ISO IEC 27001 Lead Auditor A Complete Guide
You're under pressure to ensure your organisation’s information security is bulletproof, compliant, and audit-ready - but internal frameworks are fragmented, stakeholders expect immediate results, and certification timelines keep slipping. Every day without a structured, auditor-qualified approach risks exposure, non-compliance fines, or worst of all, a breach that undermines years of hard-earned trust. You need more than theory - you need a proven, step-by-step system that turns chaos into clarity and gets you audit-ready with confidence. The ISO IEC 27001 Lead Auditor A Complete Guide isn’t just another compliance course. It's your strategic blueprint to master the global gold standard in information security management and position yourself as the trusted authority your organisation relies on. This course equips you to go from audit uncertainty to leading a certification-ready ISMS implementation in under 12 weeks - with a board-level audit report, gap assessment framework, and certification roadmap fully developed by the final module. Sarah K., Senior Risk Analyst at a multinational financial services firm, used this exact methodology to lead her company’s first successful ISO 27001 certification - cutting audit preparation time by 68% and reducing control implementation costs through precise scoping and risk profiling. You're not just learning standards, you're building authority, reducing organisational risk, and securing your role as a strategic enabler. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details Self-Paced, On-Demand Access with Zero Time Conflicts
This course is fully self-paced, allowing you to progress according to your schedule and professional demands. Once enrolled, you gain immediate access to all core materials, with no fixed dates, mandatory sessions, or time-specific commitments. Most learners complete the full program in 8 to 12 weeks while working full time. Early results - such as a complete ISMS scoping document and risk assessment framework - are achievable within the first 10 days of structured engagement. Lifetime Access & Continuous Content Updates
You receive lifetime access to all course content. This includes the full curriculum, templates, checklists, and any future updates released as the ISO 27001 standard evolves or new audit interpretation guidelines emerge. No additional fees, no re-enrollment - everything is included forever. 24/7 Global Access, Mobile-Friendly Design
Access your course materials anytime, from any device. Whether you're preparing for an audit at a client site, reviewing control mappings during travel, or refining your audit plan at home, the platform is optimised for smartphones, tablets, and desktops with consistent formatting and readability. Instructor Support & Expert Guidance
While the course is self-directed, you are not alone. Direct access to certified ISO 27001 lead auditors is available through the support portal for clarification on complex clauses, audit scenario guidance, and real-world implementation questions. Response time averages under 24 hours during business days. Industry-Recognised Certificate of Completion
Upon successful completion, you will earn a Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. This certification is globally recognised, aligned with international auditing principles, and reflects your mastery of ISO 27001 audit methodology, risk-based thinking, and control evaluation techniques. Employers and auditees consistently cite this credential as a differentiator in vendor assessments and internal promotions. Transparent Pricing, No Hidden Fees
The investment covers full access, all resources, ongoing updates, and certification. There are no recurring charges, hidden fees, or upsells. The price you see is the price you pay - one time, complete, final. Accepted Payment Methods
We accept all major payment options including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal. Transactions are processed through a secure, PCI-compliant gateway to ensure your data is protected at every step. 100% Satisfaction Guarantee - Satisfied or Refunded
We stand behind the quality and impact of this course with a full money-back guarantee. If you complete the first three modules and find the material does not meet your professional expectations, simply request a refund. No risk, no hurdles, no questions beyond basic feedback to help us improve. Enrolment Confirmation and Access Delivery
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email. Your course access credentials and login details will be sent in a separate email once your enrolment is fully processed and your learner profile is active. This ensures system stability and accurate tracking of your progress from day one. “Will This Work for Me?” - Addressing Your Biggest Concern
You may be wondering: “I’m not a full-time auditor - can I really lead an ISO 27001 audit after this course?” Yes. This program was designed specifically for professionals who wear multiple hats: compliance officers, IT managers, risk leads, and internal auditors transitioning into formal audit roles. The curriculum is built on documented success cases from over 7,300 professionals across 94 countries, including industry-specific implementations in healthcare, finance, legal, and cloud services. Each module includes annotated examples from real audit environments - not generic theory. This works even if: you’ve never conducted a formal audit, your organisation has no existing ISMS, your team resists change, or you’re preparing for an external certification audit in just weeks. The frameworks you build are practical, hierarchical, and immediately deployable. This course eliminates uncertainty through structured workflows, pre-audit checklists, and audit evidence collection protocols that have been field-tested across high-pressure environments. It’s not about memorisation - it’s about execution.
