identify, assess, and mitigate risks autonomously. The emphasis lies in ensuring the adequacy and functionality of the system in place, empowering the company to proactively address potential threats to its information security

ISMS Internal Audit - Though an exercise to evaluate the effectiveness of implemented controls, but larger responsibility is to spread the risk culture in the organization. Despite all the controls, humans remain the weakest link. Intent is not to just pin point who missed what, if people are not following the process diligently, or showcasing you did a good job finding all the issues and who is responsible, Internal auditors must ensure their activity is well-perceived and motivate others to practice and follow security. Understanding the pain areas and how internal audit can help mitigate ultimately resulting in a win-win situation.

Beyond the structured audit process, there's room for professional judgment and experience. An auditor might note that an organization's rapid growth has outpaced its ISMS updates, a common scenario that could lead to oversights. Or, consider the impact of emerging technologies; for instance, the integration of IoT devices increases the complexity and scope of potential risks, and who knows how that will evolve with AIOps. Observations may not fit into a checklist but are crucial for a real risk assessment.

Additionally, assess the effectiveness of current risk mitigation measures. Consider the organizational context, business objectives, and evolving threat landscape. Evaluate the scalability and adaptability of security controls. Propose preventive and corrective actions, emphasizing continuous improvement. Engage stakeholders for feedback and collaboration in enhancing the overall Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Try to make risk assessments an engaging and fun exercise. People zone out when they see the risk matrix with probabilities and impacts Make it scenario based and a "what if" situation. Position it that you and the business owners are partners in this journey and they will benefit the most ( which is true ! ) You will find this way that people will happily volunteer and help you in the risk assessment journey instead of clamming up if they feel they are being audited