Master the ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor Framework with Real-World Implementation Strategies
You're facing it every day. Information breaches aren't hypothetical-they're real, accelerating, and threatening your organisation’s reputation and compliance posture. As a security professional, internal auditor, or risk manager, the pressure is on. You need certainty. You need clarity. And you need to prove value-fast. Leadership demands assurance, not just awareness. Auditors demand precision, not guesswork. Yet many training paths leave you with fragmented knowledge-too theoretical to apply, too generic to scale. You’re left translating standards into practice on your own, under deadline, with high stakes. The Master the ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor Framework with Real-World Implementation Strategies course closes that gap. This isn’t about passing a test. It’s about earning the capability to design, execute, and lead audits that identify real risk and drive measurable compliance improvement-within 30 days of starting. One former student, Elena M., a Risk Assurance Lead at a multinational financial institution, used this framework to restructure her team’s entire audit lifecycle. Within six weeks, she led a successful external certification audit with zero major non-conformities-and received official recognition from her CISO for “transforming our ISMS maturity overnight.” You don’t need more content. You need the right structure, the precise methodology, and the proven audit workflows that separate competent practitioners from certified leaders. This course gives you that-down to the checklists, stakeholder templates, and control validation techniques used by top-tier auditors worldwide. This is your bridge from uncertain and stuck to recognised, trusted, and future-proof. Here’s how this course is structured to help you get there.Course Format & Delivery Details The Master the ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor Framework with Real-World Implementation Strategies course is designed for demanding professionals who need maximum flexibility, zero friction, and uncompromising quality. You’ll gain immediate online access and work entirely at your own pace with no fixed schedules or mandatory attendance. Most learners complete the full curriculum in 4 to 6 weeks when dedicating 5 to 7 hours per week. Many apply core audit preparation techniques to live projects within the first 10 days, allowing them to demonstrate ROI long before finishing the final module. You receive lifetime access to all course materials, including every framework update, revised control interpretation, and audit tool enhancement. Future changes to ISO/IEC 27001 or evolving audit practices are reflected in your materials at no additional cost-ensuring your skills remain current for years. Access is available 24/7 from any device. Whether you’re reviewing audit protocols on your laptop during planning or referencing control mapping examples on your mobile before a site visit, the system adapts to your workflow, not the other way around. The interface is mobile-friendly, fully responsive, and optimised for quick retrieval under real audit pressure. Each learner is supported by structured guidance from certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditors with extensive field experience. You’ll receive direct input on key exercises, audit templates, and risk assessment models to ensure your application meets international best practices. This is not automated feedback-it’s expert-level validation of your real-world readiness. Upon completion, you’ll receive a recognised Certificate of Completion issued by The Art of Service. This credential is trusted by thousands of organisations globally and signals to employers and auditees alike that you have mastered both the technical and operational dimensions of ISO/IEC 27001 auditing. Our pricing is straightforward with no hidden fees. What you see is exactly what you pay-no subscription traps, no tiered content locks, no upgrade prompts. One payment unlocks full access for life. We accept all major payment methods, including Visa, Mastercard, and PayPal, for a seamless enrollment experience. After registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email followed by a separate access notification once your materials are fully prepared-ensuring a smooth onboarding sequence. Your investment is protected by a complete 100% money-back guarantee. If at any point you find the course does not meet your expectations for quality, depth, or practical utility, simply request a refund. There are no questions, no delays, no risk to you. We know you might be thinking: “Will this work for me?” Especially if you’re transitioning from another audit discipline, lack formal information security training, or work in a highly regulated sector like healthcare or finance. Consider the story of David R., a compliance officer in the energy sector with no prior ISMS experience. He completed the course while managing an active SOC 2 engagement. Using our control alignment matrix and scoping methodology, he was able to independently lead his organisation’s first ISO/IEC 27001 internal audit-despite initial doubts. His leadership team has since fast-tracked him for external auditor certification. This works even if: you’re new to information security, you work in a non-technical role, your organisation hasn’t implemented ISO/IEC 27001 yet, or you’ve failed a previous audit. The course is engineered to build confidence through progressive mastery, not assumptions. This is risk-reversal at its strongest: you gain elite-level capability with zero financial exposure. You’re not buying content-you’re securing a permanent career accelerator with guaranteed results, expert validation, and global recognition.