Module 1: Foundations of Information Security Management - Introduction to information security and its business impact
- Understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and risk scenarios
- Core principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Overview of regulatory and legal compliance requirements
- The role of governance in security management
- Differentiating between policy, standard, procedure, and guideline
- Establishing the business case for ISO 27001 adoption
- Mapping security initiatives to organisational objectives
- Identifying internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding organisational context under Clause 4
- Defining the scope of an ISMS
- Documenting scope justification and limitations
- Introduction to risk assessment methodologies
- Understanding information asset classification
- Basics of asset identification and ownership
- Overview of security controls and their purpose
- Role of top management in ISMS success
- Understanding leadership commitment under Clause 5
- Introduction to continual improvement cycles
- Linking ISMS to business continuity planning
Module 2: ISO 27001 Standard Structure and Core Clauses - Detailed breakdown of ISO IEC 27001:2022 structure
- Understanding normative references and terminology
- Clause 4: Context of the organisation explained
- Conducting internal and external issue analysis
- Identifying interested parties and their requirements
- Developing a scope statement aligned with business reality
- Clause 5: Leadership and commitment responsibilities
- Establishing an information security policy
- Assigning roles and responsibilities for ISMS functions
- Clause 6: Planning for risks and opportunities
- Developing a risk treatment plan
- Setting measurable information security objectives
- Clause 7: Support processes and resource allocation
- Managing documented information and records
- Clause 8: Operation of the ISMS
- Implementing risk assessment procedures
- Designing and deploying security controls
- Managing changes within the ISMS
- Clause 9: Performance evaluation and monitoring
- Conducting internal audits and management reviews
- Clause 10: Continual improvement mechanisms
- Corrective actions and nonconformity handling
Module 3: Risk Assessment and Treatment Methodology - Choosing a risk assessment approach: OCTAVE, NIST, or custom
- Defining risk criteria and tolerance levels
- Asset identification and classification procedures
- Threat and vulnerability mapping techniques
- Qualitative vs quantitative risk analysis
- Developing a risk register
- Calculating risk likelihood and impact scores
- Ranking risks for prioritisation
- Selecting risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Drafting a formal risk treatment plan
- Linking controls to specific risks
- Assigning risk owners and deadlines
- Reviewing and approving risk decisions
- Maintaining risk documentation for auditors
- Integrating risk assessment with business projects
- Reassessing risks after significant organisational changes
- Using heat maps and visual risk dashboards
- Incorporating third-party risk into assessments
- Handling residual risk reporting
- Presenting risk findings to senior management
Module 4: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Purpose and legal standing of the Statement of Applicability
- Overview of Annex A controls (93 controls in 4 themes)
- Mapping controls to identified risks
- Justifying inclusion of each control
- Documenting rationale for excluding controls
- Using the SoA as an audit evidence tool
- Version control and approval process for SoA
- Linking SoA to the risk treatment plan
- Automating SoA updates using spreadsheets and templates
- Ensuring board-level sign-off on SoA
- Handling auditor questions about omitted controls
- Updating SoA after organisational changes
- Integrating SoA with policy documentation
- Using SoA to guide internal audit planning
- Best practices for maintaining SoA clarity
- Avoiding common SoA pitfalls and auditor objections
- Creating a living SoA that evolves with the business
- Presenting SoA during certification audits
Module 5: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Organisational Controls - Annex A.5: Policies for information security
- Annex A.5.1: Defining policy scope and audience
- Annex A.5.2: Reviewing policies at planned intervals
- Annex A.6: Organisation of information security
- Annex A.6.1: Assigning information security roles
- Annex A.6.2: Segregation of duties to prevent fraud
- Annex A.6.3: Managing external party access
- Annex A.7: Human resource security
- Annex A.7.1: Screening during recruitment
- Annex A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Annex A.7.3: Information security awareness training
- Annex A.7.4: Disciplinary process for policy violations
- Annex A.7.5: Termination and change of employment
- Annex A.8: Asset management
- Annex A.8.1: Responsibility for assets
- Annex A.8.2: Information classification schemes
- Annex A.8.3: Labelling of information
- Annex A.8.4: Handling of assets
- Annex A.8.5: Acceptable use of assets
- Annex A.8.6: Return of assets upon termination
Module 6: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Access, Cryptography & Physical Security - Annex A.9: Access control principles
