The ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer course is a comprehensive, advanced-level training program designed to equip participants with the skills and knowledge necessary to implement and manage an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard. Offered through Syntax Academy in collaboration with PECB, this course provides an in-depth understanding of the standard and a step-by-step approach to its successful implementation.
The PECB ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer exam is a scenario-based written exam conducted online or in person. It is open book and lasts 3 hours. The exam assesses the candidate’s understanding of the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, implementation methodology, and ability to manage an ISMS project from start to finish.
Upon successful completion of the course and passing the exam, participants will be awarded the PECB Certified ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer certificate.
1: Training Course Objectives and Structure
Overview of course goals and outcomes
Introduction to ISO/IEC 27001
Structure of the training (theory, practice, discussions, case studies)
Key milestones: risk management, control implementation, audit preparation
2: Standards and Regulatory Frameworks
Overview of international standards affecting information security
Relationship between ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 27002, GDPR, and NIST
Mapping compliance requirements across multiple standards
Industry-specific regulatory needs and harmonization strategies
3: Information Security Management System (ISMS) Based on ISO/IEC 27001
Core concepts of ISMS and the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle
Risk assessment and treatment methods
Setting security objectives and applying controls
Documentation, performance evaluation, internal audits, and management review
Ensuring continuous improvement and compliance
1: Fundamental Concepts and Principles of Information Security
Understand the core principles of the CIA Triad (Confidentiality, Integrity, Availability)
Identify and evaluate common threats and vulnerabilities
Learn the basics of risk management and mitigation strategies
Explore the importance of protecting information assets and ensuring business continuity
Familiarize with essential security controls and industry best practices
2: Initiation of the ISMS Implementation
Understand the purpose and scope of ISMS
Analyze internal and external organizational context
Define the scope and objectives of ISMS
Identify and engage key stakeholders
Develop an initial ISMS policy and assign roles and responsibilities
1: Defining the Scope of an ISMS
Definition and purpose of ISMS scope
Identifying boundaries and applicability
Key elements included in the scope (e.g., assets, processes, departments)
Regulatory, stakeholder, and risk considerations
Geographical and system-specific scope considerations
Practical examples of ISMS scope definition
2: Leadership and Project Approval in ISMS Implementation
Importance of senior leadership support
Organizational change and cultural impact of ISMS
Project approval process and formal endorsement
Budgeting and resource allocation
Leadership's role in fostering a security culture
Communication strategies to engage stakeholders
1: Organizational Structure
Definition and purpose of organizational structure in ISMS
Key roles and responsibilities (e.g., senior management, security officers, IT administrators)
Chain of command and communication pathways
Enhancing accountability and policy enforcement
Case studies on organizational structure effectiveness
2: Analysis of the Existing System
Methods for evaluating current systems and controls
Identifying vulnerabilities and gaps
Assessing infrastructure, data flows, and access controls
Risk management and mitigation strategies
Tools for system analysis and documentation
Real-world examples and system audit simulations
3: Information Security Policy
Purpose and components of a security policy
Policy development process
Key policy areas: access control, data protection, acceptable use, incident response
Legal, regulatory, and compliance considerations
Policy communication and enforcement strategies
Reviewing and updating the policy
1: Risk Management
Identifying information security threats
Assessing likelihood and impact
Risk prioritization based on severity
Risk treatment strategies: avoidance, mitigation, acceptance, transfer
Ongoing monitoring and review of risks
2: Statement of Applicability
Purpose and content of the SoA
Mapping ISO 27001 controls to organizational needs
Justifying the inclusion or exclusion of controls
Demonstrating compliance and readiness for audits
3: Selection and Design of Controls
Types of controls: technical, physical, administrative
Aligning controls with risk management objectives
Designing proportionate and effective controls
Integrating controls into organizational workflows
4: Implementation of Controls
Implementing technical and administrative safeguards
Policy development and staff training
Monitoring, testing, and updating controls
Ensuring operational alignment and regulatory compliance
1: Management of Documented Information
Types of ISMS documentation (policies, procedures, audit reports)
Version control and document approval workflows
Storage and access control mechanisms
Alignment with ISO 27001 documentation requirements
Ensuring availability, accuracy, and security of critical information
2: Trends and Technologies in Information Security
Cloud computing and data protection strategies
Artificial intelligence and its role in threat detection
Blockchain applications in security
Zero-trust architecture principles
Security automation and orchestration
Adapting to a dynamic threat environment
3: Communication in ISMS
Internal communication strategies for ISMS policies and procedures
External communication with partners, customers, and regulators
Incident reporting and escalation protocols
Crisis communication planning for security breaches
Ensuring role clarity and stakeholder engagement
4: Competence and Awareness
Identifying competency requirements for security-related roles
Designing and implementing training and awareness programs
Evaluating effectiveness of training initiatives
Promoting a security-aware culture
Addressing human factors and minimizing risk due to human error
1: Management of Security Operations
2: Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation
3: Internal Audit of the ISMS
4: Management Review Process
1: Treatment of Nonconformities
Root cause analysis techniques
Implementation of corrective and preventive actions
Documentation and tracking of nonconformities
Ensuring compliance and integrity of the ISMS
2: Continual Improvement
Methods for monitoring and measuring ISMS performance
Using audit results and stakeholder input to drive improvements
Incorporating lessons learned into ISMS updates
Aligning improvements with organizational goals and security needs