Standards Comparison

    ISO 27001

    Voluntary
    2022

    International standard for information security management systems

    VS

    ISO 30301

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for records management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27001 establishes ISMS for security risks across industries; ISO 30301 builds MSR for records governance. Both voluntary certifications enhance compliance and resilience—27001 protects data confidentiality, 30301 ensures evidentiary integrity.

    Cybersecurity

    ISO 27001

    ISO/IEC 27001:2022

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    6-12 months

    Key Features

    • Risk-based ISMS framework
    • PDCA continual improvement cycle
    • 93 Annex A controls in 4 themes
    • Internationally recognized certification
    • Technology and industry agnostic
    Records Management

    ISO 30301

    ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records Requirements

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • HLS clauses 4-10 for MSS integration
    • Normative Annex A operational controls
    • Records requirements identification (4.1.2)
    • Top management accountability and policy
    • Flexible conformity pathways

    Detailed Analysis

    A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.

    ISO 27001 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is an international certification standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It uses a risk-based approach to manage information assets' confidentiality, integrity, and availability across all industries.

    Key Components

    • **Clauses 4-10Mandatory requirements for context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, improvement.
    • **Annex A93 controls in 4 themes (Organizational:37, People:8, Physical:14, Technological:34).
    • Built on PDCA cycle; voluntary certification via accredited auditors.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates breach risks, reduces costs (e.g., 30% fewer incidents).
    • Meets regulatory/contractual needs (e.g., GDPR alignment).
    • Builds trust, wins bids (20-30% more in finance/tech).
    • Enhances resilience, efficiency.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: initiation, risk assessment, deployment, certification (6-18 months). Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; requires audits, continual improvement.

    ISO 30301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 30301:2019 (Information and documentation — Management systems for records — Requirements) is an international certifiable standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Management System for Records (MSR). It ensures organizations create and control reliable evidence of business activities, using the High-Level Structure (HLS) with risk-based planning across clauses 4–10.

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: Context (4), Leadership (5), Planning (6), Support (7), Operation (8), Performance evaluation (9), Improvement (10).
    • Records-specific: Clause 8 and Annex A (normative) for lifecycle controls.
    • Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, usability).
    • Conformity: Self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Compliance with legal/regulatory retention; risk mitigation (loss, alteration).
    • Efficiency in retrieval/disposition; transparency for stakeholders.
    • Integration with ISO 9001/27001; competitive trust via certification.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: Gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, audits. Applies to any organization/size/sector; certification optional via accredited bodies. (178 words)

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27001
    Information security management system (ISMS)
    ISO 30301
    Management system for records (MSR)

    Industry

    ISO 27001
    All industries, all sizes worldwide
    ISO 30301
    All organizations, any sector globally

    Nature

    ISO 27001
    Voluntary certifiable standard
    ISO 30301
    Voluntary certifiable standard

    Testing

    ISO 27001
    Stage 1/2 audits, annual surveillance
    ISO 30301
    Internal audits, management reviews, certification

    Penalties

    ISO 27001
    Loss of certification, no direct fines
    ISO 30301
    Loss of certification, no direct fines

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27001 and ISO 30301

    ISO 27001 FAQ

    ISO 30301 FAQ

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