Top Interview Questions for ISO 27001
The ISO certification is an internationally recognized certification that implements, maintains, and describes an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) best practices. It adds trustworthiness and immense market value to the organization. In this comprehensive blog, we have curated the top interview questions and answers for ISO 27001 in 2022, which would help an aspirant who is willing to crack the interview and get placed as a Lead Auditor or Lead Implementer.
1. What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is a specification certification for an information security management system (ISMS), a framework of policies and procedures that consists of all technical, physical, and legal controls of an Information Risk Management process.
2. What does ISO 27001 certification signify in terms of risk assessment?
ISO 27001 certification allows organizations to identify, analyze, and evaluate the flaws in the information security process.
3. What is the purpose of ISO 27001?
The primary purpose of ISO 27001 is to provide the framework to develop the management system to control the risks associated with data and information and maintain a high level of confidence.
4. What is meant by ISMS?
The Information Security Management System (ISMS) is an approach that allows organizations to protect and maintain the information assets, virtual and physical, from practical risks.
5. What kind of industries prefer ISO 27001 certified employees?
Any industry that maintains confidential data requires ISO 27001 certified employees. Some kinds of sectors are:
- IT Companies
- Telecom Industry
- Financial Industry
- Government Agencies
6. Explain the difference between ISO 27001 and ISO 27002.
ISO 27001 is a standard certification by which organizations seek to achieve the standard to maintain security. Whereas ISO 27002 is a code of practice that provides guidelines about the information for security controls determined in Annex A of ISO 27001-2013.
7. What is meant by Annex A of ISO 27001?
Annex A includes 114 controls that provide an overview of each control. These controls are categorized in four sections, and they tackle multiple risks such as:
- Access Management
- Data transmission and encryption
- Physical security
- Information security training
8. List out the audit controls of ISO 27001.
- Information security policies
- Organization of information security
- Human resource security
- Asset management
- Access control
- Cryptography
- Physical and environmental security
- Operations security
- Communication security
- System acquisition development and maintenance
- Supplier relationships
- Information security incident management
- Information security aspects of business continuity management
- Compliance
9. What is meant by the CIA triad?
The CIA is a standard model used to develop the basis for the policies and security systems. This model identifies the vulnerabilities and methods for addressing the issues and designing an effective solution. The CIA triangle includes three sections
- Confidentiality
- Integrity
- Availability
10. Explain the difference between Symmetric and Asymmetric encryption?
Symmetric encryption uses a single key to share among the people who want to receive the data, and this type of encryption is used to transfer a large amount of data. Whereas asymmetric encryption uses a pair of keys (public key and private key) to encrypt and decrypt the data, this type of encryption transfers a small amount of data.
11. Define XSS?
Cross-site scripting is a web security attack found in web applications and websites that allow user inputs. It aims to implement malicious scripts in the target website by injecting malicious code that develops an attack surface for Cross-site scripting attacks such as message boards, web pages, and forums.
12. What is the difference between Black Hat and White Hat?
Black Hat hackers are the non-ethical hackers who manipulate data, compromise security, and steal information to achieve financial benefits. White Hat hackers are the ethical hackers employed to protect the data against Black Hat hackers. They perform penetration testing to strengthen their systems and prevent cybercrime.
13. Define Regulatory frameworks?
Regulatory frameworks are the set of guidelines and best practices used to achieve the requirements of regulations, strengthen security, achieve business objectives, and enhance security processes.
14. What is an ISO 27001 audit?
The ISO 27001 audit allows the organization to manage the information security risks to a tolerable level. It performs the auditor’s testing, competence, and objectives to meet the requirements of ISMS processes, policies, and controls.
15. What are the key objectives of an ISO 27001 audit?
The key objectives of the ISO 27001 audit are:
- To find out the issues with the ISMS
- To ensure the ISMS is compliant with ISO 27001 standard
- To identify the potential improvements to the ISMS
16. List out the types of audits?
- Internal audit
- External audit
17. How often are the external audits performed?
Based on the various accreditation bodies used to meet the requirements for the program of certification audits, the UKAS accredited certificates include:
- Initial certification audit, conducted in 2 stages
- Re-certification audit, conducted every three years
- Periodic surveillance audits are conducted every six months or at annual intervals
18. Distinguish between a Lead Auditor and a Lead Implementer
A lead auditor is a professional who leads the audit team in the organization to perform ISO management system audits. Whereas the Lead Implementer develops and supports the organization in implementing, managing, and developing the ISO standards.
19. What are the steps used for implementing ISO 27001 controls?
The following are the steps used for implementing ISO 27001 controls:
- Assemble an implementation team
- Develop the implementation plan
- Initiate the ISMS
- Define the ISMS scope
- Identify the security baseline
- Establish the risk management process
- Implement a risk treatment plan
- Measure, monitor, and review
- Certify the ISMS
20. Define Risk-based auditing
Risk-based auditing is an approach that allows internal auditors to analyze the organizational risks and provide insights to management in solving the problems. It helps auditors identify the high-risk areas and low-risk areas to work accordingly to improve the understanding of the risks and prevent them.
21. What are the basic principles of Information security?
The basic principles of Information security are:
- Confidentiality
- Quality
- Privacy
- Trustworthiness
- Availability
- Integrity
22. Explain Incident Management
Incident Management is a set of IT Service Management (ITSM) actions and procedures used to identify, understand, and resolve IT-related incident issues such as security breaches, server downtime, and cyberattacks.
23. What is an ISO 27001 risk assessment methodology?
The ISO 27001 risk assessment is used to identify, analyze, and evaluate the risks in the information security process of an organization.
24. Define the PDCA method in ISO 27001?
Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) is a four-step iterative approach to improving processes, services, or products. It involves a systematic testing solution, assessing the results, and implementing effective actions.
25. What are the advantages of ISO 27001 Implementation?
The following are the key advantages of ISO 27001 Implementation:
- Preventing fines and loss of reputation
- Commercial, contractual, and legal compliance
- Retaining customers and achieving new business
- Improving strategies and processes
Final words
The ISO 27001 certification is essential and helps organizations avoid security threats and protect their reputation. Becoming an ISO 27001 certified professional would add value to your career and can avail an exciting salary of over $81,086 per annum.
InfosecTrain offers an instructor-led training and certification course on ISO/IEC 27001:2013 Lead Auditor online training and certification course, which would help you prepare and crack the certification exam. Check out and register.
Contact Us
1800-843-7890 (India) 
