The ISO Review Podcast

Assessing ISO 27001 Annex A Controls Using Practical Review Methods from Clause 7 in ISO 27008

Welcome to another episode of the ISO Review Podcast, brought to you by Simplify ISO! In this installment, hosts Jim Moran and Howard Fox dive deep into Clause 7 of ISO 27008, unpacking practical review methods for assessing the effectiveness of Annex A controls under ISO 27001. Whether you're an internal auditor looking to sharpen your skills or someone new to information security management, this episode offers invaluable insights into process analysis, documentation reviews, interviews, technical testing, and more. Jim and Howard explore the importance of objectivity, consistency, and tailoring audit methods to an organization’s specific risks and needs. You’ll also hear real-world anecdotes and advice for building rapport, leveraging flowcharts, and achieving meaningful, repeatable assessments that truly protect your data—plus a preview of what’s next as they tee up the next episode’s focus on controlling assessment methods. DISCUSSION 00:00 ISO 27001 Annex A Assessment 05:15 "Objectivity and Repeatability in Auditing" 10:30 "Evaluating and Improving Controls" 14:25 "Streamlining Audits with Collaboration" 17:26 Training Effectiveness Needs Review 19:12 "Effective Auditing Methods" 23:53 Auditing Controls: Skills and Risks 27:07 AI Power Risks and Controls 29:11 Control Verification: Avoiding Risk 34:09 Advanced Testing Methods Overview 38:05 ISO Podcast: Clause Reviews & Resources NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares.  Click here to visit the SimplifyISO [https://simplifyiso.com/] website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute [https://imsipro.org/] website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Conformance1's free online Gap Checklists: ISO 9001 - https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/ [https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/] ISO 27001 - https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/ [https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/] Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/] LinkedIn Articles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/detail/recent-activity/posts] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrt2Hgj-5AjHKEvyf2ssZ8g] Learn about Howard's Coaching and Podcast Services onhis website at https://foxcoaching.com [https://foxcoaching.com] or on LinkedIn at  https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/ [ https://www.linkedin.com/in/foxcoachinginc/] KEYWORDS ISO 27008, Information Security Controls, Information Security Management System, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast #ISO27008 #InformationSecurityControls #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO #Podcast

Understanding ISO 27008: Effective Methods for Auditing Information Security Management Controls

Welcome back to another episode of the ISO Review Podcast, brought to you by Simplify ISO! This week, Howard Fox and Jim Moran kick off a brand new series diving deep into the world of ISO/IEC 27008—the essential guidelines for assessing information security controls.  In today’s episode, we set the stage by exploring the structure and background of ISO 27008, including its key sections and practical annexes for technical and cloud service assessments. Jim emphasizes the need for competent auditors, objective assessments, and documented improvements that drive real value for organizations—reminding us that having procedures is not enough; they must be properly implemented and continually improved. Whether you’re a newcomer to ISO management systems or a seasoned pro, this series is designed to help you make sense of technical control assessments, understand compliance requirements, and ensure you’re protecting client, supplier, and employee information with the highest standards.  As always, you’ll find links to resources and ways to connect with Jim and Howard in the show notes. Grab your coffee, settle in, and get ready for a foundational look at information security management! DISCUSSION 00:00 Understanding ISO 27008 Assessments 05:58 "Information Security Control Overview" 07:24 "Effective Implementation of Controls" 12:39 "Ensuring Objective Audit Practices" 16:40 Ensuring Effective Security Assessments 18:10 ISO 27001 Implementation Insight 21:45 Prioritizing Information Security Risk Mitigation 25:56 Integrated Management System Audit 31:04 "ISO Review Podcast Updates" NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares.  Click here to visit the SimplifyISO [https://simplifyiso.com/] website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute [https://imsipro.org/] website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Conformance1's free online Gap Checklists: ISO 9001 - https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/ [https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/] ISO 27001 - https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/ [https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/] Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/] LinkedIn Articles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/detail/recent-activity/posts] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrt2Hgj-5AjHKEvyf2ssZ8g] Click here to learn more about the Coaching and Podcast Services provided by Fox Coaching, Inc. [https://foxcoaching.com/] KEYWORDS ISO 27008, Information Security Controls, Information Security Management System, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast #ISO27008 #InformationSecurityControls #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO #Podcast

How to Assess Information Security Controls Using ISO 27008: Process, Scope, and Criteria

