ISO 27001 Risk Assessment Mastery: Practical Tools for Self-Assessment and Compliance
You’re not behind. But you’re not ahead either. And in today’s world of tightening compliance mandates, rising cyber threats, and board-level scrutiny over data protection, standing still is the fastest way to fall off the radar. Maybe you’ve read the ISO 27001 standard. Maybe you’ve attended a general awareness session. But when it comes to actually conducting a credible, defensible risk assessment-one that holds up to auditors and gives your organisation real insight-you feel like you’re translating legalese into guesswork. That ends today. ISO 27001 Risk Assessment Mastery is not another theory-heavy compliance course. It’s a battle-tested, step-by-step system designed for professionals who need to move from confusion to clarity, from partial checklists to complete confidence-fast. This course equips you to go from uncertain to audit-ready in under 30 days, with a fully documented, customisable risk assessment framework that aligns with Annex A controls and satisfies internal and external auditors. One recent learner, Maria Chen, Information Security Officer at a mid-sized fintech in Singapore, told us: “I went from struggling to justify my risk register to leading a company-wide ISMS rollout. My CFO now calls me ‘the compliance anchor’-and I credit this course for giving me the tools and structure I lacked.” You don’t need more passive knowledge. You need action. You need templates. You need logic. You need assurance that what you’re doing is not just compliant-but valuable. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details Fully Self-Paced with Immediate Online Access
Enrol once, begin immediately. The entire course is accessible on-demand, with no fixed schedules, no timezone barriers, and no deadlines. You control the pace, the depth, and the timing-ideal for busy professionals juggling audits, reporting cycles, and day-to-day security operations. Most learners complete the core risk assessment process in 15 to 20 hours. Many apply key templates and produce a draft risk treatment plan within 72 hours of starting. Lifetime Access, Zero Expiry
Once enrolled, you own permanent access to all course materials. No subscriptions. No paywalls. No forced upgrades. And because the ISO 27001 standard evolves, we provide ongoing updates-at no extra cost-ensuring your knowledge and tools remain current for years to come. Learn Anywhere, Anytime
Access the full curriculum on your desktop, tablet, or smartphone. Every resource, template, and guide is mobile-optimised for review during commutes, auditors' preparations, or compliance meetings. Expert Guidance Built In
You're not left alone. The course includes detailed walkthroughs, contextual notes from certified ISO 27001 lead implementers, and direct-response support channels where your questions are addressed by industry practitioners-not generic customer service bots. This is peer-level insight, curated for clarity. Earn Your Certificate of Completion
Upon finishing all modules and submitting your final risk assessment exercise, you'll receive a verified Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. This credential is recognised by employers, auditors, and consultants globally, and validates your ability to execute a compliant, defensible ISO 27001 risk assessment independently. No Hidden Fees, Ever
Pricing is transparent and all-inclusive. What you see is what you pay-one flat fee, no recurring charges, no upsells, no surprise costs for templates or certification. - Accepted payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, PayPal
Zero-Risk Enrollment: 30-Day Satisfied or Refunded Guarantee
If this course doesn’t deliver immediate clarity, tangible tools, and visible progress toward your compliance goals, return it within 30 days for a full refund. No questions, no friction. This is not a gamble. It’s a strategic investment with guaranteed returns-or your money back. After Enrollment: What to Expect
Shortly after registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Once your access is fully provisioned, you'll receive a separate login instruction email with secure access to the course portal and all its resources. Rest assured: every component you need is systematically delivered and carefully tested for usability. This Works Even If You:
- Have never led a full ISO 27001 project before
- Are working with limited resources or budget
- Need to justify your risk assessment to non-technical stakeholders
- Are managing multiple frameworks (NIST, SOC 2, GDPR) simultaneously
- Are returning to compliance work after a gap
Role-specific proof: A compliance manager at a healthcare provider in Australia used the course to build their first risk assessment in six weeks-without external consultants-and passed their Stage 1 audit with zero nonconformities. You don’t need to be a guru. You just need the right structure. And that’s exactly what this course delivers.
