ISO 27005: a strategic approach to cybersecurity risk management
In 2025, in a context where cyber threats are multiplying and regulatory requirements such as the NIS 2 directive are strengthening, proactive risk management is no longer an option. The ISO 27005 standard provides organizations with a structuring methodological framework to anticipate threats, pilot security actions and strengthen their resilience.
Summary
- What is the ISO 27005 standard?
- ISO 27005: a strategic pillar for organizations
- ISO 27005 compared to other cybersecurity frameworks: what complementarities?
- Implementation of the ISO 27005 standard: the 5 key steps to structure your risk management
- Focus on the changes brought about by the ISO/IEC 27005:2022 version
- The limits to be anticipated in the application of ISO 27005
- Why adopting ISO 27005 is a strategic choice
- How to effectively prepare for the implementation of ISO 27005?
- ISO 27005 and complementarity with recognized risk analysis tools
What to remember from the ISO 27005 standard
- A structuring methodological framework, although it is not certifiable. Unlike ISO 27001, ISO 27005 does not lead to certification, but is a methodological pillar for risk management within an ISMS.
- A clear, practical and adaptable approach. ISO 27005 describes a rigorous approach, from identifying threats to defining treatment plans, while remaining flexible according to the context of the organization.
- Deployment facilitated by specialized tools. By relying on platforms like Egerie, businesses can automate, document, and manage their risk analyses accurately and effectively.
What is the ISO 27005 standard?
In 2025, the increasing digitalization of activities, combined with the sophistication of cyberattacks, requires organizations to rigorously manage information security risks. Large companies as well as SMEs are now regular targets, even though their defences sometimes remain limited.
In this context, regulatory frameworks such as The European NIS 2 directive impose increased requirements. To respond effectively, organizations can rely on the international standard ISO/IEC 27005, developed by ISO and CEI.
Although it is not certifiable, ISO 27005 is an essential methodological base : it provides guidelines for identifying, analyzing, evaluating and treating cyber risks, in direct support of the implementation of a Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with ISO 27001.
In this article, you will discover why ISO 27005 is a strategic tool for building resilience, meeting regulatory requirements, and structuring effective risk management, regardless of the size of your organization.
ISO 27005: a strategic pillar for organizations
The ISO 27005 standard is distinguished by its specific and methodical approach in a landscape marked by the increasing sophistication of threats: ransomware, data exfiltration, and targeted attacks on the IoT or the cloud. It is particularly relevant for businesses wishing to harmonize their management of identified risks with international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001.
A complementary standard within the ISO 27000 family
Part of the ISO 27000 family dedicated to information security, ISO 27005 is distinguished by its specialization in cyber risk management. Unlike ISO 31000, a general standard applicable to all types of risks, ISO 27005 exclusively targets threats related to information systems.
It also plays a key support role in the implementation of a Information Security Management System (ISMS) in accordance with ISO 27001, by describing a clear, repeatable and adaptable risk assessment methodology.
For example, a fintech company can rely on ISO 27005 to assess the vulnerabilities of its payment systems and define appropriate corrective measures.
The objectives of the ISO 27005 standard
The main objective ofISO/IEC 27005 consists in providing a methodology for the management of information security risks. This structured approach helps organizations:
- Identify critical vulnerabilities : databases, cloud environments, sensitive technical infrastructures.
- Assess risks : using methods such as EBIOS or MEHARI to quantify threats and their impact.
- Develop a treatment plan : mitigate, transfer, accept or avoid risks according to their criticality.
The approach allows businesses to make informed decisions that are aligned with their security strategy, and significantly reduce residual risks.
Why is risk management essential?
No organization is immune to a targeted attack. Assessing risks and implementing appropriate measures is becoming an operational imperative.
Here are some scenarios illustrating the importance of a structured approach:
- Ransomware : victim of an attack loses access to its critical files, directly impacting patients.
- Sensitive data leaks: a company sanctioned by the RGPD suffers financial losses and a deterioration of its image.
- Compromise of critical infrastructures: In the energy sector, an attack can lead to massive interruptions in service.
Thanks to ISO 27005, these scenarios can be anticipated. For example, an SME can train its teams, map its critical assets and put in place appropriate technical and organizational controls.
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ISO 27005 compared to other cybersecurity frameworks: what complementarities?
ISO 27005 vs ISO 31000: specific or transversal?