- Annex A.9.1: Business requirements for access control
- Annex A.9.2: User access management lifecycle
- Annex A.9.3: Management of privileged access rights
- Annex A.9.4: User authentication management
- Annex A.9.5: Session timeout and lock policies
- Annex A.9.6: Use of system utilities and admin tools
- Annex A.9.7: Network access control enforcement
- Annex A.9.8: Operating system access control
- Annex A.9.9: Application access control
- Annex A.10: Cryptographic controls
- Annex A.10.1: Policy on cryptographic use
- Annex A.10.2: Key management procedures
- Annex A.10.3: Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Annex A.11: Physical and environmental security
- Annex A.11.1: Secure areas and entry controls
- Annex A.11.2: Physical security perimeter design
- Annex A.11.3: Secure delivery and loading zones
- Annex A.11.4: Equipment protection and positioning
- Annex A.11.5: Supporting utilities (power, cooling)
- Annex A.11.6: Cabling security and protection
- Annex A.11.7: Equipment maintenance procedures
- Annex A.11.8: Secure disposal of equipment
Module 7: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Operations, Communications & System Acquisition - Annex A.12: Operations security
- Annex A.12.1: Documented operating procedures
- Annex A.12.2: Change management controls
- Annex A.12.3: Capacity management planning
- Annex A.12.4: Protection from malware
- Annex A.12.5: Backups and recovery testing
- Annex A.12.6: Logging and monitoring events
- Annex A.12.7: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Annex A.12.8: Management of audit logs
- Annex A.13: Communications security
- Annex A.13.1: Network controls and segregation
- Annex A.13.2: Information transfer policies
- Annex A.13.3: Email and messaging security
- Annex A.14: System acquisition, development and maintenance
- Annex A.14.1: Security requirements in development life cycle
- Annex A.14.2: Secure development policy
- Annex A.14.3: System change control procedures
- Annex A.14.4: Technical review of applications
- Annex A.14.5: Secure system engineering principles
- Annex A.14.6: Secure coding guidelines
- Annex A.14.7: Cryptographic key management in systems
- Annex A.14.8: Security in public development environments
Module 8: Preparation for Internal and External Audits - Differences between internal, second-party, and certification audits
- Roles and responsibilities of audit team members
- Planning the audit schedule and resource allocation
- Developing audit checklists based on ISO 27001 clauses
- Creating audit criteria and reference documents
- Selecting audit samples and evidence sources
- Preparing opening and closing meeting agendas
- Crafting effective audit questions
- Conducting document reviews prior to on-site audits
- Planning remote audit approaches
- Managing auditor access to systems and records
- Handling sensitive data during audit collection
- Using checklists for Annex A control verification
- Ensuring traceability from control to evidence
- Validating control effectiveness vs presence
- Avoiding common auditor findings and nonconformities
- Understanding minor vs major nonconformities
- Preparing staff for audit interviews
- Conducting mock audits and readiness assessments
- Using audit findings to drive continual improvement
Module 9: Conducting the Lead Audit – From Planning to Reporting - Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Introduction to information security and its business impact
- Understanding threats, vulnerabilities, and risk scenarios
- Core principles of confidentiality, integrity, and availability
- Overview of regulatory and legal compliance requirements
- The role of governance in security management
- Differentiating between policy, standard, procedure, and guideline
- Establishing the business case for ISO 27001 adoption
- Mapping security initiatives to organisational objectives
- Identifying internal and external stakeholders
- Understanding organisational context under Clause 4
- Defining the scope of an ISMS
- Documenting scope justification and limitations
- Introduction to risk assessment methodologies
- Understanding information asset classification
- Basics of asset identification and ownership
- Overview of security controls and their purpose
- Role of top management in ISMS success
- Understanding leadership commitment under Clause 5
- Introduction to continual improvement cycles
- Linking ISMS to business continuity planning
Module 2: ISO 27001 Standard Structure and Core Clauses - Detailed breakdown of ISO IEC 27001:2022 structure
- Understanding normative references and terminology
- Clause 4: Context of the organisation explained
- Conducting internal and external issue analysis
- Identifying interested parties and their requirements
- Developing a scope statement aligned with business reality
- Clause 5: Leadership and commitment responsibilities
- Establishing an information security policy
- Assigning roles and responsibilities for ISMS functions
- Clause 6: Planning for risks and opportunities
- Developing a risk treatment plan
- Setting measurable information security objectives
- Clause 7: Support processes and resource allocation
- Managing documented information and records
- Clause 8: Operation of the ISMS
