In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity and data privacy, many businesses find themselves juggling multiple frameworks, ISO/IEC 27001:2022, NIST, POPIA, GDPR, COBIT, CIS Controls and more. It can be overwhelming.
But here’s the good news: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is not in competition with these frameworks. It complements them. It provides a structured foundation that aligns well with most global security, compliance, and risk management standards.
What Is ISO/IEC 27001:2022, Really?
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive information so it remains secure, covering people, processes, and technology.
It’s not just about IT. It’s about managing information security risks across your whole organisation in a repeatable, auditable way.
How It Aligns with Other Frameworks
Let’s look at how ISO/IEC 27001:2022 works alongside other key frameworks:
1. NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
NIST is widely used in the US and focuses on five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover.
How it fits:
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 supports all five functions, particularly in the areas of risk assessment, control implementation, incident response, and continual improvement. Many companies use NIST for operational security and ISO/IEC 27001:2022 for formal certification.
2. POPIA & GDPR (Data Privacy Laws)
Both regulations require you to protect personal data and demonstrate accountability.
How it fits:
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 gives you the controls, processes, and audit trail to prove compliance with data privacy laws. It doesn’t replace POPIA or GDPR, but it helps you meet their requirements more efficiently and with documented evidence.
3. COBIT (IT Governance)
COBIT provides governance and management objectives for IT.
How it fits:
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 complements COBIT by focusing on information security risk and controls, while COBIT focuses more broadly on IT governance, performance, and assurance.
4. CIS Controls (Technical Guidance)
The CIS Controls offer practical, prioritised cybersecurity actions.
How it fits:
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 sets out what—a management framework and control objectives. CIS provides the how—detailed, technical steps for implementation. Many organisations use CIS Controls to meet the objectives of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A controls.
Why ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Is a Smart Starting Point
If you’re unsure where to begin, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is a strong strategic anchor. It:
- Integrates with other frameworks easily
- Is globally recognised and certifiable
- Aligns with risk-based thinking and continual improvement
- Demonstrates accountability to clients, regulators, and partners
- Helps unify IT, legal, HR, and operations under one framework
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 doesn’t replace other frameworks – it pulls them together. It creates a common language between your tech teams, compliance officers, and business leaders. By building your security programme around ISO/IEC 27001:2022, you create a structured, flexible system that supports other standards, adapts over time, and shows the world you take security seriously.