Standards Comparison

    ISO 37301

    Voluntary
    2021

    International certifiable standard for compliance management systems

    VS

    ISO 27032

    Voluntary
    2012

    International guidelines for Internet cybersecurity.

    Quick Verdict

    ISO 37301 provides certifiable CMS requirements for compliance across all sectors, while ISO 27032 offers non-certifiable cybersecurity guidelines focused on Internet security collaboration. Companies adopt ISO 37301 for assurance and audits, ISO 27032 to enhance digital ecosystem resilience.

    Compliance Management

    ISO 37301

    ISO 37301:2021 Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance

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

    Key Features

    • Certifiable standard replacing guidance-only ISO 19600
    • High-Level Structure enables seamless integration with other ISO standards
    • Risk-based approach to compliance obligations and planning
    • Leadership commitment builds strong compliance culture
    • Robust whistleblowing mechanisms with anti-retaliation protections
    Cybersecurity

    ISO 27032

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023 Cybersecurity – Guidelines for Internet Security

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

    Key Features

    • Multi-stakeholder collaboration for cyberspace security
    • Guidelines for Internet-specific risk assessment
    • Mapping to ISO/IEC 27002 controls via Annex A
    • Emphasis on incident detection and response
    • Integration with ISO 27001 ISMS frameworks

    Detailed Analysis

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

    ISO 37301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 37301:2021 – Compliance management systems – Requirements with guidance for use is a certifiable international standard specifying requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving effective compliance management systems (CMS). Applicable to all organization sizes and sectors, it uses a risk-based approach and Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle within the ISO High-Level Structure (HLS).

    Key Components

    • Core clauses: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Emphasizes leadership commitment, risk assessment, whistleblowing, monitoring, audits, continual improvement.
    • Built on HLS for integration; companion standards like ISO 37302/37303 provide guidance.
    • Third-party certification via accredited bodies (e.g., ANAB).

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Demonstrates systematic compliance to stakeholders, reduces risks/fines.
    • Builds integrity culture, supports ESG/SDGs.
    • Enhances reputation, investor confidence; integrates with ISO 9001/14001/27001.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, obligation register, controls, training, audits.
    • Scalable for SMEs/enterprises; 3-year certification cycle.
    • Global applicability; 2024 amendment adds climate action.

    ISO 27032 Details

    What It Is

    ISO/IEC 27032:2023, titled Cybersecurity – Guidelines for Internet Security, is an international guidance standard (not certifiable) developed by ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27. Its primary purpose is to provide actionable guidelines for enhancing Internet security within cybersecurity ecosystems, emphasizing multi-stakeholder collaboration, risk management, and integration with standards like ISO/IEC 27001. It adopts a risk-based approach focusing on cyberspace threats across technical, informational, and human layers.

    Key Components

    • Core areas: stakeholder roles, risk assessment, incident management, technical/organizational controls.
    • No fixed controls; maps to 93 ISO/IEC 27002 controls via Annex A.
    • Principles: collaboration, trust, PDCA cycle.
    • Non-certifiable; integrates into ISMS via Statement of Applicability.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Mitigates ecosystem risks, reduces breach impacts.
    • Aligns with regulations (e.g., NIS2, GDPR intersections).
    • Builds resilience, stakeholder trust, competitive edge.
    • Enables efficient vendor management, faster incident response.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping, gap analysis, controls deployment, monitoring.
    • Applies to all sizes, especially Internet-dependent sectors.
    • No formal certification; self-assess via audits, integrates with ISO 27001.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    ISO 37301
    Compliance management systems (CMS)
    ISO 27032
    Cybersecurity guidelines for Internet security

    Industry

    ISO 37301
    All sectors, sizes, global
    ISO 27032
    Digital-intensive sectors, global

    Nature

    ISO 37301
    Certifiable requirements standard
    ISO 27032
    Non-certifiable guidance standard

    Testing

    ISO 37301
    Certification audits, 3-year cycle
    ISO 27032
    No formal certification, self-assessments

    Penalties

    ISO 37301
    Loss of certification
    ISO 27032
    No direct penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about ISO 37301 and ISO 27032

    ISO 37301 FAQ

    ISO 27032 FAQ

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