Extensive and Detailed Course Curriculum
Module 1: Foundations of ISO 27001 Risk Assessment - Understanding the purpose and scope of ISO 27001
- The role of risk assessment in an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
- Overview of ISO 27001:2022 structure and key clauses
- Clarity on Clause 6.1.2: Risk Assessment and Clause 6.1.3: Risk Treatment
- Distinguishing between risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk evaluation
- How risk feeds into Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- The difference between asset-based and process-based risk approaches
- Aligning risk assessment with organisational context (Clause 4)
- Linking risk to leadership commitment (Clause 5)
- Overview of risk methodology options: qualitative vs quantitative
- Introduction to risk appetite and risk tolerance statements
- Common misconceptions about ISO 27001 and risk
- Why generic risk templates fail in real audits
- Building a business case for robust risk assessment
- How to gain buy-in from senior management
Module 2: Designing Your Risk Assessment Methodology - Step-by-step selection of a risk assessment approach
- Choosing risk scales: impact and likelihood criteria
- Developing a custom risk matrix aligned to organisational culture
- Calibrating risk thresholds for consistency
- Determining risk ownership: assignment and accountability
- How to define asset, threat, and vulnerability categories
- Selecting risk scenarios relevant to your sector
- Integrating threat intelligence into risk identification
- Using vulnerability data from existing scans and reports
- Mapping assets to business functions and criticality
- Principles of risk interdependency and cascading effects
- How to avoid overcomplicating the methodology
- Setting scope boundaries for risk assessment
- Including third parties and supply chain risks
- Aligning with GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulatory requirements
- Documenting your methodology for auditor review
Module 3: Asset Identification and Valuation - What qualifies as an information asset under ISO 27001
- Classifying assets: hardware, software, data, people, processes
- Techniques for asset discovery in hybrid environments
- Building an asset register with metadata fields
- Assigning asset owners and custodians
- Valuing assets based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad)
- Using business impact to determine asset priority
- Leveraging existing asset inventories from IT or CMDB
- How to handle intangible assets like reputation or brand
- Avoiding double-counting or missing shadow IT assets
- Updating the asset register dynamically over time
- Tips for minimal-effort, maximum-coverage asset cataloguing
- Integrating asset classification with data protection policies
- Handling cloud-hosted assets and shared responsibility models
- Documenting asset disposal and lifecycle controls
Module 4: Threat and Vulnerability Analysis - Defining threats: human, environmental, technical, organisational
- Categorising threats using standard taxonomies (e.g. OCTAVE, STRIDE)
- Identifying internal vs external threat actors
- Using real-world incident data to inform threat profiles
- How to leverage ISO/IEC 27005 guidance on threats
- Linking threats to asset types and business functions
- Understanding and documenting vulnerabilities
- Incorporating findings from penetration tests and vulnerability scans
- Identifying control gaps that create vulnerabilities
- How to assess process and human vulnerabilities
- Using historical audit findings to detect recurring weaknesses
- Utilising industry benchmarks (e.g. Verizon DBIR) for threat realism
- Scoring vulnerabilities based on exploitability and exposure
- Integrating threat modelling into routine reviews
- Detecting emerging threats through intelligence feeds
Module 5: Risk Identification and Scenario Development - Structured methods for compiling risk scenarios
- Using asset-threat-vulnerability triplets effectively
- Developing realistic, actionable risk statements
- Avoiding vague or theoretical risks like 'data breach'
- Creating scenario-based narratives for clarity
- Scaling risk identification across departments
- Facilitating cross-functional risk workshops
- Leveraging business continuity plans for risk insight
- Using deviation analysis from normal operations
- Addressing insider threat scenarios
- Considering supply chain and vendor failure risks
- How to identify cascading risks across systems
- Using past security incidents as risk input
- Ensuring completeness with checklist supplements
- Documenting assumptions made during identification
Module 6: Risk Analysis and Evaluation - Calculating risk levels using impact and likelihood
- Populating the risk matrix with real data
- Normalising scores across departments and asset types
- Handling subjectivity in risk scoring
