ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.1 – Information Security Policies
A Quick Guide
Annex A 5.1 of ISO 27001:2022 is all about information security policies—a fundamental control that ensures organisations define, implement, and maintain policies to manage information security risks effectively. Without a well-defined policy, organisations lack clear direction in their security strategy, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.

Key Compliance Steps
✔ Define & Document – Develop a structured information security policy tailored to business needs.
✔ Management Approval – Ensure senior leadership formally approves the policy.
✔ Communicate & Train – Share policies with employees and relevant external stakeholders.
✔ Review & Update – Conduct periodic reviews to ensure policies remain effective and relevant.
✔ Integration with ISMS – Align policies with the broader Information Security Management System (ISMS).
What’s Changed in ISO 27001:2022?
🔹 Merging of Controls – The 2022 revision consolidates ISO 27001:2013 controls 5.1.1 (Policies for Information Security) and 5.1.2 (Review of Policies for Information Security) into one.
🔹 Greater Emphasis on Awareness – Policies must now be actively included in training and awareness programmes.
🔹 Enhanced Implementation Guidance – The new version provides more clarity on policy structure and alignment with business objectives.
A Deep Dive
What is Annex A 5.1 and Why Does It Matter?
Annex A 5.1 requires organisations to establish a set of information security policies that provide direction on protecting information assets. These policies serve as a framework for decision-making, ensuring consistent application of security measures across an organisation.
Key benefits of strong information security policies:
Reduces the risk of data breaches.
Helps meet regulatory and compliance requirements.
Aligns security efforts with business objectives.
Ensures employees understand their roles in maintaining security.
How to Implement Annex A 5.1 Effectively
1. Define a Comprehensive Information Security Policy
Your policy should be clear, structured, and aligned with business objectives. It should cover:
Scope: What the policy applies to (systems, data, people).
Objectives: Why security is important for the business.
Roles & Responsibilities: Who is accountable for security.
Key Principles: Risk management, access control, and data protection.
2. Secure Senior Management Approval
Leadership support is critical. Without it, policies remain words on paper without real enforcement. Senior executives should:
Review and approve policies.
Ensure resources are allocated for implementation.
Lead by example in enforcing security policies.
3. Communicate and Train Employees
A policy is useless if no one reads or understands it.
Include security policies in onboarding and ongoing training.
Ensure policies are easily accessible to all employees.
Encourage acknowledgment and acceptance of security responsibilities.
4. Regular Review & Continuous Improvement
Information security threats evolve, and so should your policies.
Set a schedule for periodic policy reviews (at least annually).
Update policies based on business changes, new threats, or regulatory updates.
Conduct audits to ensure compliance and effectiveness.
5. Integrate Policies into the ISMS
Your information security policy should be the backbone of your ISMS (Information Security Management System).
Use it to develop more detailed security procedures.
Ensure policies align with other Annex A controls and broader risk management practices.
Key Differences: ISO 27001:2013 vs ISO 27001:2022
Aspect | ISO 27001:2013 | ISO 27001:2022 |
Control Structure | Two separate controls: 5.1.1 & 5.1.2 | Merged into one control (5.1) |
Implementation Guidance | Less prescriptive | More detailed guidance for policy creation and alignment |
Awareness & Training | Not explicitly mentioned | Explicitly requires policies to be part of training programmes |
Attributes Table | Not included | New attributes table for mapping policies to industry terms |
The new approach in ISO 27001:2022 ensures that policies are not just created but actively integrated into business operations, improving security culture across organisations.
Common Challenges & How to Overcome Them
💥 Challenge: Employees don’t follow security policies.
✅ Solution: Make policies practical and relevant to daily work. Use real-world examples in training.
💥 Challenge: Policies are outdated or too generic.
✅ Solution: Schedule annual reviews and update policies based on real threats and business changes.
💥 Challenge: Policies are written in technical jargon.
✅ Solution: Use plain language that all employees can understand.
💥 Challenge: Lack of leadership buy-in.
✅ Solution: Show how weak security affects business objectives—costs of breaches, loss of client trust, and legal penalties.
Final Recommendations
🔹 Make security policies living documents—review, refine, and update regularly.
🔹 Use policy training and awareness to create a security-conscious workforce.
🔹 Ensure policies are accessible, relevant, and easy to understand.
🔹 Keep policies aligned with business strategy and regulatory requirements.
🔹 Engage leadership in driving security culture from the top down.
By embedding strong security policies into your business operations, you don’t just tick a compliance box—you build a robust security posture that protects your organisation from real-world threats.