- Implementing risk assessment procedures
- Designing and deploying security controls
- Managing changes within the ISMS
- Clause 9: Performance evaluation and monitoring
- Conducting internal audits and management reviews
- Clause 10: Continual improvement mechanisms
- Corrective actions and nonconformity handling
Module 3: Risk Assessment and Treatment Methodology - Choosing a risk assessment approach: OCTAVE, NIST, or custom
- Defining risk criteria and tolerance levels
- Asset identification and classification procedures
- Threat and vulnerability mapping techniques
- Qualitative vs quantitative risk analysis
- Developing a risk register
- Calculating risk likelihood and impact scores
- Ranking risks for prioritisation
- Selecting risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Drafting a formal risk treatment plan
- Linking controls to specific risks
- Assigning risk owners and deadlines
- Reviewing and approving risk decisions
- Maintaining risk documentation for auditors
- Integrating risk assessment with business projects
- Reassessing risks after significant organisational changes
- Using heat maps and visual risk dashboards
- Incorporating third-party risk into assessments
- Handling residual risk reporting
- Presenting risk findings to senior management
Module 4: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Purpose and legal standing of the Statement of Applicability
- Overview of Annex A controls (93 controls in 4 themes)
- Mapping controls to identified risks
- Justifying inclusion of each control
- Documenting rationale for excluding controls
- Using the SoA as an audit evidence tool
- Version control and approval process for SoA
- Linking SoA to the risk treatment plan
- Automating SoA updates using spreadsheets and templates
- Ensuring board-level sign-off on SoA
- Handling auditor questions about omitted controls
- Updating SoA after organisational changes
- Integrating SoA with policy documentation
- Using SoA to guide internal audit planning
- Best practices for maintaining SoA clarity
- Avoiding common SoA pitfalls and auditor objections
- Creating a living SoA that evolves with the business
- Presenting SoA during certification audits
Module 5: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Organisational Controls - Annex A.5: Policies for information security
- Annex A.5.1: Defining policy scope and audience
- Annex A.5.2: Reviewing policies at planned intervals
- Annex A.6: Organisation of information security
- Annex A.6.1: Assigning information security roles
- Annex A.6.2: Segregation of duties to prevent fraud
- Annex A.6.3: Managing external party access
- Annex A.7: Human resource security
- Annex A.7.1: Screening during recruitment
- Annex A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Annex A.7.3: Information security awareness training
- Annex A.7.4: Disciplinary process for policy violations
- Annex A.7.5: Termination and change of employment
- Annex A.8: Asset management
- Annex A.8.1: Responsibility for assets
- Annex A.8.2: Information classification schemes
- Annex A.8.3: Labelling of information
- Annex A.8.4: Handling of assets
- Annex A.8.5: Acceptable use of assets
- Annex A.8.6: Return of assets upon termination
Module 6: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Access, Cryptography & Physical Security - Annex A.9: Access control principles
- Annex A.9.1: Business requirements for access control
- Annex A.9.2: User access management lifecycle
- Annex A.9.3: Management of privileged access rights
- Annex A.9.4: User authentication management
- Annex A.9.5: Session timeout and lock policies
- Annex A.9.6: Use of system utilities and admin tools
- Annex A.9.7: Network access control enforcement
- Annex A.9.8: Operating system access control
- Annex A.9.9: Application access control
- Annex A.10: Cryptographic controls
- Annex A.10.1: Policy on cryptographic use
- Annex A.10.2: Key management procedures
- Annex A.10.3: Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Annex A.11: Physical and environmental security
- Annex A.11.1: Secure areas and entry controls
- Annex A.11.2: Physical security perimeter design
- Annex A.11.3: Secure delivery and loading zones
- Annex A.11.4: Equipment protection and positioning
- Annex A.11.5: Supporting utilities (power, cooling)
- Annex A.11.6: Cabling security and protection
- Annex A.11.7: Equipment maintenance procedures
- Annex A.11.8: Secure disposal of equipment
Module 7: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Operations, Communications & System Acquisition - Annex A.12: Operations security
- Annex A.12.1: Documented operating procedures
- Annex A.12.2: Change management controls
- Annex A.12.3: Capacity management planning
- Annex A.12.4: Protection from malware
- Annex A.12.5: Backups and recovery testing
- Annex A.12.6: Logging and monitoring events
- Annex A.12.7: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Annex A.12.8: Management of audit logs
- Annex A.13: Communications security
- Annex A.13.1: Network controls and segregation
- Annex A.13.2: Information transfer policies
- Annex A.13.3: Email and messaging security
- Annex A.14: System acquisition, development and maintenance
- Annex A.14.1: Security requirements in development life cycle