Module 1: Foundations of Information Security and ISO/IEC 27001 - Understanding the evolution of information security standards
- Key drivers for implementing an ISMS
- Overview of ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards
- Differences between ISO/IEC 27001, 27002, and 27005
- The role of legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
- Defining information security policies and objectives
- The importance of top management commitment
- Recognising organisational context and stakeholders
- Identifying internal and external issues affecting security
- Establishing the scope of an ISMS
- Documentation requirements under Clause 7.5
- The purpose and structure of a Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Understanding roles and responsibilities in an ISMS
- Building a culture of information security awareness
- Linking security to business continuity and risk management
Module 2: Risk Assessment and Treatment Fundamentals - Introduction to risk-based thinking in ISO/IEC 27001
- Understanding risk terminology: threat, vulnerability, impact, likelihood
- Selecting a risk assessment methodology (qualitative vs. quantitative)
- Defining risk criteria and acceptance levels
- Conducting asset identification and valuation
- Mapping assets to confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA)
- Identifying threats and vulnerabilities systematically
- Analysing and evaluating information security risks
- Documenting the risk assessment report
- Developing a risk treatment plan (RTP)
- Selecting appropriate risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Assigning risk owners and action timelines
- Maintaining risk registers and audit trails
- Integrating risk assessment with business decision-making
- Reviewing and updating risk assessments periodically
Module 3: Annex A Controls Deep Dive – Part 1 (A.5 to A.8) - Control A.5.1: Information security policies
- Reviewing policy development and approval processes
- Control A.5.2: Policy review and maintenance
- Control A.6.1: Segregation of duties
- Control A.6.2: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.6.3: Mobile device policy
- Control A.6.4: Remote working arrangements
- Control A.7.1: Pre-employment screening and background checks
- Control A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Control A.7.3: Information security awareness, education, and training
- Control A.7.4: Disciplinary process
- Control A.8.1: Inventory of assets
- Control A.8.2: Ownership of assets
- Control A.8.3: Acceptable use of assets
- Control A.8.4: Return of assets upon termination
- Control A.8.5: Classification of information
- Control A.8.6: Labelling of information
- Control A.8.7: Handling of information
- Control A.8.8: Information transfer policies
- Control A.8.9: Agreements on information transfer
- Control A.8.10: Media handling and disposal
- Control A.8.11: Cryptographic policy
- Control A.8.12: Key management
- Control A.8.13: Protection of information in transit
- Control A.8.14: Protection of information at rest
- Control A.8.15: Secure system engineering principles
- Control A.8.16: Secure development environment
- Control A.8.17: System change control procedures
- Control A.8.18: Test data protection
- Control A.8.19: Protection against malware
- Control A.8.20: Backup of information
- Control A.8.21: Redundancy of information processing facilities
Module 4: Annex A Controls Deep Dive – Part 2 (A.9 to A.12) - Control A.9.1: Access control policy
- Control A.9.2: User access management
- Control A.9.3: User responsibilities
- Control A.9.4: System and application access control
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Control A.9.5: Operating system access control
- Control A.9.6: Access control to network services
- Control A.9.7: Access control to source code
- Control A.10.1: Password management system
- Control A.10.2: Usage of system utilities
- Control A.10.3: Session time-out mechanisms
- Control A.10.4: Secure log-on procedures
- Control A.10.5: Managing privileged access rights
- Control A.11.1: Physical entry controls
- Control A.11.2: Physical security of offices, rooms, and facilities
- Control A.11.3: Security of equipment
- Control A.11.4: Secure disposal or reuse of equipment
- Control A.11.5: Cabling security
- Control A.11.6: Equipment maintenance
- Control A.11.7: Secure disposal of waste
- Control A.11.8: Supporting utilities
- Control A.11.9: Power supply
- Control A.11.10: Environmental protection
- Control A.11.11: Monitoring physical access
- Control A.11.12: Isolated delivery and loading areas
- Control A.12.1: Documentation of operating procedures
- Control A.12.2: Change management procedures
- Control A.12.3: Capacity management
- Control A.12.4: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.12.5: Protection from malware
- Control A.12.6: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Control A.12.7: Configuration management
- Control A.12.8: Information system audit controls
- Control A.12.9: Logging user activities
- Control A.12.10: Monitoring system use
- Control A.12.11: Protection of logs
- Control A.12.12: Administrator and operator logs
- Control A.12.13: Clock synchronisation
Module 5: Audit Principles and Methodologies - Fundamental audit concepts: objectivity, independence, evidence
