Follow the next steps and verification methods, to validate that information risk assessments are performed at planned intervals or when significant changes occur, and that documented information is appropriately retained:
1. Establish Risk Assessment Procedures
A. Documented Risk Assessment Procedures
Actions:
· Develop detailed procedures outlining how risk assessments are conducted.
· Specify the frequency of assessments (planned intervals) and triggers for assessments (significant changes).
Tools:
· Risk assessment procedure document.
B. Risk Assessment Methodology
Actions:
· Define the methodology for identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks.
· Include criteria for assessing risk levels and prioritizing mitigation actions.
Tools:
· Risk assessment methodology document.
2. Conducting Risk Assessments
A. Scheduled Risk Assessments
Actions:
· Conduct risk assessments at planned intervals as defined in the procedures.
· Ensure assessments cover all relevant assets, threats, vulnerabilities, and impacts.
Tools:
· Risk assessment schedule.
· Assessment templates or checklists.
B. Triggered Assessments for Significant Changes
Actions:
· Identify triggers that require an immediate risk assessment (e.g., major system changes, incidents, regulatory changes).
· Conduct assessments promptly when triggers occur.
Tools:
· Change management records.
· Incident reports that trigger assessments.
3. Documenting Risk Assessment Results
A. Risk Assessment Reports
Actions:
Document the results of each risk assessment conducted.
· Include details such as identified risks, their likelihood and impact, current controls, residual risks, and recommended actions.
Tools:
· Risk assessment report template.
· Risk register or database.
B. Retention of Documented Information
Actions:
· Establish a retention period for risk assessment documentation based on legal, regulatory, and organizational requirements.
· Ensure that documented information is securely stored and easily retrievable when needed.
Tools:
· Document management system.
· Retention schedule.
4. Verification and Validation Methods
A. Review of Risk Assessment Records
Actions:
· Regularly review the documented risk assessments to ensure they are up-to-date and conducted as per the procedures.
· Verify that assessments are performed at planned intervals and triggered by significant changes.
Tools:
· Review schedules and logs of completed assessments.
· Compare documented intervals with planned intervals and triggered events.
B. Compliance Checks
Actions:
· Conduct internal audits or compliance checks to verify adherence to risk assessment procedures.
· Review audit findings related to risk assessments and documented information retention.
Tools:
· Audit checklists focusing on risk assessment processes.
· Audit reports and findings.
C. Management Review
Actions:
· Include risk assessment results and documented information retention as part of management review meetings.
· Discuss the effectiveness of risk assessment practices and identify any areas for improvement.
Tools:
· Management review meeting agendas and minutes.
· Action plans for improvement identified during reviews.
5. Continuous Improvement
A. Feedback Mechanisms
Actions:
· Encourage feedback from stakeholders involved in risk assessments.
· Use feedback to improve the effectiveness and efficiency of assessment processes.
Tools:
· Feedback forms or surveys.
· Improvement suggestion tracking system.
B. Update Procedures
Actions:
· Regularly update risk assessment procedures based on feedback, audit findings, and changes in organizational context.
· Ensure procedures reflect current best practices and compliance requirements.
Tools:
· Procedure change request forms.
· Version control for procedure documents.
Example Verification Scenario
Verification Point: Scheduled Risk Assessment
Verification Method: Review risk assessment schedule and corresponding assessment reports.
Tools: Risk assessment schedule document completed assessment reports.
Verification Point: Triggered Assessment for Significant Change
Verification Method: Review change management records triggering risk assessments.
Tools: Change management records, incident reports leading to risk assessments.
Verification Point: Documented Information Retention
Verification Method: Audit documented information retention practices against retention schedule.
Tools: Document management system access logs, retention schedule.
By following these steps and verification methods, organizations can effectively validate that information risk assessments are performed at planned intervals or when significant changes occur. Additionally, ensuring that documented information from these assessments is retained properly helps maintain compliance with ISO 27001: 2022 standards and supports continuous improvement in information security management.
