CASE STUDY

Defence Sector Organisation

Expanding the Scope of ISO 27001 Certification and Uplifting to ISO 27001:2022

Overview

A leading organisation in the defence sector recognised the need to expand the scope of its ISO 27001 certification to cover additional IT systems. Simultaneously, it sought to uplift its existing certification to align with the latest ISO 27001:2022 standard.

This dual initiative was critical to maintaining compliance, improving information security practices, and supporting operational resilience in a highly sensitive industry.

The organisation faced several challenges, including managing risks associated with complex IT systems and upskilling employees to adapt to updated security practices. They also needed to engage diverse stakeholders across departments and geographies and secure buy-in from senior stakeholders to support the transformation.

The Challenge

The primary objectives for the project were to:

  • Expand the certification scope to include additional complex IT systems.
  • Transition the certification to the ISO 27001:2022 standard.
  • Ensure seamless integration of risk management practices for the newly included systems.
  • Enhance employee capabilities to sustain compliance and security improvements.
  • Establish executive-level commitment to the initiative.

Together, these objectives would strengthen the organisation’s security posture, ensure comprehensive risk management, and enable continuous compliance.

Our Solution

The organisation engaged i3Secure to achieve these requirements. Utilising our specialised knowledge and expertise, we adopted a structured approach encompassing five different elements.

Stakeholder engagement

We conducted a series of workshops and meetings to educate stakeholders about the benefits and requirements of the updated certification. Alongside this, we developed a communication plan to keep stakeholders informed throughout the process.

Risk management enhancements

We performed a comprehensive risk assessment of the newly included IT systems and updated the organisation’s risk treatment plan to address vulnerabilities and ensure alignment with ISO 27001:2022 requirements.

Employee upskilling

We delivered targeted training sessions to employees, focusing on changes introduced in the 2022 standard.

Senior stakeholder engagement

We developed executive briefings and presented cost-benefit analyses to secure the necessary approvals and resources. We then established governance frameworks for ongoing monitoring and compliance.

Implementation and testing

We updated policies, procedures, and controls to reflect the expanded scope and standard requirements. Lastly, we conducted internal audits and mock assessments to validate readiness before the formal certification audit.

By integrating these elements, we successfully facilitated the organisation’s navigation through the complexities of the certification process. This comprehensive strategy ensured a smooth transition to the latest standard, improved the organisation’s security practices, and fostered a culture of continuous improvement and compliance.

The Result

The organisation successfully expanded the scope of its ISO 27001 certification, incorporating the newly identified IT systems. It also transitioned to the ISO 27001:2022 standard within the planned timeline and budget.

Key outcomes of this project included:

  • Improved risk posture due to enhanced controls and processes.
  • Increased stakeholder confidence in the organisation’s commitment to information security.
  • Higher employee engagement and competency in implementing security practices.
  • Strengthened governance and monitoring mechanisms for sustained compliance.

These outcomes collectively contributed to a more secure, resilient, and trustworthy organisation, capable of effectively managing information security risks and maintaining compliance with industry standards.

The project was recognised as a strategic success, positioning the organisation as a leader in information security compliance within the defence industry.

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