- Differences between first-party, second-party, and third-party audits
- Role of the Lead Auditor in planning and execution
- Applying the PDCA cycle to audit processes
- Understanding audit criteria and audit scope
- Defining audit objectives and success metrics
- Types of audit evidence: documentation, interviews, observation
- Sampling techniques in information security audits
- Audit trails and log validation techniques
- Conducting effective audit interviews
- Questioning techniques: open, closed, probing
- Creating audit checklists tailored to Annex A controls
- Mapping controls to compliance requirements
- Handling sensitive findings and escalation protocols
- Using control maturity models in audits
Module 6: Preparing for the Lead Audit - Key steps in audit initiation and scheduling
- Establishing communication with auditee management
- Reviewing ISMS documentation prior to fieldwork
- Analysing the Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Validating the risk assessment and treatment plan
- Conducting a pre-audit readiness assessment
- Determining resource and team requirements
- Selecting team members based on skill and sector experience
- Assigning audit roles: Lead Auditor, Technical Expert, Observer
- Developing the audit plan and timeline
- Defining audit stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2
- Creating a detailed audit agenda
- Securing access to systems, records, and personnel
- Setting up secure audit documentation repositories
- Establishing confidentiality agreements and NDAs
Module 7: Conducting the Audit – Fieldwork and Evidence Collection - Opening meeting structure and key discussion points
- Confirming audit scope and objectives with auditee
- Conducting walkthroughs of critical security processes
- Observing access control implementation in real time
- Validating encryption in use across systems and media
- Testing incident response and escalation procedures
- Reviewing log management and monitoring configurations
- Inspecting physical security controls on-site
- Verifying backup and restoration processes
- Reviewing patch management and vulnerability scanning logs
- Auditing privileged account usage and monitoring
- Checking adherence to change control procedures
- Assessing remote access security controls
- Sampling user access rights and permissions
- Conducting staff interviews to test awareness and compliance
- Documenting evidence using standardised templates
- Taking non-conformance photos or screenshots (where applicable)
- Recording observations with clear references to Annex A controls
- Classifying findings: major, minor, and observation-level
- Assigning evidence confidence levels (high, medium, low)
Module 8: Reporting and Communication of Findings - Structuring the audit report: executive summary, body, appendices
- Writing clear, objective, and actionable non-conformance statements
- Using the “five components” of a strong non-conformance: clause, description, evidence, impact, responsibility
- Distinguishing between non-conformity and opportunity for improvement (OFI)
- Providing corrective action recommendations
- Ensuring report neutrality and professional tone
- Using visual aids: control heat maps, risk matrices, compliance dashboards
- Presenting findings in the closing meeting
- Managing difficult conversations and defensive stakeholders
- Confirming agreement on findings with auditee leadership
- Obtaining formal sign-off on audit outcomes
- Submitting the final audit report to certification body (if applicable)
- Archiving audit records for future reference
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive audit data
- Preparing for audit follow-up and verification
Module 9: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Verification - Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Understanding the evolution of information security standards
- Key drivers for implementing an ISMS
- Overview of ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards
- Differences between ISO/IEC 27001, 27002, and 27005
- The role of legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
- Defining information security policies and objectives
- The importance of top management commitment
- Recognising organisational context and stakeholders
- Identifying internal and external issues affecting security
- Establishing the scope of an ISMS
- Documentation requirements under Clause 7.5
- The purpose and structure of a Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Understanding roles and responsibilities in an ISMS
- Building a culture of information security awareness
- Linking security to business continuity and risk management
Module 2: Risk Assessment and Treatment Fundamentals - Introduction to risk-based thinking in ISO/IEC 27001
- Understanding risk terminology: threat, vulnerability, impact, likelihood
- Selecting a risk assessment methodology (qualitative vs. quantitative)
- Defining risk criteria and acceptance levels
- Conducting asset identification and valuation
- Mapping assets to confidentiality, integrity, availability (CIA)
- Identifying threats and vulnerabilities systematically
- Analysing and evaluating information security risks