These two standards deal with risk management, but at different scales:
- ISO 27005: This standard exclusively targets risks related to cybersecurity and information systems. It provides an accurate method for identifying, analyzing, and addressing cyber threats, making it essential for organizations operating in critical digital environments.
For example, an industrial company can use ISO 27005 to analyze risks such as phishing targeted at its employees, by defining remediation plans appropriate to its field of activity.
- ISO 31000: More universal, this standard applies to all types of risks in various sectors of activity, such as strategic, operational or environmental risks.
A multinational, for example, could mobilize ISO 31000 to structure its response to geopolitical risks disrupting its supply chain in several regions.
Remember: although ISO 31000 has a wider scope, ISO 27005 focuses precisely on cybersecurity issues, by providing tools adapted to the challenges posed by information systems.
These two regulatory frameworks can be used together to combine a global view of risks (ISO 31000) with in-depth cyber threat management (ISO 27005).
ISO 27005 and ISO 27001: support standard vs certifiable standard
These two standards are often implemented together because they are highly complementary:
- ISO 27001 is a certifiable standard that defines the requirements for deploying an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It encompasses all information security practices.
Example: a company seeking to demonstrate its compliance with partners can obtain ISO 27001 certification.
- ISO 27005 Provide the risk analysis methodology on which the robustness of the ISMS is based. It helps to formalize, prioritize, and address vulnerabilities in a structured manner.
Example: A financial company can rely on ISO 27005 to assess customer data risks.
The bottom line: ISO 27005 enriches ISO 27001 by detailing the “how” of risk management, where ISO 27001 sets out the “what.”
ISO 27005 vs NIS 2: voluntary framework or regulatory obligation?
- ISO 27005 is a voluntary standard. It provides a structured, adaptable and effective framework for managing cyber risks.
Example: an SME can use it to anticipate the financial impacts of a cyber attack.
- NIS 2, on the other hand, is a European directive obligatory for critical and important entities (energy, health, digital infrastructures, etc.). In particular, it imposes obligations for incident reporting, training and governance.
Example: a company in the energy sector must comply with NIS 2 under threat of significant sanctions.
Remember: ISO 27005 alone does not guarantee compliance with NIS 2, but it is an excellent lever for structuring your risk management and meeting regulatory requirements.
Implementation of the ISO 27005 standard: the 5 key steps to structure your risk management
The standard ISO/IEC 27005 offers a rigorous method for identifying, evaluating and treating information security risks. To ensure an effective and sustainable application, here are the five essential steps to follow within your organization.
1. Define the context and scope of the analysis
This initial step is crucial to structure risk management that is aligned with the organization's strategic goals.
- Identifying critical assets. It is a question of identifying the most sensitive elements such as client databases, servers, cloud environments, sensitive business applications...
- Stakeholder engagement. A collaborative approach with IT teams, business departments and decision makers contributes to a collaborative and effective process.
- Delineation of the scope of application. A banking company could, for example, focus its analysis on its transaction systems in order to avoid an approach that is too broad and inefficient.
2. Identify and analyze risks
With a defined perimeter, place to the detailed analysis of threats and vulnerabilities specific to the organization.
- Vulnerability detection: These could be outdated systems, weak passwords, or inadequate configurations.
- Analysis of common threats. Common scenarios include, for example, phishing attacks or ransomware. An employee receiving a fraudulent email is a typical threat risk that can lead to critical breaches.
- Potential consequences. The loss of sensitive data, sanctions related to the GDPR, or damage to reputation are impacts to be anticipated.
3. Assess and prioritize risks
Not all risks are created equal. It is essential to classify the risks identified in order to effectively allocate available resources.
- Assess the level of risk using a risk matrix, an organization assesses the probability of occurrence and the potential impact. A cyberattack targeting a customer data warehouse could be considered a priority due to its financial and regulatory repercussions.
- Prioritize risks according to their criticality: for example, a breach exposing sensitive financial data will come before a minor risk on an isolated internal system.
example : a cyberattack on a customer data warehouse may be considered a priority due to its legal and commercial implications.
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4. Develop the treatment plan
Each identified risk requires a clear and adapted approach to reduce or manage its impact.
Here are some possible strategies:
- Avoid: remove the activity or asset at risk (e.g., remove obsolete software).
- Reduce: implement measures such as encryption, strong authentication, or network segmentation.
- Share: use cyber insurance to limit financial impacts.