- Annex A.14.2: Secure development policy
- Annex A.14.3: System change control procedures
- Annex A.14.4: Technical review of applications
- Annex A.14.5: Secure system engineering principles
- Annex A.14.6: Secure coding guidelines
- Annex A.14.7: Cryptographic key management in systems
- Annex A.14.8: Security in public development environments
Module 8: Preparation for Internal and External Audits - Differences between internal, second-party, and certification audits
- Roles and responsibilities of audit team members
- Planning the audit schedule and resource allocation
- Developing audit checklists based on ISO 27001 clauses
- Creating audit criteria and reference documents
- Selecting audit samples and evidence sources
- Preparing opening and closing meeting agendas
- Crafting effective audit questions
- Conducting document reviews prior to on-site audits
- Planning remote audit approaches
- Managing auditor access to systems and records
- Handling sensitive data during audit collection
- Using checklists for Annex A control verification
- Ensuring traceability from control to evidence
- Validating control effectiveness vs presence
- Avoiding common auditor findings and nonconformities
- Understanding minor vs major nonconformities
- Preparing staff for audit interviews
- Conducting mock audits and readiness assessments
- Using audit findings to drive continual improvement
Module 9: Conducting the Lead Audit – From Planning to Reporting - Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Choosing a risk assessment approach: OCTAVE, NIST, or custom
- Defining risk criteria and tolerance levels
- Asset identification and classification procedures
- Threat and vulnerability mapping techniques
- Qualitative vs quantitative risk analysis
- Developing a risk register
- Calculating risk likelihood and impact scores
- Ranking risks for prioritisation
- Selecting risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Drafting a formal risk treatment plan
- Linking controls to specific risks
- Assigning risk owners and deadlines
- Reviewing and approving risk decisions
- Maintaining risk documentation for auditors
- Integrating risk assessment with business projects
- Reassessing risks after significant organisational changes
- Using heat maps and visual risk dashboards
- Incorporating third-party risk into assessments
- Handling residual risk reporting
- Presenting risk findings to senior management
Module 4: Statement of Applicability (SoA) Development - Purpose and legal standing of the Statement of Applicability
- Overview of Annex A controls (93 controls in 4 themes)
- Mapping controls to identified risks
- Justifying inclusion of each control
- Documenting rationale for excluding controls
- Using the SoA as an audit evidence tool
- Version control and approval process for SoA
- Linking SoA to the risk treatment plan
- Automating SoA updates using spreadsheets and templates
- Ensuring board-level sign-off on SoA
- Handling auditor questions about omitted controls
- Updating SoA after organisational changes
- Integrating SoA with policy documentation
- Using SoA to guide internal audit planning
- Best practices for maintaining SoA clarity
- Avoiding common SoA pitfalls and auditor objections
- Creating a living SoA that evolves with the business
- Presenting SoA during certification audits
Module 5: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Organisational Controls - Annex A.5: Policies for information security
- Annex A.5.1: Defining policy scope and audience
- Annex A.5.2: Reviewing policies at planned intervals
- Annex A.6: Organisation of information security
- Annex A.6.1: Assigning information security roles
- Annex A.6.2: Segregation of duties to prevent fraud
- Annex A.6.3: Managing external party access
- Annex A.7: Human resource security
- Annex A.7.1: Screening during recruitment
- Annex A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Annex A.7.3: Information security awareness training
- Annex A.7.4: Disciplinary process for policy violations
- Annex A.7.5: Termination and change of employment
- Annex A.8: Asset management
- Annex A.8.1: Responsibility for assets
- Annex A.8.2: Information classification schemes
- Annex A.8.3: Labelling of information
- Annex A.8.4: Handling of assets
- Annex A.8.5: Acceptable use of assets
- Annex A.8.6: Return of assets upon termination
Module 6: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Access, Cryptography & Physical Security - Annex A.9: Access control principles
- Annex A.9.1: Business requirements for access control
- Annex A.9.2: User access management lifecycle
- Annex A.9.3: Management of privileged access rights
- Annex A.9.4: User authentication management
- Annex A.9.5: Session timeout and lock policies
- Annex A.9.6: Use of system utilities and admin tools
- Annex A.9.7: Network access control enforcement
- Annex A.9.8: Operating system access control
- Annex A.9.9: Application access control
- Annex A.10: Cryptographic controls
- Annex A.10.1: Policy on cryptographic use
- Annex A.10.2: Key management procedures
- Annex A.10.3: Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Annex A.11: Physical and environmental security
- Annex A.11.1: Secure areas and entry controls
- Annex A.11.2: Physical security perimeter design