- Documenting the risk assessment report
- Developing a risk treatment plan (RTP)
- Selecting appropriate risk treatment options: avoid, transfer, mitigate, accept
- Assigning risk owners and action timelines
- Maintaining risk registers and audit trails
- Integrating risk assessment with business decision-making
- Reviewing and updating risk assessments periodically
Module 3: Annex A Controls Deep Dive – Part 1 (A.5 to A.8) - Control A.5.1: Information security policies
- Reviewing policy development and approval processes
- Control A.5.2: Policy review and maintenance
- Control A.6.1: Segregation of duties
- Control A.6.2: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.6.3: Mobile device policy
- Control A.6.4: Remote working arrangements
- Control A.7.1: Pre-employment screening and background checks
- Control A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Control A.7.3: Information security awareness, education, and training
- Control A.7.4: Disciplinary process
- Control A.8.1: Inventory of assets
- Control A.8.2: Ownership of assets
- Control A.8.3: Acceptable use of assets
- Control A.8.4: Return of assets upon termination
- Control A.8.5: Classification of information
- Control A.8.6: Labelling of information
- Control A.8.7: Handling of information
- Control A.8.8: Information transfer policies
- Control A.8.9: Agreements on information transfer
- Control A.8.10: Media handling and disposal
- Control A.8.11: Cryptographic policy
- Control A.8.12: Key management
- Control A.8.13: Protection of information in transit
- Control A.8.14: Protection of information at rest
- Control A.8.15: Secure system engineering principles
- Control A.8.16: Secure development environment
- Control A.8.17: System change control procedures
- Control A.8.18: Test data protection
- Control A.8.19: Protection against malware
- Control A.8.20: Backup of information
- Control A.8.21: Redundancy of information processing facilities
Module 4: Annex A Controls Deep Dive – Part 2 (A.9 to A.12) - Control A.9.1: Access control policy
- Control A.9.2: User access management
- Control A.9.3: User responsibilities
- Control A.9.4: System and application access control
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Control A.9.5: Operating system access control
- Control A.9.6: Access control to network services
- Control A.9.7: Access control to source code
- Control A.10.1: Password management system
- Control A.10.2: Usage of system utilities
- Control A.10.3: Session time-out mechanisms
- Control A.10.4: Secure log-on procedures
- Control A.10.5: Managing privileged access rights
- Control A.11.1: Physical entry controls
- Control A.11.2: Physical security of offices, rooms, and facilities
- Control A.11.3: Security of equipment
- Control A.11.4: Secure disposal or reuse of equipment
- Control A.11.5: Cabling security
- Control A.11.6: Equipment maintenance
- Control A.11.7: Secure disposal of waste
- Control A.11.8: Supporting utilities
- Control A.11.9: Power supply
- Control A.11.10: Environmental protection
- Control A.11.11: Monitoring physical access
- Control A.11.12: Isolated delivery and loading areas
- Control A.12.1: Documentation of operating procedures
- Control A.12.2: Change management procedures
- Control A.12.3: Capacity management
- Control A.12.4: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.12.5: Protection from malware
- Control A.12.6: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Control A.12.7: Configuration management
- Control A.12.8: Information system audit controls
- Control A.12.9: Logging user activities
- Control A.12.10: Monitoring system use
- Control A.12.11: Protection of logs
- Control A.12.12: Administrator and operator logs
- Control A.12.13: Clock synchronisation
Module 5: Audit Principles and Methodologies - Fundamental audit concepts: objectivity, independence, evidence
- Differences between first-party, second-party, and third-party audits
- Role of the Lead Auditor in planning and execution
- Applying the PDCA cycle to audit processes
- Understanding audit criteria and audit scope
- Defining audit objectives and success metrics
- Types of audit evidence: documentation, interviews, observation
- Sampling techniques in information security audits
- Audit trails and log validation techniques
- Conducting effective audit interviews
- Questioning techniques: open, closed, probing
- Creating audit checklists tailored to Annex A controls
- Mapping controls to compliance requirements
- Handling sensitive findings and escalation protocols
- Using control maturity models in audits
Module 6: Preparing for the Lead Audit - Key steps in audit initiation and scheduling
- Establishing communication with auditee management
- Reviewing ISMS documentation prior to fieldwork
- Analysing the Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Validating the risk assessment and treatment plan
- Conducting a pre-audit readiness assessment
- Determining resource and team requirements
- Selecting team members based on skill and sector experience
- Assigning audit roles: Lead Auditor, Technical Expert, Observer
- Developing the audit plan and timeline
- Defining audit stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2
- Creating a detailed audit agenda