- Accept: tolerate a residual risk if its treatment is too expensive in relation to its impact.
Example: a company that has identified vulnerabilities in its software infrastructure could opt for regular updates and vulnerability monitoring.
5. Follow, document and adapt the process
Risk management does not end after initial treatment. It is part of a logic of continuous improvement.
Best practices:
- Ongoing monitoring: metrics like the Phishing rate blocked help measure the effectiveness of the controls in place.
- Regular updates: a review after each major technological or organizational change guarantees the relevance of the measures.
- Rigorous documentation: robust audits require tangible evidence of risk management practices in place.
CTA/ Prepare your organization sustainably against threats
Whether you are an SME or a large group, ISO 27005 helps you structure proactive and robust cyber risk management.
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Focus on the changes brought about by the ISO/IEC 27005:2022 version
Strengthened alignment with ISO 31000 and the PDCA cycle
The 2022 version of theISO/IEC 27005 introduces major developments, with strengthened alignment with the general standard ISO 31000, the reference framework for risk management in all areas combined.
This convergence provides a more comprehensive approach integrated and consistent of risk management, allowing organizations to structure their analyses according to a universal logic, regardless of their sector of activity.
Another notable evolution: the explicit integration of PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act)). This continuous improvement model places risk management in an evolving dynamic, guaranteeing better adaptation to new threats, technologies or regulatory requirements.
What are the impacts for businesses?
This new version implies for organizations a readjusting their internal practices. Approaches based on more traditional methods need to be reviewed to comply with the updated requirements of the standard.
But this update is also a strategic opportunity : by adopting a logic of continuous and transversal risk management, companies strengthen their resilience in the face of cyber threats such as ransomware, targeted attacks or supply chain compromises.
→ By integrating the principles of ISO 27005:2022, organizations can now more effectively articulate their cybersecurity strategy with their overall risk governance.
The limits to be anticipated in the application of ISO 27005
While the ISO/IEC 27005 standard is a valuable methodological framework, its implementation can present some challenges. Here are the main limitations to take into account, especially for less mature or poorly equipped structures.
1. Technical complexity without support
THEISO/IEC 27005 being a generic standard, its interpretation can be complex without dedicated expertise. Many SMEs or organizations that do not specialize in cybersecurity encounter difficulties in:
- formalize the analysis steps correctly;
- identify and prioritize risks;
- articulate recommendations with business challenges.
example : without a CISO or an external consultant, a company may have difficulty modeling the impacts of a phishing scenario or an application flaw.
→ Solution : calling on experts or relying on guided platforms such as Egerie makes it possible to secure the approach and gain clarity.
2. Anticipating resources and costs
Implementing risk management in accordance with ISO 27005 involves:
- time;
- technical expertise;
- and specialized tools.
Complex environments (cloud, multi-sites, critical systems) require in-depth analyses and sometimes significant investments.
example : a medium-sized company will have to mobilize a budget for risk mapping tools or to outsource part of the analysis.
→ Solution : prioritizing critical assets at startup and automating certain steps through SaaS solutions can optimize overall ROI.
3. A generic standard to be contextualized
ISO 27005 is designed to adapt to all contexts, but this requires adjust it according to the specificities of your sector or your technologies.
- IoT, industrial or medical environments present particular risks (cyber-physical, human life, OT...).
- The cloud requires specific models (third party access, data in transit, shadow IT...).
example : a hospital or a power plant will have to go beyond standard models to take into account operational criticality and the risks of sabotage.
→ Solution : complete ISO 27005 with contextual analyses (sectoral scenarios, intrusion tests, incident feedback) to adapt to the field.
4. The risk of overdependence on tools
Risk analysis platforms offer real time savings, but poorly controlled automation can weaken strategic engagement stakeholders.
- Risk: delegating the analysis entirely without human ownership;
- Problem: loss of relevance, decisions that are misaligned with the reality on the ground.
In addition, some tools on the market are not aligned with ISO methodologies, which can affect overall compliance.
→ Solution : choose a tool compatible with ISO 27005 and integrate it into a participatory approach involving IT, business and management.
Why adopting ISO 27005 is a strategic choice
Beyond compliance, the ISO/IEC 27005 standard represents a real performance driver for organizations wishing to structure their cybersecurity on a sustainable basis.
1. Building resilience and limiting interruptions
By structuring risk management, ISO 27005 makes it possible toanticipate threats rather than enduring them. This approach improves the organization's ability to withstand shocks and maintain its activities even in the event of an incident.