- Annex A.11.3: Secure delivery and loading zones
- Annex A.11.4: Equipment protection and positioning
- Annex A.11.5: Supporting utilities (power, cooling)
- Annex A.11.6: Cabling security and protection
- Annex A.11.7: Equipment maintenance procedures
- Annex A.11.8: Secure disposal of equipment
Module 7: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Operations, Communications & System Acquisition - Annex A.12: Operations security
- Annex A.12.1: Documented operating procedures
- Annex A.12.2: Change management controls
- Annex A.12.3: Capacity management planning
- Annex A.12.4: Protection from malware
- Annex A.12.5: Backups and recovery testing
- Annex A.12.6: Logging and monitoring events
- Annex A.12.7: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Annex A.12.8: Management of audit logs
- Annex A.13: Communications security
- Annex A.13.1: Network controls and segregation
- Annex A.13.2: Information transfer policies
- Annex A.13.3: Email and messaging security
- Annex A.14: System acquisition, development and maintenance
- Annex A.14.1: Security requirements in development life cycle
- Annex A.14.2: Secure development policy
- Annex A.14.3: System change control procedures
- Annex A.14.4: Technical review of applications
- Annex A.14.5: Secure system engineering principles
- Annex A.14.6: Secure coding guidelines
- Annex A.14.7: Cryptographic key management in systems
- Annex A.14.8: Security in public development environments
Module 8: Preparation for Internal and External Audits - Differences between internal, second-party, and certification audits
- Roles and responsibilities of audit team members
- Planning the audit schedule and resource allocation
- Developing audit checklists based on ISO 27001 clauses
- Creating audit criteria and reference documents
- Selecting audit samples and evidence sources
- Preparing opening and closing meeting agendas
- Crafting effective audit questions
- Conducting document reviews prior to on-site audits
- Planning remote audit approaches
- Managing auditor access to systems and records
- Handling sensitive data during audit collection
- Using checklists for Annex A control verification
- Ensuring traceability from control to evidence
- Validating control effectiveness vs presence
- Avoiding common auditor findings and nonconformities
- Understanding minor vs major nonconformities
- Preparing staff for audit interviews
- Conducting mock audits and readiness assessments
- Using audit findings to drive continual improvement
Module 9: Conducting the Lead Audit – From Planning to Reporting - Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Annex A.5: Policies for information security
- Annex A.5.1: Defining policy scope and audience
- Annex A.5.2: Reviewing policies at planned intervals
- Annex A.6: Organisation of information security
- Annex A.6.1: Assigning information security roles
- Annex A.6.2: Segregation of duties to prevent fraud
- Annex A.6.3: Managing external party access
- Annex A.7: Human resource security
- Annex A.7.1: Screening during recruitment
- Annex A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Annex A.7.3: Information security awareness training
- Annex A.7.4: Disciplinary process for policy violations
- Annex A.7.5: Termination and change of employment
- Annex A.8: Asset management
- Annex A.8.1: Responsibility for assets
- Annex A.8.2: Information classification schemes
- Annex A.8.3: Labelling of information
- Annex A.8.4: Handling of assets
- Annex A.8.5: Acceptable use of assets
- Annex A.8.6: Return of assets upon termination
Module 6: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Access, Cryptography & Physical Security - Annex A.9: Access control principles
- Annex A.9.1: Business requirements for access control
- Annex A.9.2: User access management lifecycle
- Annex A.9.3: Management of privileged access rights
- Annex A.9.4: User authentication management
- Annex A.9.5: Session timeout and lock policies
- Annex A.9.6: Use of system utilities and admin tools
- Annex A.9.7: Network access control enforcement
- Annex A.9.8: Operating system access control
- Annex A.9.9: Application access control
- Annex A.10: Cryptographic controls
- Annex A.10.1: Policy on cryptographic use
- Annex A.10.2: Key management procedures
- Annex A.10.3: Data encryption at rest and in transit
- Annex A.11: Physical and environmental security
- Annex A.11.1: Secure areas and entry controls
- Annex A.11.2: Physical security perimeter design
- Annex A.11.3: Secure delivery and loading zones
- Annex A.11.4: Equipment protection and positioning
- Annex A.11.5: Supporting utilities (power, cooling)
- Annex A.11.6: Cabling security and protection
- Annex A.11.7: Equipment maintenance procedures
- Annex A.11.8: Secure disposal of equipment
Module 7: Annex A Controls Deep Dive: Operations, Communications & System Acquisition - Annex A.12: Operations security
- Annex A.12.1: Documented operating procedures
- Annex A.12.2: Change management controls
- Annex A.12.3: Capacity management planning
- Annex A.12.4: Protection from malware
- Annex A.12.5: Backups and recovery testing
- Annex A.12.6: Logging and monitoring events
- Annex A.12.7: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Annex A.12.8: Management of audit logs