- Securing access to systems, records, and personnel
- Setting up secure audit documentation repositories
- Establishing confidentiality agreements and NDAs
Module 7: Conducting the Audit – Fieldwork and Evidence Collection - Opening meeting structure and key discussion points
- Confirming audit scope and objectives with auditee
- Conducting walkthroughs of critical security processes
- Observing access control implementation in real time
- Validating encryption in use across systems and media
- Testing incident response and escalation procedures
- Reviewing log management and monitoring configurations
- Inspecting physical security controls on-site
- Verifying backup and restoration processes
- Reviewing patch management and vulnerability scanning logs
- Auditing privileged account usage and monitoring
- Checking adherence to change control procedures
- Assessing remote access security controls
- Sampling user access rights and permissions
- Conducting staff interviews to test awareness and compliance
- Documenting evidence using standardised templates
- Taking non-conformance photos or screenshots (where applicable)
- Recording observations with clear references to Annex A controls
- Classifying findings: major, minor, and observation-level
- Assigning evidence confidence levels (high, medium, low)
Module 8: Reporting and Communication of Findings - Structuring the audit report: executive summary, body, appendices
- Writing clear, objective, and actionable non-conformance statements
- Using the “five components” of a strong non-conformance: clause, description, evidence, impact, responsibility
- Distinguishing between non-conformity and opportunity for improvement (OFI)
- Providing corrective action recommendations
- Ensuring report neutrality and professional tone
- Using visual aids: control heat maps, risk matrices, compliance dashboards
- Presenting findings in the closing meeting
- Managing difficult conversations and defensive stakeholders
- Confirming agreement on findings with auditee leadership
- Obtaining formal sign-off on audit outcomes
- Submitting the final audit report to certification body (if applicable)
- Archiving audit records for future reference
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive audit data
- Preparing for audit follow-up and verification
Module 9: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Verification - Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Control A.5.1: Information security policies
- Reviewing policy development and approval processes
- Control A.5.2: Policy review and maintenance
- Control A.6.1: Segregation of duties
- Control A.6.2: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.6.3: Mobile device policy
- Control A.6.4: Remote working arrangements
- Control A.7.1: Pre-employment screening and background checks
- Control A.7.2: Terms and conditions of employment
- Control A.7.3: Information security awareness, education, and training
- Control A.7.4: Disciplinary process
- Control A.8.1: Inventory of assets
- Control A.8.2: Ownership of assets
- Control A.8.3: Acceptable use of assets
- Control A.8.4: Return of assets upon termination
- Control A.8.5: Classification of information
- Control A.8.6: Labelling of information
- Control A.8.7: Handling of information
- Control A.8.8: Information transfer policies
- Control A.8.9: Agreements on information transfer
- Control A.8.10: Media handling and disposal
- Control A.8.11: Cryptographic policy
- Control A.8.12: Key management
- Control A.8.13: Protection of information in transit
- Control A.8.14: Protection of information at rest
- Control A.8.15: Secure system engineering principles
- Control A.8.16: Secure development environment
- Control A.8.17: System change control procedures
- Control A.8.18: Test data protection
- Control A.8.19: Protection against malware
- Control A.8.20: Backup of information
- Control A.8.21: Redundancy of information processing facilities
Module 4: Annex A Controls Deep Dive – Part 2 (A.9 to A.12) - Control A.9.1: Access control policy
- Control A.9.2: User access management
- Control A.9.3: User responsibilities
- Control A.9.4: System and application access control
- Implementing role-based access control (RBAC)
- Control A.9.5: Operating system access control
- Control A.9.6: Access control to network services
- Control A.9.7: Access control to source code
- Control A.10.1: Password management system
- Control A.10.2: Usage of system utilities
- Control A.10.3: Session time-out mechanisms
- Control A.10.4: Secure log-on procedures
- Control A.10.5: Managing privileged access rights
- Control A.11.1: Physical entry controls
- Control A.11.2: Physical security of offices, rooms, and facilities
- Control A.11.3: Security of equipment
- Control A.11.4: Secure disposal or reuse of equipment
- Control A.11.5: Cabling security
- Control A.11.6: Equipment maintenance
- Control A.11.7: Secure disposal of waste
- Control A.11.8: Supporting utilities
- Control A.11.9: Power supply
- Control A.11.10: Environmental protection
- Control A.11.11: Monitoring physical access
- Control A.11.12: Isolated delivery and loading areas
- Control A.12.1: Documentation of operating procedures
- Control A.12.2: Change management procedures
- Control A.12.3: Capacity management
