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ISO 27001:2013 to ISO 27001:2022 Transition – What Organizations Must Know

Published: February 2024

ISO 27001, the globally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), was updated in 2022 to reflect modern cybersecurity challenges and evolving digital risks. Organizations certified to ISO 27001:2013 must transition to the 2022 version before the official deadline to maintain certification validity.

Why Was ISO 27001 Updated?

The revision aligns the standard with today’s cybersecurity landscape, addressing new threats, technologies, and regulatory expectations. Key reasons for the update include:

Growing cyber threats and data breaches worldwide
Increased reliance on cloud services and digital infrastructure
Need for stronger controls related to privacy, resilience, and technology
Alignment with ISO 27002:2022, which introduced a modernized control structure

What Are the Major Changes in ISO 27001:2022?

While the core structure of ISO 27001 remains the same, Annex A controls have been significantly updated. Key changes include:

Updated Annex A controls
The number of controls has been reduced from 114 to 93, reorganized into four themes: Organizational, People, Physical, and Technological.
11 new controls introduced
These include threat intelligence, cloud services security, data masking, secure coding, and more.
Enhanced focus on cybersecurity and resilience
Controls now reflect modern risks such as ransomware, supply chain attacks, and cloud vulnerabilities.
Improved alignment with digital transformation
The update supports organizations adopting cloud, automation, and remote work models.

Transition Deadline

Organizations certified to ISO 27001:2013 must transition to ISO 27001:2022 before the official deadline set by accreditation bodies. After this date, ISO 27001:2013 certificates will no longer be valid.

Transition audits must be completed within the allowed timeframe.
Surveillance and recertification audits will be conducted against the 2022 version.
Organizations failing to transition risk losing certification status.

What Organizations Need to Do

To ensure a smooth transition, organizations should begin updating their ISMS documentation and controls. Key actions include:

Conducting a gap assessment against ISO 27001:2022 requirements
Updating the Statement of Applicability (SoA)
Implementing new Annex A controls where applicable
Reviewing risk assessments and treatment plans
Training staff on updated requirements
Preparing for transition audits with your certification body

Impact on Certification & Audits

Certification bodies will verify compliance with ISO 27001:2022 during transition audits. Organizations must demonstrate:

Updated ISMS documentation aligned with the 2022 version
Implementation of new and revised controls
Updated risk assessments and SoA
Evidence of training and awareness activities

Conclusion

The transition to ISO 27001:2022 is essential for maintaining a robust and modern information security posture. Organizations are encouraged to begin the transition process early to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and strengthen cybersecurity resilience.