- Peer review techniques for consistency
- Using heat maps for visual risk prioritisation
- Deciding when to elevate risks to management
- Setting thresholds for low, medium, high, and extreme risks
- Understanding residual vs inherent risk
- How to handle risks with high impact but low likelihood
- Techniques for risk validation with stakeholders
- Using risk acceptability criteria in evaluation
- Linking evaluated risks to business objectives
- Automating analysis with spreadsheet logic and conditional formatting
- Presenting results in executive summary format
Module 7: Risk Treatment Planning - Four risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Determining appropriate treatment for each risk
- Aligning risk treatment with Annex A controls
- Developing action plans with owners and deadlines
- Estimating control implementation effort and cost
- Creating a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) document
- Integrating controls from NIST, CIS, or other frameworks
- Selecting custom vs standard controls
- Documenting rationale for control selection
- How to justify risk acceptance formally
- Setting conditions for periodic review of accepted risks
- Ensuring treatment plans are measurable and trackable
- Avoiding control overlap or redundancy
- Linking treatments to resource allocation
- How to present the RTP to risk committees
Module 8: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
Module 1: Foundations of ISO 27001 Risk Assessment - Understanding the purpose and scope of ISO 27001
- The role of risk assessment in an Information Security Management System (ISMS)
- Overview of ISO 27001:2022 structure and key clauses
- Clarity on Clause 6.1.2: Risk Assessment and Clause 6.1.3: Risk Treatment
- Distinguishing between risk assessment, risk analysis, and risk evaluation
- How risk feeds into Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- The difference between asset-based and process-based risk approaches
- Aligning risk assessment with organisational context (Clause 4)
- Linking risk to leadership commitment (Clause 5)
- Overview of risk methodology options: qualitative vs quantitative
- Introduction to risk appetite and risk tolerance statements
- Common misconceptions about ISO 27001 and risk
- Why generic risk templates fail in real audits
- Building a business case for robust risk assessment
- How to gain buy-in from senior management
Module 2: Designing Your Risk Assessment Methodology - Step-by-step selection of a risk assessment approach
- Choosing risk scales: impact and likelihood criteria
- Developing a custom risk matrix aligned to organisational culture
- Calibrating risk thresholds for consistency
- Determining risk ownership: assignment and accountability
- How to define asset, threat, and vulnerability categories
- Selecting risk scenarios relevant to your sector
- Integrating threat intelligence into risk identification
- Using vulnerability data from existing scans and reports
- Mapping assets to business functions and criticality
- Principles of risk interdependency and cascading effects
- How to avoid overcomplicating the methodology
- Setting scope boundaries for risk assessment
- Including third parties and supply chain risks
- Aligning with GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulatory requirements
- Documenting your methodology for auditor review
Module 3: Asset Identification and Valuation - What qualifies as an information asset under ISO 27001
- Classifying assets: hardware, software, data, people, processes
- Techniques for asset discovery in hybrid environments
- Building an asset register with metadata fields
- Assigning asset owners and custodians
- Valuing assets based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad)
- Using business impact to determine asset priority
- Leveraging existing asset inventories from IT or CMDB
- How to handle intangible assets like reputation or brand
- Avoiding double-counting or missing shadow IT assets
- Updating the asset register dynamically over time
- Tips for minimal-effort, maximum-coverage asset cataloguing
- Integrating asset classification with data protection policies
- Handling cloud-hosted assets and shared responsibility models
- Documenting asset disposal and lifecycle controls
Module 4: Threat and Vulnerability Analysis - Defining threats: human, environmental, technical, organisational
- Categorising threats using standard taxonomies (e.g. OCTAVE, STRIDE)
- Identifying internal vs external threat actors
- Using real-world incident data to inform threat profiles
- How to leverage ISO/IEC 27005 guidance on threats
- Linking threats to asset types and business functions
- Understanding and documenting vulnerabilities
- Incorporating findings from penetration tests and vulnerability scans
- Identifying control gaps that create vulnerabilities
- How to assess process and human vulnerabilities
