Standards Comparison

    ISO 27032

    Voluntary
    2012

    International guidelines for Internet cybersecurity and collaboration

    VS

    WELL

    Voluntary
    2014

    Certification standard for occupant health in buildings

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 27032 provides cybersecurity guidelines for internet risks and stakeholder collaboration, while WELL certifies buildings for occupant health via air, light, and wellness metrics. Companies adopt ISO 27032 for digital resilience; WELL for productivity, retention, and ESG advantages.

    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 for cyberspace security
    • Guidelines bridging info, network, internet security
    • Annex A mapping to ISO 27002 controls
    • Risk assessment for Internet-facing threats
    • Non-certifiable complement to ISO 27001 ISMS
    Building Health & Wellness

    WELL

    WELL Building Standard v2

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

    Key Features

    • 10 concepts covering air, water, light to community
    • Mandatory preconditions and point-based optimizations
    • On-site performance verification testing required
    • Certification tiers from Bronze to Platinum
    • Continuous monitoring for ongoing compliance

    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 (non-certifiable) focused on enhancing cybersecurity in interconnected digital ecosystems. It connects information security, network security, Internet security, and CIIP, using a risk-based, collaborative approach emphasizing multi-stakeholder roles.

    Key Components

    • Thematic domains like risk assessment, incident management, stakeholder collaboration.
    • Annex A maps Internet threats to ISO/IEC 27002 controls.
    • Built on PDCA cycle; no fixed controls, but layered preventive/detective/response practices.
    • Compliance via integration into ISO 27001 ISMS.

    Why Organizations Use It

    Reduces ecosystem risks, shortens incident dwell time, boosts resilience. Aligns with NIS2/GDPR for regulatory due diligence; enhances trust, market access, insurance benefits. Strategic edge in cloud/supply chains.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls deployment, monitoring. Targets all sizes with online presence; suits critical sectors. No certification, but audits via existing frameworks; 6-12 months typical.

    WELL Details

    What It Is

    The WELL Building Standard (WELL v2) is a performance-based certification framework administered by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI). It focuses on designing, operating, and verifying buildings to advance human health and well-being through evidence-based strategies. Its concept-based approach emphasizes measurable indoor environmental quality and occupant outcomes via preconditions and optimizations.

    Key Components

    • **10 core conceptsAir, Water, Nourishment, Light, Movement, Thermal Comfort, Sound, Materials, Mind, Community (plus Innovation).
    • 24 Preconditions (mandatory pass/fail) and 102 Optimizations (point-earning).
    • Built on public health research; certification via Bronze (40 points) to Platinum (80 points) with concept minimums.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Drives productivity, retention, higher rents (up to 7.7%), ESG reporting.
    • Mitigates health risks, enhances reputation.
    • Complements LEED for holistic sustainability.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, scorecard, documentation, on-site verification, recertification (3 years).
    • Applies to new/existing buildings, all sizes/industries; requires third-party testing.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 27032
    Internet security, cyberspace risks, stakeholder collaboration
    WELL
    Building health, indoor environmental quality, occupant well-being

    Industry

    ISO 27032
    All sectors with online presence, critical infrastructure globally
    WELL
    Real estate, offices, healthcare, education, hospitality worldwide

    Nature

    ISO 27032
    Voluntary guidelines, non-certifiable, complements ISO 27001
    WELL
    Voluntary performance certification with third-party verification

    Testing

    ISO 27032
    Gap analysis, risk assessments, no mandatory external testing
    WELL
    On-site performance verification, air/water/light testing required

    Penalties

    ISO 27032
    No direct penalties, increased breach risks and reputational damage
    WELL
    No legal penalties, loss of certification and market differentiation

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 27032 and WELL

    ISO 27032 FAQ

    WELL FAQ

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