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ISO 27001 Amendment 1:2024 – What You Need to Know

Writer's picture: Alan ParkerAlan Parker

The ISO 27001:2022 standard has been amended in 2024 to include climate action considerations. So, if you want to know what you need to do, then read on.


With businesses facing mounting pressure to address environmental concerns, ISO has taken a step toward integrating climate change into Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). These updates encourage organisations to adopt a holistic approach to risk management, considering environmental factors that may impact their security landscape.


Key Changes in ISO 27001:2022 Amendment 1:2024

The amendment primarily affects Clause 4, which outlines an organisation’s context and stakeholder expectations. This update acknowledges that external environmental factors, including climate change, can profoundly impact business operations and security postures.


1. Clause 4.1 – Understanding the Organisation and Its Context

  • Organisations must now determine whether climate change is a relevant issue for their ISMS.

  • Climate-related risks such as natural disasters, regulatory changes, and sustainability policies must be assessed in terms of their potential impact on information security.

  • Businesses should consider disruptions such as severe weather affecting data centre operations, supply chain vulnerabilities due to environmental events, or new government compliance requirements related to sustainability.


2. Clause 4.2 – Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Interested Parties

  • A new note clarifies that relevant stakeholders—such as customers, regulators, and industry bodies—may have specific climate-related requirements.

  • Businesses in compliance-heavy industries or those operating in regions with strict environmental regulations may need to adjust their security policies accordingly.

  • Companies should explore sustainability-driven security initiatives to align with the expectations of partners and clients who prioritise environmentally responsible practices.


Why Does This Matter?

ISO 27001 has always prioritised risk management, and this update expands its scope to include climate-related threats.


These may include:


  • Physical Risks: Extreme weather events that threaten data centres, impact supply chains, or disrupt operations.

  • Regulatory Risks: Stricter government policies on sustainability and carbon emissions could affect IT infrastructure, data processing, and energy consumption.

  • Reputational Risks: Companies that fail to address climate-related security concerns may face stakeholder pressure, loss of investor confidence, or diminished customer trust.


By recognising these factors within their ISMS, organisations can improve resilience and future-proof their security strategies.


What Should Your Organisation Do?

To align with this amendment, businesses should take proactive steps:


  1. Update risk assessments to consider climate-related threats to information security. Collaborate with risk management teams to evaluate environmental threats and their effects on digital assets.

  2. Engage with stakeholders to understand their climate-related security expectations. Regulatory bodies, industry groups, and business partners can help define an appropriate security approach.

  3. Review business continuity and disaster recovery plans with climate risks in mind. Ensure continuity plans account for potential disruptions, such as extreme weather affecting key infrastructure.

  4. Incorporate sustainability considerations into security policies. Businesses can explore green data centres, energy-efficient hardware, and digital waste reduction initiatives to align security practices with environmental responsibility.

  5. Stay informed on evolving climate-related regulations to remain compliant with emerging industry standards. A proactive stance on regulatory changes will help organisations adapt smoothly.


Conclusion

For full details on this amendment, visit the official ISO website: ISO 27001 Amendment 1:2024.

ISO 27001 Amendment 1:2024 reflects a growing awareness of the link between climate change and information security. While the modifications are relatively minor, they reinforce the need for businesses to adopt a broader risk management approach. By integrating climate considerations into ISMS strategies, organisations can strengthen security, improve compliance, and enhance business resilience.


To stay ahead, organisations should embed sustainability into their security framework today—ensuring long-term operational stability and compliance with evolving industry standards.

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About the author

Alan Parker is an IT consultant and project manager who specialises in IT governance, process implementation, and project delivery. With over 30 years of experience in the industry, Alan believes that simplifying complex challenges and avoiding pitfalls are key to successful IT management. He has led various IT teams and projects across multiple organisations, continually honing his expertise in ITIL and PRINCE2 methodologies. Alan holds a degree in Information Systems and has been recognised for his ability to deliver reliable and effective IT solutions. He lives in Berkshire, UK, with his family.

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