- Annex A.13: Communications security
- Annex A.13.1: Network controls and segregation
- Annex A.13.2: Information transfer policies
- Annex A.13.3: Email and messaging security
- Annex A.14: System acquisition, development and maintenance
- Annex A.14.1: Security requirements in development life cycle
- Annex A.14.2: Secure development policy
- Annex A.14.3: System change control procedures
- Annex A.14.4: Technical review of applications
- Annex A.14.5: Secure system engineering principles
- Annex A.14.6: Secure coding guidelines
- Annex A.14.7: Cryptographic key management in systems
- Annex A.14.8: Security in public development environments
Module 8: Preparation for Internal and External Audits - Differences between internal, second-party, and certification audits
- Roles and responsibilities of audit team members
- Planning the audit schedule and resource allocation
- Developing audit checklists based on ISO 27001 clauses
- Creating audit criteria and reference documents
- Selecting audit samples and evidence sources
- Preparing opening and closing meeting agendas
- Crafting effective audit questions
- Conducting document reviews prior to on-site audits
- Planning remote audit approaches
- Managing auditor access to systems and records
- Handling sensitive data during audit collection
- Using checklists for Annex A control verification
- Ensuring traceability from control to evidence
- Validating control effectiveness vs presence
- Avoiding common auditor findings and nonconformities
- Understanding minor vs major nonconformities
- Preparing staff for audit interviews
- Conducting mock audits and readiness assessments
- Using audit findings to drive continual improvement
Module 9: Conducting the Lead Audit – From Planning to Reporting - Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Annex A.12: Operations security
- Annex A.12.1: Documented operating procedures
- Annex A.12.2: Change management controls
- Annex A.12.3: Capacity management planning
- Annex A.12.4: Protection from malware
- Annex A.12.5: Backups and recovery testing
- Annex A.12.6: Logging and monitoring events
- Annex A.12.7: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Annex A.12.8: Management of audit logs
- Annex A.13: Communications security
- Annex A.13.1: Network controls and segregation
- Annex A.13.2: Information transfer policies
- Annex A.13.3: Email and messaging security
- Annex A.14: System acquisition, development and maintenance
- Annex A.14.1: Security requirements in development life cycle
- Annex A.14.2: Secure development policy
- Annex A.14.3: System change control procedures
- Annex A.14.4: Technical review of applications
- Annex A.14.5: Secure system engineering principles
- Annex A.14.6: Secure coding guidelines
- Annex A.14.7: Cryptographic key management in systems
- Annex A.14.8: Security in public development environments
Module 8: Preparation for Internal and External Audits - Differences between internal, second-party, and certification audits
- Roles and responsibilities of audit team members
- Planning the audit schedule and resource allocation
- Developing audit checklists based on ISO 27001 clauses
- Creating audit criteria and reference documents
- Selecting audit samples and evidence sources
- Preparing opening and closing meeting agendas
- Crafting effective audit questions
- Conducting document reviews prior to on-site audits
- Planning remote audit approaches
- Managing auditor access to systems and records
- Handling sensitive data during audit collection
- Using checklists for Annex A control verification
- Ensuring traceability from control to evidence
- Validating control effectiveness vs presence
- Avoiding common auditor findings and nonconformities
- Understanding minor vs major nonconformities
- Preparing staff for audit interviews
- Conducting mock audits and readiness assessments
- Using audit findings to drive continual improvement
Module 9: Conducting the Lead Audit – From Planning to Reporting - Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Defining the audit programme and objectives
- Selecting the audit team and assigning roles
- Writing a formal audit plan with timeline and scope
- Sharing audit plan with auditee for confirmation
- Conducting the opening meeting
- Gathering evidence through interviews and observation
- Analysing evidence against ISO 27001 requirements
- Documenting observations with clear references
- Classifying findings as compliant, opportunity, or nonconformity
- Drafting nonconformity statements using ISO language
- Obtaining confirmation of findings from auditee
- Preparing for the closing meeting
- Presentation of audit results and grading of maturity
- Discussing correction and corrective action plans
- Drafting the final audit report
- Including executive summary, detailed findings, and risk exposure
- Reviewing report with audit team and lead auditor
- Submitting formal report to certification body (if applicable)
- Managing follow-up on corrective actions
- Closing the audit cycle formally
Module 10: Certification Audit Process and Interaction with CBs - Choosing an accredited certification body
- Understanding accreditation standards (UKAS, ANSI, JAS-ANZ)
- Preparing for Stage 1 audit: documentation review
- Responding to Stage 1 findings and queries
