Changed ISO-IEC-27001-Lead-Auditor Exam Questions

The three audit findings that would prompt you to raise a nonconformity report are:

•The organisation is treating information security risks in the order in which they are identified

•The organisation’s risk assessment criteria have not been reviewed and approved by top management

•The organisation’s information security risk assessment process is based solely on an assessment of the impact of each risk

According to ISO/IEC 27001:2022, clause 6.1.2, the organisation must establish and maintain an information security risk management process that is consistent with the organisation’s context and aligned with its overall risk management approach1. This process must include the following steps:

•Establishing the risk assessment criteria, which must be approved by top management and reflect the organisation’s risk appetite and objectives2

•Identifying the information security risks, which must consider the assets, threats, vulnerabilities, impacts, and likelihoods3

•Analysing the information security risks, which must determine the levels of risk and compare them with the risk criteria4

•Evaluating the information security risks, which must prioritise the risks and decide whether they need treatment or not5

Therefore, the audit findings B, E, and F indicate that the organisation is not following the required steps of the information security risk management process, and thus are nonconformities with the standard.

The other audit findings are not necessarily nonconformities, as they may be acceptable depending on the organisation’s context and justification. For example:

•Audit finding A may be acceptable if the organisation has identified and treated the additional information security risks that are relevant to its scope and objectives, and has documented the rationale for doing so6

•Audit finding C may be acceptable if the organisation has assigned clear roles and responsibilities for the information security risk management process, and has ensured that the risk owners have the authority and competence to manage the risks7

•Audit finding D may be acceptable if the organisation has defined and communicated the meaning and implications of the emoji-based risk classification, and has ensured that it is consistent with the risk criteria and the risk treatment process8

•Audit finding G may be acceptable if the organisation has justified the use of discrete values for the probability of the information security risks, and has ensured that they are realistic and consistent with the risk criteria and the risk analysis method9

•Audit finding H may be acceptable if the organisation has established and maintained different systems for assessing operational and strategic information security risks, and has ensured that they are integrated and aligned with the overall risk management approach and the ISMS objectives10

competence of the audit team and decision made by the certification body

According to ISO/IEC 17021-1, which specifies the requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems, an accredited certification means that the certification body has been evaluated by an accreditation body against recognized standards to demonstrate its competence, impartiality and performance capability1. Therefore, an accredited certification assures the competence of the audit team that conducts the audit in accordance with ISO 19011 and ISO/IEC 27001:2022, and the decision made by the certification body that grants or maintains the certification based on the audit evidence and findings2. References: ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 - Conformity assessment – Requirements for bodies providing audit and certification of management systems – Part 1: Requirements, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor (Information Security Management Systems) | CQI | IRCA

Comprehensive and Detailed In-Depth Explanation:

A. Correct Answer:

Remote follow-ups are acceptable for minor nonconformities, as long as auditors can verify corrective actions.

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 allows remote follow-ups when the effectiveness of corrective actions can be demonstrated.

B. Incorrect:

Follow-ups are required, but remote verification is acceptable for minor issues.

C. Incorrect:

An on-site follow-up is not mandatory unless major nonconformities are present.

Relevant Standard Reference:

ISO/IEC 17021-1:2015 Clause 9.6.8 (Remote Audit Follow-Ups)

Sinvestment’s request to review documented information remotely during the stage 1 audit is acceptable and aligns with established auditing practices, making option A the correct answer. ISO/IEC 17021-1 and ISO 19011:2018 both permit flexibility in how audit activities are conducted, including the use of remote techniques, provided confidentiality, integrity, and effectiveness of the audit are maintained.

Stage 1 audits are primarily focused on reviewing documented information, understanding the organization’s context, confirming the ISMS scope, and assessing readiness for stage 2. Reviewing documents remotely is a widely accepted practice, especially when supported by appropriate confidentiality agreements, as was the case in this scenario. The auditors had already signed confidentiality agreements, mitigating the risk of information disclosure.

Option B is incorrect because remote document review does not inherently lead to a breach of confidentiality. Risks must be managed, not assumed. Secure document-sharing platforms and confidentiality agreements are sufficient safeguards when properly implemented. Option C is incorrect because the use of different locations or remote methods does not automatically reduce audit efficiency; in many cases, it enhances efficiency by reducing travel time and allowing better preparation.

Therefore, allowing remote review of documented information during stage 1 is fully consistent with ISO auditing standards and recognized certification body practices.