- Using historical audit findings to detect recurring weaknesses
- Utilising industry benchmarks (e.g. Verizon DBIR) for threat realism
- Scoring vulnerabilities based on exploitability and exposure
- Integrating threat modelling into routine reviews
- Detecting emerging threats through intelligence feeds
Module 5: Risk Identification and Scenario Development - Structured methods for compiling risk scenarios
- Using asset-threat-vulnerability triplets effectively
- Developing realistic, actionable risk statements
- Avoiding vague or theoretical risks like 'data breach'
- Creating scenario-based narratives for clarity
- Scaling risk identification across departments
- Facilitating cross-functional risk workshops
- Leveraging business continuity plans for risk insight
- Using deviation analysis from normal operations
- Addressing insider threat scenarios
- Considering supply chain and vendor failure risks
- How to identify cascading risks across systems
- Using past security incidents as risk input
- Ensuring completeness with checklist supplements
- Documenting assumptions made during identification
Module 6: Risk Analysis and Evaluation - Calculating risk levels using impact and likelihood
- Populating the risk matrix with real data
- Normalising scores across departments and asset types
- Handling subjectivity in risk scoring
- Peer review techniques for consistency
- Using heat maps for visual risk prioritisation
- Deciding when to elevate risks to management
- Setting thresholds for low, medium, high, and extreme risks
- Understanding residual vs inherent risk
- How to handle risks with high impact but low likelihood
- Techniques for risk validation with stakeholders
- Using risk acceptability criteria in evaluation
- Linking evaluated risks to business objectives
- Automating analysis with spreadsheet logic and conditional formatting
- Presenting results in executive summary format
Module 7: Risk Treatment Planning - Four risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Determining appropriate treatment for each risk
- Aligning risk treatment with Annex A controls
- Developing action plans with owners and deadlines
- Estimating control implementation effort and cost
- Creating a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) document
- Integrating controls from NIST, CIS, or other frameworks
- Selecting custom vs standard controls
- Documenting rationale for control selection
- How to justify risk acceptance formally
- Setting conditions for periodic review of accepted risks
- Ensuring treatment plans are measurable and trackable
- Avoiding control overlap or redundancy
- Linking treatments to resource allocation
- How to present the RTP to risk committees
Module 8: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Step-by-step selection of a risk assessment approach
- Choosing risk scales: impact and likelihood criteria
- Developing a custom risk matrix aligned to organisational culture
- Calibrating risk thresholds for consistency
- Determining risk ownership: assignment and accountability
- How to define asset, threat, and vulnerability categories
- Selecting risk scenarios relevant to your sector
- Integrating threat intelligence into risk identification
- Using vulnerability data from existing scans and reports
- Mapping assets to business functions and criticality
- Principles of risk interdependency and cascading effects
- How to avoid overcomplicating the methodology
- Setting scope boundaries for risk assessment
- Including third parties and supply chain risks
- Aligning with GDPR, HIPAA, or other regulatory requirements
- Documenting your methodology for auditor review
Module 3: Asset Identification and Valuation - What qualifies as an information asset under ISO 27001
- Classifying assets: hardware, software, data, people, processes
- Techniques for asset discovery in hybrid environments
- Building an asset register with metadata fields
- Assigning asset owners and custodians
- Valuing assets based on confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA triad)
- Using business impact to determine asset priority
- Leveraging existing asset inventories from IT or CMDB
- How to handle intangible assets like reputation or brand
- Avoiding double-counting or missing shadow IT assets
- Updating the asset register dynamically over time
- Tips for minimal-effort, maximum-coverage asset cataloguing
- Integrating asset classification with data protection policies
- Handling cloud-hosted assets and shared responsibility models
- Documenting asset disposal and lifecycle controls
Module 4: Threat and Vulnerability Analysis - Defining threats: human, environmental, technical, organisational
- Categorising threats using standard taxonomies (e.g. OCTAVE, STRIDE)
- Identifying internal vs external threat actors
- Using real-world incident data to inform threat profiles
- How to leverage ISO/IEC 27005 guidance on threats