- Control A.12.4: Separation of development, testing, and operational environments
- Control A.12.5: Protection from malware
- Control A.12.6: Management of technical vulnerabilities
- Control A.12.7: Configuration management
- Control A.12.8: Information system audit controls
- Control A.12.9: Logging user activities
- Control A.12.10: Monitoring system use
- Control A.12.11: Protection of logs
- Control A.12.12: Administrator and operator logs
- Control A.12.13: Clock synchronisation
Module 5: Audit Principles and Methodologies - Fundamental audit concepts: objectivity, independence, evidence
- Differences between first-party, second-party, and third-party audits
- Role of the Lead Auditor in planning and execution
- Applying the PDCA cycle to audit processes
- Understanding audit criteria and audit scope
- Defining audit objectives and success metrics
- Types of audit evidence: documentation, interviews, observation
- Sampling techniques in information security audits
- Audit trails and log validation techniques
- Conducting effective audit interviews
- Questioning techniques: open, closed, probing
- Creating audit checklists tailored to Annex A controls
- Mapping controls to compliance requirements
- Handling sensitive findings and escalation protocols
- Using control maturity models in audits
Module 6: Preparing for the Lead Audit - Key steps in audit initiation and scheduling
- Establishing communication with auditee management
- Reviewing ISMS documentation prior to fieldwork
- Analysing the Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Validating the risk assessment and treatment plan
- Conducting a pre-audit readiness assessment
- Determining resource and team requirements
- Selecting team members based on skill and sector experience
- Assigning audit roles: Lead Auditor, Technical Expert, Observer
- Developing the audit plan and timeline
- Defining audit stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2
- Creating a detailed audit agenda
- Securing access to systems, records, and personnel
- Setting up secure audit documentation repositories
- Establishing confidentiality agreements and NDAs
Module 7: Conducting the Audit – Fieldwork and Evidence Collection - Opening meeting structure and key discussion points
- Confirming audit scope and objectives with auditee
- Conducting walkthroughs of critical security processes
- Observing access control implementation in real time
- Validating encryption in use across systems and media
- Testing incident response and escalation procedures
- Reviewing log management and monitoring configurations
- Inspecting physical security controls on-site
- Verifying backup and restoration processes
- Reviewing patch management and vulnerability scanning logs
- Auditing privileged account usage and monitoring
- Checking adherence to change control procedures
- Assessing remote access security controls
- Sampling user access rights and permissions
- Conducting staff interviews to test awareness and compliance
- Documenting evidence using standardised templates
- Taking non-conformance photos or screenshots (where applicable)
- Recording observations with clear references to Annex A controls
- Classifying findings: major, minor, and observation-level
- Assigning evidence confidence levels (high, medium, low)
Module 8: Reporting and Communication of Findings - Structuring the audit report: executive summary, body, appendices
- Writing clear, objective, and actionable non-conformance statements
- Using the “five components” of a strong non-conformance: clause, description, evidence, impact, responsibility
- Distinguishing between non-conformity and opportunity for improvement (OFI)
- Providing corrective action recommendations
- Ensuring report neutrality and professional tone
- Using visual aids: control heat maps, risk matrices, compliance dashboards
- Presenting findings in the closing meeting
- Managing difficult conversations and defensive stakeholders
- Confirming agreement on findings with auditee leadership
- Obtaining formal sign-off on audit outcomes
- Submitting the final audit report to certification body (if applicable)
- Archiving audit records for future reference
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive audit data
- Preparing for audit follow-up and verification
Module 9: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Verification - Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Fundamental audit concepts: objectivity, independence, evidence
- Differences between first-party, second-party, and third-party audits
- Role of the Lead Auditor in planning and execution
- Applying the PDCA cycle to audit processes
- Understanding audit criteria and audit scope
- Defining audit objectives and success metrics
- Types of audit evidence: documentation, interviews, observation
- Sampling techniques in information security audits
- Audit trails and log validation techniques
- Conducting effective audit interviews
- Questioning techniques: open, closed, probing
- Creating audit checklists tailored to Annex A controls
- Mapping controls to compliance requirements
- Handling sensitive findings and escalation protocols
- Using control maturity models in audits
Module 6: Preparing for the Lead Audit - Key steps in audit initiation and scheduling