Example: a hospital that has defined its ransomware scenarios can quickly activate countermeasures, limiting the impact on patient care.
2. Better targeting cybersecurity investments
A rigorous risk analysis makes it possible toAllocate resources where they are really needed. The result: better used budgets, better sized measures.
Example: a financial company may decide to invest primarily in the encryption of its client databases, which are considered critical at the end of the evaluation.
3. Facilitate compliance with other regulatory frameworks
By structuring risk assessment, ISO 27005 facilitates compliance with:
- the ISO/IEC 27001 standard;
- the NIS 2 directive;
- the GDPR and other sectoral requirements.
→ This common methodological base Strengthen the audit preparation, while demonstrating strategic maturity in the face of legal obligations.
4. Gain credibility and competitiveness
The adoption of ISO 27005 enhances your cybersecurity approach to the ecosystem:
- contractors,
- demanding customers,
- partners and authorities.
→ In a call for tenders where risk management is a selection criterion, ISO 27005 can make a difference.
How to effectively prepare for the implementation of ISO 27005?
To successfully integrate ISO/IEC 27005 into your organization, it is essential to lay a solid foundation: strategic alignment, skills development, and appropriate methodological choices.
Here are the three key steps for smooth and effective adoption:
1. Train stakeholders and carry out an initial diagnosis
The appropriation of the standard by the teams is a prerequisite for structuring a coherent and sustainable approach.
Recommended actions ::
- Train teams in key concepts. Employees must acquire the skills necessary to interpret the criteria of the standard. A course like the ISO 27005 Risk Manager training, for example, can introduce managers to the identification and assessment of risks.
- Carry out an accurate diagnosis. The purpose of this diagnosis is to know the existing discrepancies within the organization by carrying out a mapping current threats and critical vulnerabilities. This could include detecting outdated systems, poorly documented processes, or unprotected assets.
example : An online services company may discover that its databases still use outdated encryption protocols, exposing customer data to major risks.
2. Choosing an appropriate risk analysis methodology
ISO 27005 is compatible with several recognized risk assessment methods. The choice depends on the business context, cyber maturity and the expected level of granularity.
Recommended methods :
- EBIOS (Expression of Needs and Identification of Security Objectives). This method is ideal for organizations that want flexible scenarios. For example, an SME in the industrial sector could base its analyses on scenarios aimed at internal and external threats specific to its production chains.
- MEHARI : a decision-oriented approach that prioritizes actions to meet the strategic challenges identified. This method is often used for complex IT environments.
→ The objective: to adopt a clear method, shared by all stakeholders, and usable over time.
3. Integrating risk management into global governance
The effectiveness of the standard is based on its ability to be part of a transversal business strategy.
Recommendations :
- Formalize understandable security policies by everyone: CIO, jobs, management.
- Aligning risk management with strategic goals and regulatory requirements (ISO 27001, NIS 2, RGPD...).
example : a company seeking ISO 27001 certification can rely on ISO 27005 to give credibility to its ISMS, save time in audits and strengthen its risk governance.
ISO 27005 and complementarity with recognized risk analysis tools
The ISO/IEC 27005 standard provides a general methodological framework, but it is more effective when combined with specialized analysis tools such as EBIOS, MEHARI or FAIR.
Tools to refine the analysis of critical scenarios
These methods provide a level of precision and contextualization that is particularly useful for organizations facing complex environments or high sectoral requirements.
- EBIOS and MEHARI : ideal for modeling concrete risk scenarios (e.g.: ransomware, internal compromise), these methods make it possible toidentify impacts and priorities with precision.
Example: a hospital can use EBIOS to simulate an attack on its medical records system and establish appropriate remediation plans. - FAIR (Factor Analysis of Information Risk) : this quantitative method focuses onfinancial impact analysis. It is particularly useful for decision-makers wishing to manage cybersecurity investments according to a profitability criterion.
Example: a financial department can more easily decide between two security projects thanks to FAIR results.
An adoption and compliance accelerator
The integration of these tools into an ISO 27005 approach has many advantages:
- Time saver : the standardization of scenarios and risk matrices makes it possible to conduct more rapid and structured analyses.
- Strengthened coherence : by integrating these methods into your global governance, you align your practices with the requirements of ISO standards (27001, 27005, etc.).