- Linking threats to asset types and business functions
- Understanding and documenting vulnerabilities
- Incorporating findings from penetration tests and vulnerability scans
- Identifying control gaps that create vulnerabilities
- How to assess process and human vulnerabilities
- Using historical audit findings to detect recurring weaknesses
- Utilising industry benchmarks (e.g. Verizon DBIR) for threat realism
- Scoring vulnerabilities based on exploitability and exposure
- Integrating threat modelling into routine reviews
- Detecting emerging threats through intelligence feeds
Module 5: Risk Identification and Scenario Development - Structured methods for compiling risk scenarios
- Using asset-threat-vulnerability triplets effectively
- Developing realistic, actionable risk statements
- Avoiding vague or theoretical risks like 'data breach'
- Creating scenario-based narratives for clarity
- Scaling risk identification across departments
- Facilitating cross-functional risk workshops
- Leveraging business continuity plans for risk insight
- Using deviation analysis from normal operations
- Addressing insider threat scenarios
- Considering supply chain and vendor failure risks
- How to identify cascading risks across systems
- Using past security incidents as risk input
- Ensuring completeness with checklist supplements
- Documenting assumptions made during identification
Module 6: Risk Analysis and Evaluation - Calculating risk levels using impact and likelihood
- Populating the risk matrix with real data
- Normalising scores across departments and asset types
- Handling subjectivity in risk scoring
- Peer review techniques for consistency
- Using heat maps for visual risk prioritisation
- Deciding when to elevate risks to management
- Setting thresholds for low, medium, high, and extreme risks
- Understanding residual vs inherent risk
- How to handle risks with high impact but low likelihood
- Techniques for risk validation with stakeholders
- Using risk acceptability criteria in evaluation
- Linking evaluated risks to business objectives
- Automating analysis with spreadsheet logic and conditional formatting
- Presenting results in executive summary format
Module 7: Risk Treatment Planning - Four risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Determining appropriate treatment for each risk
- Aligning risk treatment with Annex A controls
- Developing action plans with owners and deadlines
- Estimating control implementation effort and cost
- Creating a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) document
- Integrating controls from NIST, CIS, or other frameworks
- Selecting custom vs standard controls
- Documenting rationale for control selection
- How to justify risk acceptance formally
- Setting conditions for periodic review of accepted risks
- Ensuring treatment plans are measurable and trackable
- Avoiding control overlap or redundancy
- Linking treatments to resource allocation
- How to present the RTP to risk committees
Module 8: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Defining threats: human, environmental, technical, organisational
- Categorising threats using standard taxonomies (e.g. OCTAVE, STRIDE)
- Identifying internal vs external threat actors
- Using real-world incident data to inform threat profiles
- How to leverage ISO/IEC 27005 guidance on threats
- Linking threats to asset types and business functions
- Understanding and documenting vulnerabilities
- Incorporating findings from penetration tests and vulnerability scans
- Identifying control gaps that create vulnerabilities
- How to assess process and human vulnerabilities
- Using historical audit findings to detect recurring weaknesses
- Utilising industry benchmarks (e.g. Verizon DBIR) for threat realism
- Scoring vulnerabilities based on exploitability and exposure
- Integrating threat modelling into routine reviews
- Detecting emerging threats through intelligence feeds
Module 5: Risk Identification and Scenario Development - Structured methods for compiling risk scenarios
- Using asset-threat-vulnerability triplets effectively
- Developing realistic, actionable risk statements
- Avoiding vague or theoretical risks like 'data breach'
- Creating scenario-based narratives for clarity
- Scaling risk identification across departments
- Facilitating cross-functional risk workshops
- Leveraging business continuity plans for risk insight
- Using deviation analysis from normal operations
- Addressing insider threat scenarios
- Considering supply chain and vendor failure risks
- How to identify cascading risks across systems
- Using past security incidents as risk input
- Ensuring completeness with checklist supplements
- Documenting assumptions made during identification
Module 6: Risk Analysis and Evaluation - Calculating risk levels using impact and likelihood
- Populating the risk matrix with real data
