Why should an organization draft a Statement of Applicability?

Drafting a Statement of Applicability is a crucial step in the process of implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) as per ISO/IEC 27001 standards. This document serves a specific purpose: it details the controls that are selected for application from Annex A of the standard and provides justifications for the inclusion or exclusion of these controls based on the organization’s unique context and risk assessment findings.

By explicitly documenting the reasons for including or excluding certain controls, the Statement of Applicability ensures transparency in decision-making and helps stakeholders understand how the chosen controls align with the identified risks. This transparency is vital for maintaining compliance with ISO/IEC 27001 requirements and allows for better communication about the organization's security posture and the rationale behind its controls.

In contrast, while aligning the ISMS with the organization’s mission, ensuring compliance with industry best practices, and providing an overview of risk levels are all important aspects of an effective information security strategy, these objectives are not the primary focus of the Statement of Applicability. Instead, the document is specifically designed to address the applicability of controls based on the organization’s risk assessment and security needs, making the justifications for inclusion and exclusion the central aspect of its purpose.