99 lines
No EOL
4.2 KiB
Markdown
99 lines
No EOL
4.2 KiB
Markdown
# ISMS Governance Model
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A straightforward governance structure for your Information Security Management System based on ISO 27001 and ISO 27002.
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*Based on [Governance model for Policies and Controls](../Standards/ISO27x/Governance%20model%20for%20Policies%20and%20Controls.md), which contains the references to the Standard.*
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## Policy Lifecycle: Who Does What
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### Key Players
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**Top Management**
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The buck stops here. They don't write policies, but they commission them, approve them, and make sure there's budget for security.
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**Security Manager/CISO**
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The person who actually writes the policies, keeps them updated, and knows what they're talking about. They might bring in outside experts when needed.
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**Line Managers**
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The bridge between policy and practice. They make sure their teams know what's expected and actually follow through.
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**Everyone Else**
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Read the policies, acknowledge them, follow them.
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### How Policies Get Made
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| Step | Who's Responsible |
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|:-----|:-----------------|
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| **Commission** | Top management says "we need a policy for X" |
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| **Draft** | Security manager writes it |
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| **Consult** | Subject matter experts review it (legal, HR, IT) |
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| **Approve** | Top management signs off (or delegates for specific policies) |
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| **Communicate** | Security/HR publishes it where people can actually find it |
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| **Acknowledge** | Everyone confirms they've read it |
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| **Review** | Security manager revisits it regularly or after incidents |
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Think of it like passing a law: the mayor commissions it, lawyers draft it, city council approves it, district captains enforce it, and citizens follow it.
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## Key Roles in ISO 27001
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**Top Management**
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Sets direction, assigns responsibilities, reviews the whole system periodically.
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**Risk Owners**
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Own specific risks. They approve how risks get handled and accept whatever risk remains after controls are in place.
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**Asset Owners**
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Responsible for protecting specific assets throughout their lifecycle. They classify data, set access rules, and authorize disposal. They can delegate tasks but remain accountable.
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**Security Function**
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Usually a CISO or security manager. Makes sure the ISMS actually works and reports on its performance.
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**Other Roles You'll Need**
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- Privacy officer (if handling personal data)
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- Project managers (to bake security into projects)
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- Internal auditors (to check if things actually work)
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- System administrators (the people with the keys to the kingdom)
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## Who Does What with Controls
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Controls are the actual security measures you implement. Here's who handles them:
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**Top Management**
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Provides resources, assigns reporting responsibilities, reviews everything at management meetings.
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**Risk Owners**
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Approve which controls get implemented and accept leftover risk.
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**Asset Owners**
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Make sure assets are properly protected and periodically check that access controls still make sense.
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**Line Managers**
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Enforce policies with their teams, check compliance regularly, fix problems when they find them.
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**CISO/Security Manager**
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Oversees implementation, helps identify risks, supports monitoring activities.
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**Internal Auditors**
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Check if controls actually work and if the ISMS meets requirements. They don't implement anything—they just verify.
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**Everyone**
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Follow the rules and report security issues when they spot them.
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### Quick Reference
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| Role | Implementing | Monitoring | Evaluating |
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|:-----|:------------|:-----------|:-----------|
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| Top Management | Fund it | Review reports | Annual reviews |
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| Risk Owner | Approve treatment plans | Accept residual risk | Check risk status |
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| Asset Owner | Protect the assets | Review access periodically | Verify inventory |
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| Line Manager | Enforce with staff | Regular compliance checks | Report findings |
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| Internal Auditor | — | — | Test if it works |
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### Simple Analogy
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Think city infrastructure:
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- **Top Management** = City Council (budget for road safety, review annual reports)
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- **Risk Owner** = City Planner (decides that intersection needs a traffic light)
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- **Asset Owner** = Road Maintenance (installs and maintains the lights)
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- **Line Manager** = Police Captain (makes sure officers enforce traffic laws)
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- **Internal Auditor** = Inspector General (checks if lights meet codes and tickets are being issued) |