- Normalising scores across departments and asset types
- Handling subjectivity in risk scoring
- Peer review techniques for consistency
- Using heat maps for visual risk prioritisation
- Deciding when to elevate risks to management
- Setting thresholds for low, medium, high, and extreme risks
- Understanding residual vs inherent risk
- How to handle risks with high impact but low likelihood
- Techniques for risk validation with stakeholders
- Using risk acceptability criteria in evaluation
- Linking evaluated risks to business objectives
- Automating analysis with spreadsheet logic and conditional formatting
- Presenting results in executive summary format
Module 7: Risk Treatment Planning - Four risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Determining appropriate treatment for each risk
- Aligning risk treatment with Annex A controls
- Developing action plans with owners and deadlines
- Estimating control implementation effort and cost
- Creating a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) document
- Integrating controls from NIST, CIS, or other frameworks
- Selecting custom vs standard controls
- Documenting rationale for control selection
- How to justify risk acceptance formally
- Setting conditions for periodic review of accepted risks
- Ensuring treatment plans are measurable and trackable
- Avoiding control overlap or redundancy
- Linking treatments to resource allocation
- How to present the RTP to risk committees
Module 8: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Calculating risk levels using impact and likelihood
- Populating the risk matrix with real data
- Normalising scores across departments and asset types
- Handling subjectivity in risk scoring
- Peer review techniques for consistency
- Using heat maps for visual risk prioritisation
- Deciding when to elevate risks to management
- Setting thresholds for low, medium, high, and extreme risks
- Understanding residual vs inherent risk
- How to handle risks with high impact but low likelihood
- Techniques for risk validation with stakeholders
- Using risk acceptability criteria in evaluation
- Linking evaluated risks to business objectives
- Automating analysis with spreadsheet logic and conditional formatting
- Presenting results in executive summary format
Module 7: Risk Treatment Planning - Four risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Determining appropriate treatment for each risk
- Aligning risk treatment with Annex A controls
- Developing action plans with owners and deadlines
- Estimating control implementation effort and cost
- Creating a Risk Treatment Plan (RTP) document
- Integrating controls from NIST, CIS, or other frameworks
- Selecting custom vs standard controls
- Documenting rationale for control selection
- How to justify risk acceptance formally
- Setting conditions for periodic review of accepted risks
- Ensuring treatment plans are measurable and trackable
- Avoiding control overlap or redundancy
- Linking treatments to resource allocation
- How to present the RTP to risk committees
Module 8: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Understanding the legal and audit importance of the SoA
- Structure of a compliant SoA document
- Listing all Annex A controls (93 in total)
- Justifying why each control is applied or excluded
- Writing clear, auditor-friendly rationale statements
- Linking controls to specific risks in the risk register
- Version control and change history for the SoA
- How to handle partial implementation of controls
- Integrating custom controls into the SoA structure
- Best practices for formatting and presentation
- Automation tools for managing SoA updates
- How frequently to review and revise the SoA
- Preparing the SoA for Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits
- Using colour coding and status indicators for clarity
- Obtaining sign-off from information security management
Module 9: Risk Register Construction - Essential fields in a professional risk register
- Linking risks to assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and controls
- Using unique risk IDs for traceability
- Building dynamic registers using Excel or Google Sheets
- Tracking status: open, in progress, closed, accepted
- Incorporating risk owner, due date, and priority levels
- Linking register entries to the RTP and SoA
- How to maintain the register over time
- Automating status updates with formulas
- Version control and audit trail for the register
- Generating summary dashboards from register data
- How to handle risk closure and documentation
- Updating the register after security incidents
- Using filters and pivot tables for reporting
- Exporting register data for compliance reporting
Module 10: Risk Assessment Review and Continuous Improvement - When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- When and how to perform periodic risk reassessments
