Changes in ISO 27001 Organization Control A.5.19 Information Security in Supplier Relationships from 2013 to 2022

Changes in ISO 27001 Organization Control A.5.19 Information Security in Supplier Relationships from 2013 to 2022 with [Kimova AI](https://kimova.ai)

Welcome back to Kimova AI’s ISO 27001 auditing series. In our previous article, we explored the changes in Control A.5.18: Access Rights. Today, we will delve into Control A.5.19: Information Security in Supplier Relationships, comparing the 2013 version with the 2022 version, and highlighting the similarities and differences.

Control A.5.19: Information Security in Supplier Relationships

Control A.5.19 focuses on ensuring that information security is maintained when organizations interact with suppliers. As supply chains become increasingly complex and interconnected, the importance of managing information security in supplier relationships has grown significantly.

Key Changes in A.5.19

  1. Broadened Scope of Supplier Relationships
    • 2013 Version: The 2013 version primarily focused on traditional supplier relationships, with an emphasis on direct service providers and contractors.
    • 2022 Version: The 2022 update expands the scope to include a broader range of supplier relationships, such as cloud service providers, third-party software vendors, and data processors. This reflects the growing reliance on digital services and the need to manage information security risks across the entire supply chain.
  2. Increased Emphasis on Risk Assessment
    • 2013 Version: While risk assessment was required, the 2013 version did not emphasize it as strongly within the context of supplier relationships.
    • 2022 Version: The updated version places a greater emphasis on conducting thorough risk assessments of suppliers, considering factors such as the sensitivity of the information shared, the supplier’s security posture, and the potential impact of a security breach. This helps organizations make informed decisions about which suppliers to engage with and how to manage the associated risks.
  3. Stronger Security Requirements for Suppliers
    • 2013 Version: The previous version required organizations to communicate security requirements to suppliers but was less prescriptive about what those requirements should be.
    • 2022 Version: The 2022 update introduces more specific security requirements that organizations should impose on suppliers. This includes the need for suppliers to implement security controls that align with the organization’s own security policies, conduct regular security audits, and provide evidence of compliance. These measures ensure that suppliers are held to a high standard of information security.
  4. Continuous Monitoring and Review
    • 2013 Version: Ongoing monitoring and review of supplier relationships were recommended but not heavily emphasized.
    • 2022 Version: The updated version mandates continuous monitoring and regular review of supplier relationships, including periodic reassessments of the supplier’s security practices and performance. This ensures that the organization remains aware of any changes in the supplier’s security posture and can respond proactively to emerging risks.

Implications of These Changes

  1. Enhanced Security Across Supply Chains
    • By broadening the scope of supplier relationships, the standard ensures that information security is maintained across all aspects of the supply chain, including digital and third-party services.
  2. Informed Supplier Engagement
    • The increased emphasis on risk assessment helps organizations make better-informed decisions about which suppliers to engage with and how to manage the associated risks, reducing the likelihood of security breaches through the supply chain.
  3. Higher Standards for Suppliers
    • By imposing stronger security requirements on suppliers, organizations can ensure that their partners are held to the same high standards of information security, reducing the risk of vulnerabilities being introduced through third parties.
  4. Proactive Risk Management
    • Continuous monitoring and review allow organizations to stay ahead of potential risks in their supplier relationships, ensuring that any issues are identified and addressed before they can impact the organization’s security.

Conclusion

The updates to Control A.5.19 in ISO 27001:2022 reflect the evolving nature of supplier relationships and the increasing importance of managing information security across the entire supply chain. By broadening the scope, emphasizing risk assessment, imposing stronger security requirements, and mandating continuous monitoring, the standard helps organizations maintain robust information security practices in their interactions with suppliers.

In our next article, we will explore Control A.5.20: Addressing Information Security Within Supplier Agreements. Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips from Kimova AI as we continue to unravel the updates in ISO 27001:2022.

#KimovaAI #TurboAudit #AI #Automation #Cybersecurity #ISO27001 #InformationSecurity #ISMS #Compliance #ISO27001Update #ControlA5.19