- Establishing communication with auditee management
- Reviewing ISMS documentation prior to fieldwork
- Analysing the Statement of Applicability (SoA)
- Validating the risk assessment and treatment plan
- Conducting a pre-audit readiness assessment
- Determining resource and team requirements
- Selecting team members based on skill and sector experience
- Assigning audit roles: Lead Auditor, Technical Expert, Observer
- Developing the audit plan and timeline
- Defining audit stages: Stage 1 and Stage 2
- Creating a detailed audit agenda
- Securing access to systems, records, and personnel
- Setting up secure audit documentation repositories
- Establishing confidentiality agreements and NDAs
Module 7: Conducting the Audit – Fieldwork and Evidence Collection - Opening meeting structure and key discussion points
- Confirming audit scope and objectives with auditee
- Conducting walkthroughs of critical security processes
- Observing access control implementation in real time
- Validating encryption in use across systems and media
- Testing incident response and escalation procedures
- Reviewing log management and monitoring configurations
- Inspecting physical security controls on-site
- Verifying backup and restoration processes
- Reviewing patch management and vulnerability scanning logs
- Auditing privileged account usage and monitoring
- Checking adherence to change control procedures
- Assessing remote access security controls
- Sampling user access rights and permissions
- Conducting staff interviews to test awareness and compliance
- Documenting evidence using standardised templates
- Taking non-conformance photos or screenshots (where applicable)
- Recording observations with clear references to Annex A controls
- Classifying findings: major, minor, and observation-level
- Assigning evidence confidence levels (high, medium, low)
Module 8: Reporting and Communication of Findings - Structuring the audit report: executive summary, body, appendices
- Writing clear, objective, and actionable non-conformance statements
- Using the “five components” of a strong non-conformance: clause, description, evidence, impact, responsibility
- Distinguishing between non-conformity and opportunity for improvement (OFI)
- Providing corrective action recommendations
- Ensuring report neutrality and professional tone
- Using visual aids: control heat maps, risk matrices, compliance dashboards
- Presenting findings in the closing meeting
- Managing difficult conversations and defensive stakeholders
- Confirming agreement on findings with auditee leadership
- Obtaining formal sign-off on audit outcomes
- Submitting the final audit report to certification body (if applicable)
- Archiving audit records for future reference
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive audit data
- Preparing for audit follow-up and verification
Module 9: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Verification - Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Opening meeting structure and key discussion points
- Confirming audit scope and objectives with auditee
- Conducting walkthroughs of critical security processes
- Observing access control implementation in real time
- Validating encryption in use across systems and media
- Testing incident response and escalation procedures
- Reviewing log management and monitoring configurations
- Inspecting physical security controls on-site
- Verifying backup and restoration processes
- Reviewing patch management and vulnerability scanning logs
- Auditing privileged account usage and monitoring
- Checking adherence to change control procedures
- Assessing remote access security controls
- Sampling user access rights and permissions
- Conducting staff interviews to test awareness and compliance
- Documenting evidence using standardised templates
- Taking non-conformance photos or screenshots (where applicable)
- Recording observations with clear references to Annex A controls
- Classifying findings: major, minor, and observation-level
- Assigning evidence confidence levels (high, medium, low)
Module 8: Reporting and Communication of Findings - Structuring the audit report: executive summary, body, appendices
- Writing clear, objective, and actionable non-conformance statements
- Using the “five components” of a strong non-conformance: clause, description, evidence, impact, responsibility
- Distinguishing between non-conformity and opportunity for improvement (OFI)
- Providing corrective action recommendations
- Ensuring report neutrality and professional tone
- Using visual aids: control heat maps, risk matrices, compliance dashboards
- Presenting findings in the closing meeting
- Managing difficult conversations and defensive stakeholders
- Confirming agreement on findings with auditee leadership
- Obtaining formal sign-off on audit outcomes
- Submitting the final audit report to certification body (if applicable)
- Archiving audit records for future reference
- Maintaining confidentiality of sensitive audit data
- Preparing for audit follow-up and verification
Module 9: Corrective Actions and Follow-Up Verification - Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Defining corrective vs. preventive actions
- Setting realistic deadlines for closure of non-conformities