- Preparing for Stage 2 audit: full compliance verification
- Organising site access and personnel availability
- Providing evidence of control operation for 3–6 months
- Handling follow-up audits and surveillance visits
- Understanding certification decision process
- Receiving the certificate and using it in marketing
- Managing scope changes post-certification
- Preparing for recertification audits every three years
- Updating documentation between audits
- Handling certification withdrawal or suspension
- Managing complaints and appeals process
- Communicating certification status internally and externally
Module 11: Building and Leading an Internal Audit Programme - Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Establishing an internal audit schedule
- Rotating audit coverage across departments
- Selecting qualified internal auditors
- Training auditors on methodology and ethics
- Developing standardised audit templates
- Creating an audit calendar aligned with business cycles
- Integrating audits with risk assessments
- Reporting audit results to management
- Trending findings over time for strategic insight
- Linking audit outcomes to performance metrics
- Using audits to validate training effectiveness
- Conducting process-focused vs control-focused audits
- Introducing audit maturity models
- Measuring audit programme effectiveness
- Continuously improving the audit process
Module 12: Industry-Specific Implementation Scenarios - Implementing ISO 27001 in financial institutions
- Healthcare and patient data protection under ISO 27001
- Cloud service providers and shared responsibility models
- Software development organisations and secure SDLC
- Manufacturing and industrial control systems (ICS)
- Legal firms handling privileged communications
- E-commerce platforms and payment data security
- Government agencies and national security frameworks
- Education institutions managing student data
- Non-profits with limited IT resources
- Startups preparing for ISO 27001 for investor due diligence
- Consultancies delivering ISO 27001 for clients
- Integration with other standards: GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2
- Tailoring controls for small versus large enterprises
- Handling multilingual and multinational operations
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Maturity Assessment - Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Using process maturity models in audits
- Assessing control design versus operating effectiveness
- Gauging organisational culture through interviews
- Analysing indirect evidence of security posture
- Identifying control gaps through workflow mapping
- Using root cause analysis for repeated nonconformities
- Scoring controls on a 5-point effectiveness scale
- Developing a security maturity roadmap
- Presenting maturity scores to executive leadership
- Using benchmarking against industry peers
- Integrating audit findings with cybersecurity frameworks like NIST CSF
- Conducting deep-dive control testing
- Analysing logs, configurations, and backup records
- Verifying segregation of duties in access reviews
- Assessing third-party assurance evidence
Module 14: Practical Audit Simulation and Case Studies - Full walkthrough of a mock audit in a fictional company
- Reviewing incomplete policy documentation
- Identifying missing risk treatment actions
- Analysing flawed access control implementation
- Spotting unpatched systems during technical review
- Conducting sample interviews with staff avatars
- Documenting nonconformities in standard format
- Drafting corrective action requests
- Evaluating the adequacy of evidence
- Simulating a closing meeting with management
- Generating a full audit report with recommendations
- Case study: Failed certification attempt and remediation
- Case study: Rapid certification in a tech startup
- Case study: Multinational audit across three regions
- Case study: Responding to auditor findings under pressure
- Interactive decision trees for real-time audit choices
- Self-assessment of audit reasoning accuracy
- Troubleshooting complex control scenarios
Module 15: Final Assessment, Certification, and Career Advancement - Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources
- Comprehensive final knowledge assessment
- Review of all core modules and key concepts
- Submission of a complete audit report as capstone project
- Template for personal development plan as lead auditor
- Updating LinkedIn profile with new certification
- Using the certificate in job applications and promotions
- Negotiating higher compensation based on qualification
- Becoming a contracted auditor for certification bodies
- Leading consulting engagements for ISO 27001 implementation
- Presenting audit findings to boards and executives
- Positioning yourself as a go-to security authority
- Next steps: Transitioning to ISO 27701, ISO 22301, or other standards
- Maintaining CPD (Continuing Professional Development)
- Joining professional audit networks and associations
- Leveraging the Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service
- Sharing success stories and building credibility
- Creating a personal brand as an information security leader
- Accessing lifetime updates and alumni resources