Standards Comparison

    ISO 27032

    Voluntary
    2012

    Guidelines for Internet cybersecurity and stakeholder collaboration

    VS

    BRC

    Voluntary
    2022

    Global standard for food safety management systems

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27032 offers voluntary cybersecurity guidelines for internet-facing organizations worldwide, emphasizing collaboration. BRC mandates certifiable food safety controls for manufacturers, ensuring retailer compliance. Companies adopt ISO 27032 for cyber resilience, BRC for market access.

    Cybersecurity

    ISO 27032

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023 Cybersecurity Guidelines for Internet Security

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

    Key Features

    • Multi-stakeholder collaboration across cyberspace ecosystems
    • Guidelines for Internet-specific security risks
    • Annex A mapping to ISO 27002 controls
    • Risk assessment with threat modeling focus
    • Emphasis on incident response and sharing
    Food Safety

    BRC

    BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety

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

    Key Features

    • Senior management commitment and culture plan
    • Codex HACCP-based food safety plan
    • Nine clauses with fundamental requirements
    • Environmental monitoring and food defense
    • Graded audits including unannounced option

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 27032 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023, titled Cybersecurity – Guidelines for Internet Security, is an international guidance standard providing non-certifiable recommendations for managing Internet security risks. It frames cybersecurity as an ecosystem activity, connecting information, network, Internet security, and critical infrastructure protection through a collaborative, risk-based approach.

    Key Components

    • Multi-stakeholder roles and collaboration frameworks
    • Risk assessment, threat modeling, and control guidance
    • Annex A mapping Internet threats to ISO/IEC 27002 controls
    • Principles of trust, transparency, and continuous improvement via PDCA Built on ISO/IEC 27000 family, it complements certifiable ISMS without its own requirements.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Adoption reduces breach risks, enhances resilience, and aligns with regulations like NIS2/GDPR. It offers competitive differentiation, operational efficiency, stakeholder trust, and future-proofing against evolving threats like supply-chain attacks.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: scoping, gap analysis, risk treatment, controls deployment, monitoring. Applies to all sizes, especially online/ networked operations; no certification, but integrates with ISO 27001 audits.

    BRC Details

    What It Is

    The BRCGS Global Standard for Food Safety is a GFSI-benchmarked certification framework for food manufacturers, processors, and packers. It ensures product safety, legality, authenticity, and quality via a structured system emphasizing senior management commitment, Codex HACCP-based plans, and robust prerequisite programs (GMP/GHP).

    Key Components

    • Nine core clauses spanning governance, HACCP, site standards, product/process controls, personnel, and traded products.
    • Fundamental requirements (e.g., HACCP, traceability, allergen management) critical for certification.
    • Built on risk-based hazard analysis including fraud and food defense.
    • Graded audits (AA/A/B/C/D) with announced/unannounced options.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mandated by retailers for supply chain access and reduced customer audits.
    • Demonstrates due diligence, mitigates recall risks (allergens, pathogens, labeling).
    • Enhances operational resilience, market access, and reputation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased approach: gap analysis, documentation, training, internal audits, certification.
    • Applies globally to food manufacturing sites; 6-12 months typical for mid-maturity organizations.
    • Requires annual audits by accredited bodies.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27032
    Internet security and cyberspace guidelines
    BRC
    Food safety manufacturing and processing

    Industry

    ISO 27032
    All sectors with online presence, global
    BRC
    Food, packaging, storage sectors worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 27032
    Non-certifiable guidance standard, voluntary
    BRC
    Certifiable audit standard, retailer-required

    Testing

    ISO 27032
    Gap analysis, internal risk assessments
    BRC
    Annual on-site certification audits

    Penalties

    ISO 27032
    No formal penalties, loss of best practices
    BRC
    Certification suspension, market access loss

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27032 and BRC

    ISO 27032 FAQ

    BRC FAQ

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