- Reviewing root cause analysis from the auditee
- Validating corrective action plans (CAPs)
- Assessing the adequacy and sustainability of remedial steps
- Requesting supporting evidence for closure
- Conducting remote or on-site follow-up audits
- Verifying that actions have been implemented and tested
- Confirming closure of non-conformities
- Updating the ISMS audit log and performance metrics
- Determining if a surveillance audit is needed
- Reporting follow-up outcomes to internal or external stakeholders
- Preparing for re-certification audit cycles
- Building continuous improvement into audit feedback loops
- Using audit results to enhance organisational resilience
Module 10: Leading and Managing Audit Programs - Differences between a single audit and an audit program
- Designing annual internal audit schedules
- Aligning audit plans with business cycles and risk calendars
- Integrating multiple standards (e.g., ISO 9001, ISO 27001)
- Selecting auditors based on competence and independence
- Training internal auditors to ISMS standards
- Managing auditor performance and feedback
- Balancing audit depth with operational disruption
- Reporting audit program results to top management
- Using dashboards to track compliance trends
- Maintaining the audit program manual
- Ensuring auditor independence and objectivity
- Planning for resource constraints and business changes
- Automating audit scheduling and tracking where appropriate
- Conducting audit program reviews and improvements
Module 11: Real-World Implementation Challenges and Solutions - Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Handling resistance from departmental managers
- Dealing with incomplete or outdated documentation
- Auditing in organisations with hybrid or cloud environments
- Assessing controls in outsourced service providers
- Managing language and cultural barriers in global audits
- Auditing during mergers, acquisitions, or restructurings
- Working with limited audit budgets and staff
- Conducting virtual audits with remote teams
- Verifying controls without physical access to facilities
- Assessing compliance in agile or DevOps environments
- Addressing shadow IT systems
- Auditing third-party vendors and supply chain risks
- Navigating regulatory overlap (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, CCPA)
- Dealing with zero-day vulnerabilities during audit cycles
- Ensuring compliance in legacy system environments
Module 12: Certification Process and Lead Auditor Requirements - Overview of the ISO/IEC 27001 certification journey
- Preparing for external audits by certification bodies
- Understanding the role of accreditation (e.g., UKAS, ANAB)
- Meeting auditor competence requirements under ISO 19011
- Documenting auditor qualifications and experience
- CPD (Continuing Professional Development) for auditors
- Selecting a recognised certification body
- Understanding Stage 1 and Stage 2 audit differences
- Responding to certification body non-conformities
- Scheduling surveillance and re-certification audits
- Handling suspension or withdrawal of certification
- Preparing the organisation for audit exit interviews
- Negotiating timelines for non-conformance closure
- Managing the certification audit budget
- Maintaining certification through ongoing monitoring
Module 13: Advanced Audit Techniques and Specialised Scenarios - Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools
Module 14: Career Advancement and Professional Recognition - Positioning your Certificate of Completion as a career differentiator
- Leveraging the credential in job applications and negotiations
- Updating your LinkedIn profile and CV with audit competencies
- Networking with certified auditors and industry leaders
- Pursuing further certification paths (e.g., CISA, CISSP)
- Transitioning from internal to external auditor roles
- Becoming a trainer or mentor in ISO/IEC 27001
- Speaking at industry events and conferences
- Contributing to audit standard development groups
- Building a personal brand as a trusted security auditor
- Setting rates and structuring engagements as a consultant
- Creating audit frameworks for industry-specific sectors
- Developing internal training programs based on your expertise
- Negotiating leadership roles in information security
- Tracking long-term impact of your audits on organisational resilience
- Conducting gap analyses for pre-certification readiness
- Performing maturity assessments using scoring models
- Auditing high-risk sectors: finance, healthcare, government
- Assessing cloud security controls (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS)
- Validating data sovereignty and cross-border data flows
- Auditing artificial intelligence and machine learning systems
- Reviewing API security and integration controls
- Assessing DevSecOps implementation maturity
- Measuring security awareness program effectiveness
- Auditing incident response plans and tabletop exercises
- Testing business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Validating third-party audit reports (e.g., SOC 2, ISO 22301)
- Conducting joint audits with multiple certification bodies
- Using data analytics for continuous control monitoring
- Automating evidence collection with audit tools