ISO 27001 Clause 9.2: Internal Audit (2022)
This version of clause 9.2 is applicable to ISO 27001:2022. It covers the need to conduct regular internal audits to evaluate the performance and success of the ISMS processes.
What is covered under ISO 27001 Clause 9.2?
An internal audit is a fantastic tool to evaluate an organisation's ISMS processes and functions. When performing internal audits, an organisation must ensure that:
- Audits are conducted at planned intervals;
- The auditor must be objective and impartial.
ISO 27001 Clause 9.2.1
In line with clause 9.2.1, internal audits must occur at planned intervals to confirm that the ISMS is fulfilling its own system requirements and the requirements of ISO 27001:2022. The organisation must ensure the effective implementation of these audits and that they are part of an ongoing process, consistent with the continual improvement theme prevalent throughout ISO 27001.
ISO 27001 Clause 9.2.2
In line with clause 9.2.2, an organisation must plan, establish, implement and maintain an audit programme or programmes, taking into consideration the frequency of audits, the methodology employed, roles and responsibilities, planning requirements, and reporting.
When establishing the internal audit programme(s), organisations should consider the importance of the processes concerned and the results of previous audits.
It is crucial to define the audit criteria and scope for each audit, select auditors and conduct audits that ensure objectivity and the impartiality of the audit process, and ensure that the results of the audits are reported to relevant management and then acted upon.
Documented information should be available as evidence of the implementation of the audit programme(s) and the audit results.