Welcome back to another episode of the ISO Review Podcast, brought to you by Simplify ISO! This week, Jim Moran and Howard Fox dive deep into the essentials of assessing information security controls in line with ISO 27008.  Building on last week’s introduction, Jim Moran shares his expertise, highlighting the critical steps in reviewing and auditing controls from Annex A of ISO 27001, gathering evidence, and ensuring objectivity through well-structured assessment methodologies.  Whether you’re running a large organization or a small business, you’ll find practical tips for planning effective audits, resourcing your team, and leveraging checklists and flowcharts to enhance information security. Tune in for a comprehensive overview, actionable advice, and real-world examples designed to help you get the most out of your management systems and stay ahead in the ever-challenging world of information security. DISCUSSIOON 00:00 Information Security Control Assessments 05:00 "Assessment Tips and Tools" 07:17 Checklist Methodology and Evidence Gathering 12:38 Cybersecurity Auditing & Penetration Testing 15:19 Privacy Compliance in Home Care 18:33 ISO 27002 Training Importance 23:24 Auditor Roles and System Strengthening 24:58 Audit Purpose: Beyond Procedure Compliance 29:33 "Linking Risk to Audit Results" 33:09 ISO Podcast Episode Wrap-Up NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares.  Click here to visit the SimplifyISO [https://simplifyiso.com/] website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute [https://imsipro.org/] website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Conformance1's free online Gap Checklists: ISO 9001 - https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/ [https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/] ISO 27001 - https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/ [https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/] Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/] LinkedIn Articles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/detail/recent-activity/posts] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrt2Hgj-5AjHKEvyf2ssZ8g] Click here to learn more about the Coaching and Podcast Services provided by Fox Coaching, Inc. [https://foxcoaching.com/] KEYWORDS ISO 27008, Information Security Controls, Information Security Management System, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast #ISO27008 #InformationSecurityControls #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO #Podcast

Leveraging AI Tools for Effective ISO 9001 Risk Analysis and Audit Preparation

Welcome back to another insightful episode of the ISO Review Podcast, brought to you by Simplify ISO! This week, Jim and Howard dive deeper into the intersection of artificial intelligence and ISO risk management, building on their previous discussion. With Jim sharing wisdom from over three decades in ISO support, and Howard adding his expertise with AI tools, the conversation explores practical ways organizations can leverage AI to streamline ISO 9001 processes—especially when it comes to identifying, analyzing, and mitigating risks. DISCUSSION 00:00 AI & Risk Management Insights 05:23 "ISO 9001: Context & SWOT Guide" 06:51 Home Health Care SWOT Analysis 13:13 "Determining ISO 9001 Risks" 14:28 Risk Assessment and Mitigation Strategies 18:19 Risk Determination and ISO 31000 23:04 "Checklist for Safer Operations" 28:12 AI Enhancing Risk Assessment Expertise 30:09 Using AI for Webinar Creation NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares.  Click here to visit the SimplifyISO [https://simplifyiso.com/] website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute [https://imsipro.org/] website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Conformance1's free online Gap Checklists: ISO 9001 - https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/ [https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/] ISO 27001 - https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/ [https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/] Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/] LinkedIn Articles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/detail/recent-activity/posts] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrt2Hgj-5AjHKEvyf2ssZ8g] Click here to learn more about the Coaching and Podcast Services provided by Fox Coaching, Inc. [https://foxcoaching.com/] KEYWORDS Artificial Intelligence, AI, SWOT Analysis, Information Security Management System, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO, Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #SWOTAnalysis #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO #Podcast

Using Artificial Intelligence to Strengthen Risk Identification in Your ISO Management Systems

Welcome back to the ISO Review Podcast, your trusted resource for the latest in international standards and maximizing your management systems. In this episode, hosts Jim and Howard dive into one of the most requested topics in the ISO world: risk and opportunity management. Jim draws from his 33 years of experience to share practical strategies for strengthening risk identification, sharpening evaluation tools, and, most importantly, embedding risk awareness deep into your organization’s culture. The conversation takes a timely turn by exploring how artificial intelligence can supercharge your ISO management system, from streamlining risk analysis to making the most of your internal audits. Jim offers actionable tips, real-life examples, and even introduce techniques like flowcharting and the PESTLE analysis for a fresh perspective on spotting potential pitfalls and unlocking hidden opportunities. DISCUSSION 00:00 Strengthening Risk and Opportunity Management 04:18 Embedding Risk in Internal Audits 10:27 Balancing Risks with Opportunities 13:19 "Everyone Manages Risk" 15:23 The Complexity of Small Changes 21:02 Risk Mitigation: Remove, Replace, Reduce 22:14 Flowchart-Driven Risk Management 27:01 AI's Impact on Risk Identification 28:40 Podcast Wrap-Up and Resources NEXT STEPS We appreciate your likes & comments, and shares.  Click here to visit the SimplifyISO [https://simplifyiso.com/] website. Click here to visit the International Management System Institute [https://imsipro.org/] website and learn how to become a Certified ISO Management System Professional. Conformance1's free online Gap Checklists: ISO 9001 - https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/ [https://conformance1.com/iso9001-gap-assessment-register/] ISO 27001 - https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/ [https://conformance1.com/iso-27001-gap-checklist-dashboard/] Learn more about Jim on LinkedIn & YouTube. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/] LinkedIn Articles [https://www.linkedin.com/in/simplifyiso/detail/recent-activity/posts] YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrt2Hgj-5AjHKEvyf2ssZ8g] Click here to learn more about the Coaching and Podcast Services provided by Fox Coaching, Inc. [https://foxcoaching.com/] KEYWORDS Artificial Intelligence, AI, PESTLE analysis, Information Security Management System, ISO Review Podcast, SimplifyISO #ArtificialIntelligence #AI #PESTLEanalysis #InformationSecurityManagementSystem #ISOReviewPodcast #SimplifyISO MUSIC Think Different by Scott Holmes Music - https://scottholmesmusic.com [https://scottholmesmusic.com/]