It is important to note that the controls mentioned here are not the only ones available—or even necessary—for effective information security management. Depending on your company’s context, they might need to be further subdivided or adapted to fully secure your ISMS.
Nonetheless, these controls are fundamental for ensuring critical aspects of information security and will strengthen your organization. With that said, let’s dive into them!
1. Access Controls
Access control is one of the cornerstones of information security, perhaps the most critical of all IS-related factors, and therefore it must be well structured. As your company grows, managing data and information becomes more complex, making access management a critical factor.
To achieve this, very clear access permissions must be defined. For example, new employees should only have access to what is necessary for their functions, while long-standing employees might be granted access to more sensitive information. Likewise, it is essential to avoid the accumulation of unnecessary access privileges. When employees are promoted or change roles, they should not only gain access to new data but also have their previous accesses removed, when appropriate.
Many companies use a Permissioning Matrix—a document that helps determine which data, systems, and tools each role within the company may access. This ensures the confidentiality of information by allowing individuals to access only what is necessary for their daily tasks without hindering the routine execution of processes.
2. Risk Management
Another essential control in ISO 27001 is maintaining effective risk management for information security.
Risk management is crucial for avoiding vulnerabilities, as well as for exchanging data securely with suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders, without exposing the company to data leaks. A good example is the well-known TPRM (Third Party Risk Management), which assesses risks associated with suppliers and should include mechanisms to ensure the security of your company’s data and information.
Thus, it is necessary to identify potential risks that could lead to data leaks or compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. This will not only facilitate the mitigation and elimination of these risks but also help justify which controls have been applied and why—a critical aspect during the certification process.
A well-organized and structured risk management process will elevate your company’s security level and competitiveness, while also increasing the overall maturity of your information security practices and fostering a culture of data protection.
3. Encryption
Encryption has been a fundamental component of data protection since its inception and is as essential as access controls. In today’s context—where much information travels over the internet—without encryption, guaranteeing security and privacy is impossible. Everything transmitted online is encrypted to ensure security and prevent leaks.
Furthermore, depending on the risk analysis, encryption can serve as an excellent additional control and is also crucial for meeting legal requirements such as the LGPD (General Data Protection Law) and other relevant regulations.
Therefore, encryption is one of the essential controls in ISO 27001, as it not only protects data but also reinforces other information security controls.
A True Triad of Essential Controls in ISO 27001
When we connect the aspects discussed in this content, we arrive at a fundamental triad for any Information Security Management System.
First, there is access control, which ensures that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information. Second, effective risk management helps identify, mitigate, and eliminate IS risks before they become real threats. Finally, encryption is used to protect information against unauthorized access.
By integrating these three pillars—access control, risk management, and encryption—we create a robust information security framework capable of minimizing vulnerabilities and enhancing data protection.
Ultimately, it is important to remember that ISO 27001 is not just about compliance; it is a continuous commitment to the security, reliability, and resilience of information. Companies that effectively apply these controls not only reduce risks but also gain greater credibility and a competitive edge in the market.
Investing in these controls is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a smart strategy to protect valuable assets and ensure business continuity in an increasingly challenging digital landscape.
