ISO Framework Integrations
Leverage control overlap between ISO standards and other compliance frameworks to accelerate your journey.
Key Insight
If you already have SOC 2 or another security framework, you can significantly reduce ISO 27001 implementation time by mapping existing controls. Don't start from scratch—build on what you have.
External Framework Mapping
ISO 27001 + SOC 2
SOC 2 and ISO 27001 share significant control overlap. Organizations with SOC 2 can achieve ISO 27001 faster.
Shared Controls
- Access control policies
- Risk assessment processes
- Incident response procedures
- Change management
- Security awareness training
- Vendor management
Key Differences
- •ISO 27001 is prescriptive (must have ISMS)
- •SOC 2 is principles-based (Trust Service Criteria)
- •ISO 27001 requires formal risk treatment
- •SOC 2 requires external auditor attestation
ISO 27001 + GDPR
GDPR compliance benefits significantly from ISO 27001 controls, especially around data protection.
Shared Controls
- Data classification
- Access controls
- Encryption requirements
- Incident notification
- Vendor data processing agreements
- Data retention policies
Key Differences
- •GDPR is a legal regulation, not a standard
- •GDPR includes data subject rights
- •GDPR requires Data Protection Impact Assessments
- •ISO 27001 doesn't cover marketing consent
ISO 27001 + HIPAA
Healthcare organizations can map many ISO 27001 controls to HIPAA Security Rule requirements.
Shared Controls
- Administrative safeguards
- Physical safeguards
- Technical safeguards
- Risk analysis
- Workforce training
- Audit controls
Key Differences
- •HIPAA is US-specific healthcare regulation
- •HIPAA includes Privacy Rule (beyond security)
- •HIPAA requires specific breach notification
- •ISO 27001 doesn't cover PHI specifically
ISO 27001 + PCI DSS
Payment card handling organizations find partial overlap, especially in network and access controls.
Shared Controls
- Network security
- Access control
- Vulnerability management
- Monitoring and logging
- Security policies
- Incident response
Key Differences
- •PCI DSS has very specific technical requirements
- •PCI DSS focused on cardholder data only
- •PCI DSS requires quarterly vulnerability scans
- •Different assessment approaches
ISO 27001 + NIST CSF
NIST Cybersecurity Framework maps very well to ISO 27001. Many organizations use both together.
Shared Controls
- Identify functions
- Protect functions
- Detect functions
- Respond functions
- Recover functions
- Risk management
Key Differences
- •NIST CSF is a framework, not certifiable
- •NIST CSF is more outcome-focused
- •ISO 27001 requires formal ISMS documentation
- •NIST CSF is US government preferred
ISO Standard Integration
How ISO 27001 integrates with other ISO standards for a comprehensive management system.
ISO 27018 adds cloud-specific PII controls. Requires 27001 as foundation.
ISO 27019 adds energy sector controls for OT/SCADA systems. Requires 27001.
ISO 42001 for AI management shares risk framework concepts with 27001.
Both use Annex SL structure. Integrated management systems are common.
Integration Strategy Tips
- Map existing controls first: Before starting ISO 27001, document all controls you already have from other frameworks.
- Use a unified control framework: Map all frameworks to a single internal control library to avoid duplication.
- Plan integrated audits: Many auditors can assess multiple standards in one engagement, saving time and money.
- Automate evidence collection: Platforms like LowerPlane can collect evidence once and map it to multiple frameworks.