- Better internal adoption : a common vocabulary and clear steps facilitate the adherence of IT, business and governance teams.
By combining ISO 27005 with proven tools, you transform risk management into a smoother, more effective... and more strategic process.
Anticipate with Egerie: your strategic ally for ISO 27005
To successfully implement ISO 27005, it is essential to have a tool that can centralize, structure and automate the entire risk management process.
The platform Egerie was designed to meet these challenges, by combining methodological robustness and ease of use.
What Egerie allows you to:
- Clearly visualize your risks
Thanks to dynamic mapping of threats, vulnerabilities and critical assets, you get a consolidated view of your exposure. - Prioritize your actions accurately
Modeling custom scenarios helps you prioritize risks based on their business impact and define relevant action plans. - Track and adjust your measurements in real time
Fluid management of action plans allows you to monitor corrective measures and to remain in line with the requirements of the standard. - Be supported at each stage
Egerie offers strategic support to adapt the ISO 27005 standard to your organization, regardless of your maturity level.
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FAQ: Everything you need to know about ISO 27005
Is ISO 27005 mandatory?
No, ISO 27005 is not mandatory. However, it is highly recommended if you want to structure your cybersecurity risk management, especially in addition to ISO 27001 or to meet regulatory frameworks such as NIS 2. C
Voluntary nature offers a certain flexibility to organizations that can adapt it to their specific needs, while establishing a solid methodological basis for reducing risks. For example, a company targeted by recurrent cyber threats can use ISO 27005 to anticipate and better prioritize its security investments.
What are the main benefits of ISO 27005 for my business?
Adopting ISO 27005 can have numerous operational and strategic benefits:
- Protect critical assets: It helps to better identify threats to your sensitive resources such as customer databases or production systems.
- Improving organizational resilience: With proactive risk management, your business is better prepared to respond to cyber incidents and avoid costly business interruptions.
- Streamlining cybersecurity investments: ISO 27005 allows you to prioritize your efforts on the most critical risks, thus optimizing the use of limited budgets.
- Building the trust of stakeholders: A rigorous approach to security can improve your credibility with customers, partners, and investors. For example, in a tender with cybersecurity criteria, the application of ISO 27005 can be a key differentiator.
Which sectors benefit the most from ISO 27005?
ISO 27005 is particularly suitable for sectors handling critical data or operating critical infrastructures. Here are a few examples:
- Finance and insurance: These industries need to manage large volumes of sensitive data, making cybersecurity risk management essential.
- Health: Hospitals and medical facilities can identify threats to electronic health records.
- Industry and energy: The integrity of production systems and energy networks is crucial to avoid interruptions or sabotages.
- Public administrations: Government institutions can turn to ISO 27005 to protect their critical systems from cyber espionage and intrusions.
How long does it take to implement ISO 27005?
The duration depends primarily on the size, maturity, and complexity of your organization. Here is an overview:
- Small structures (SMEs): With a limited scope and adequate support, implementation can last between 1 and 3 months.
- Large businesses: In entities with complex or multi-site systems, compliance may require 6 months or more.
With tools like Egerie, time can be significantly reduced thanks to the automation of risk analyses and the centralization of evaluations. To minimize deadlines, it is advisable to train your stakeholders in advance and to prioritize critical assets from the start of the project.
Is ISO 27005 suitable for multi-site organizations?
Absolutely. ISO 27005 is particularly well suited to organizations with multiple sites or distributed infrastructures. Here's why:
- It makes it possible to define a common framework that can be reproduced on all sites, guaranteeing consistency in risk management.
- By combining its guidelines with tools like Egerie, it is possible to map and monitor threats for multiple infrastructures in real time.
Can ISO 27005 be used to meet the requirements of NIS 2?
Yes, ISO 27005 is an ideal methodological basis for meeting the requirements of NIS 2, especially in terms of proactive risk management.
What are the key roles required to implement ISO 27005?
Involving the right stakeholders is essential for the successful application of ISO 27005. Here are the main roles involved:
- General Management: Validates the implementation, allocates resources, and uses the results of the analysis to guide the overall strategy.
- Cybersecurity manager (e.g. CISO) : Manage operations, coordinate teams and ensure consistency with the WSIS.
- IT and business team leaders: Provide key information on critical assets and validate action plans tailored to their domain.
- External experts or consultants: Can intervene to ensure a faster deployment in accordance with best practices.
