Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT problem. It is a business survival issue.
The volume of cyber attacks, data breaches, and supply chain vulnerabilities has exploded in recent years, and regulators are responding with stricter requirements. Against that backdrop, ISO 27001 — the world’s most widely recognised information security standard — has evolved.

The 2022 update reflects the reality of today’s threat landscape and the way organisations now work in a hybrid, cloud-first world. If you are certified to the 2013 version or planning your first implementation, understanding these changes is key to staying compliant and competitive.

Why the Update Matters in 2025

Since the last major revision in 2013, the way businesses store, share, and process data has fundamentally changed. Cloud services are now the norm. Remote work has extended the security perimeter to kitchen tables and coffee shops. AI tools are being integrated into workflows at scale.

Attackers have adapted. Phishing campaigns, ransomware attacks, and supply chain compromises are more targeted and harder to detect. That means security controls from a decade ago are no longer enough to satisfy regulators, clients, or insurance providers.

ISO 27001:2022 aligns the standard with these realities so your Information Security Management System (ISMS) can protect against modern threats.

Key Changes in ISO 27001:2022

1. A Restructured Annex A
The 114 controls from the 2013 version have been consolidated into 93, grouped into four categories: Organisational, People, Physical, and Technological. This makes the framework easier to navigate while removing duplication.

2. New and Updated Controls
Several entirely new controls address emerging risks:

• Threat intelligence — Collecting and using information on potential and actual threats.

• Information security for cloud services — Specific controls for cloud usage, vendor management, and shared responsibility models.

• Data leakage prevention — Measures to stop sensitive data from leaving the organisation.

• Web filtering — Blocking access to harmful or unauthorised sites.

• Secure coding — Ensuring security is built into software from the start.

3. Modernised Language and Focus
Controls now explicitly reference risks like supply chain security, configuration management, and monitoring physical security for hybrid work environments.

How to Prepare for the Transition

If you are already certified to the 2013 version, you have until October 2025 to complete your transition to ISO 27001:2022. That deadline is closer than it seems.

Here is a readiness plan:

1. Map your current controls to the new Annex A structure.

2. Identify gaps where new controls are required or existing ones need updating.

3. Update your risk assessment to reflect modern threats like AI misuse or cloud vendor dependencies.

4. Refresh your documentation to match the updated clauses and terminology.

5. Train your teams on both the changes and the reasoning behind them.

6. Schedule your audit early to avoid the year-end bottleneck when many organisations rush to certify.

Why Acting Now is a Competitive Move

Meeting the 2025 transition deadline is not just about staying compliant. It is about proving to clients, partners, and regulators that you take modern security risks seriously. In many industries, demonstrating ISO 27001:2022 alignment is becoming a prerequisite for winning enterprise contracts or passing supplier risk reviews.

Those who leave the transition to the last minute risk not only compliance gaps but also missed business opportunities.

Final Word

Cybersecurity threats are evolving faster than ever. ISO 27001:2022 gives you a framework that matches today’s challenges, from cloud adoption to hybrid work and AI-driven risks.

Transitioning early positions you ahead of the curve, keeps your organisation audit-ready, and signals to the market that you are serious about protecting the data you are trusted with.

The deadline is set. The threats are real. The time to act is now.