- Trigger events that demand immediate review
- Integrating risk reviews into management review meetings
- Using internal audit findings to update the assessment
- Adjusting risk scores based on control effectiveness
- How to measure the maturity of your risk process
- Applying PDCA cycle to risk management
- Collecting feedback from stakeholders on risk accuracy
- Updating risk scenarios with new business changes
- Monitoring changes in threat landscape
- Reviewing risk treatment effectiveness quarterly
- Documenting changes for auditor transparency
- Using metrics such as number of residual risks
- Aligning with ISO 27001 internal audit schedule
- Best practices for continuous risk culture
Module 11: Integration with Other Management Systems - Aligning ISO 27001 risk with ISO 22301 (BCMS)
- Harmonising with ISO 9001 quality risk processes
- Integrating with GDPR data protection impact assessments (DPIAs)
- Mapping risks to SOC 2 trust principles
- Linking to NIST CSF cybersecurity functions
- Using CIS Controls as mitigation benchmarks
- Consolidating risk registers across frameworks
- Avoiding duplicate effort in multi-framework environments
- Presenting unified risk reports to executives
- How to manage scope differences between standards
- Sharing risk data securely across teams
- Using GRC platforms to centralise risk information
- Documenting integration methods for auditors
- Training staff on cross-framework risk reporting
- Building a universal risk language across departments
Module 12: Preparing for Audit and Certification - Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Understanding auditor expectations for risk assessment
- What auditors examine in the risk methodology
- Ensuring consistency between risk register, SoA, and RTP
- How to respond to audit findings on risk gaps
- Demonstrating management approval of risk decisions
- Presenting evidence of risk review meetings
- Handling requests for risk scenario walkthroughs
- Preparing auditors’ sampling documentation
- Common nonconformities and how to avoid them
- Using pre-audit checklists for risk documentation
- How to train team members for auditor interviews
- Documenting risk acceptance approvals formally
- Providing records of control implementation
- Ensuring version control across all documents
- Final audit readiness review process
Module 13: Advanced Risk Techniques and Special Cases - Conducting risk assessments in multi-site organisations
- Handling cloud-only or remote-first environments
- Dealing with legacy systems and unsupported software
- Risk assessment in mergers and acquisitions
- Assessing risks for AI and machine learning systems
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices
- Third-party risk assessment frameworks
- Vendor due diligence checklists
- Conducting risk assessments in regulated sectors (finance, healthcare)
- Risk specialisation for ransomware and supply chain attacks
- Industry-specific threat profiles and controls
- Project-based risk assessment for digital transformation
- Using risk-based decision making for budget allocation
- Incorporating cyber insurance considerations
- Stress testing risk assumptions with scenario planning
Module 14: Practical Application and Hands-On Projects - Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit
Module 15: Certification, Career Advancement, and Next Steps - How the course prepares you for ISO 27001 Lead Implementer exams
- Using your Certificate of Completion to boost your resume
- Adding project experience to LinkedIn and job applications
- How to position yourself as a risk assessment specialist
- Transitioning from technical role to governance or compliance
- Becoming a go-to resource within your organisation
- Creating a personal portfolio of risk work
- Documenting continuing professional development (CPD)
- Next courses to pursue for advanced mastery
- Joining professional communities (e.g. ISACA, (ISC)²)
- Mentoring others in risk assessment
- Offering risk workshops internally
- Preparing for internal auditor roles
- Transitioning to consultancy or freelance compliance work
- How to maintain your Certificate of Completion status
- Walkthrough of a full sample risk assessment (retail sector)
- Step-by-step creation of a risk register from scratch
- Building a SoA with complete rationales
- Drafting a Risk Treatment Plan with timelines
- Creating a risk matrix template with dynamic scoring
- Practising risk scenario development with real datasets
- Simulating a management review presentation
- Peer review exercise: evaluating another learner’s risk register
- Hands-on asset classification exercise
- Threat modelling workshop using STRIDE
- Risk scoring calibration exercise
- Building an executive risk dashboard
- Writing a risk acceptance justification
- Drafting a risk methodology policy
- Creating a departmental self-assessment toolkit