The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has added a requirement for climate change to its widely recognized ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard, mandating organizations to incorporate climate change considerations into their contextual analysis. This change is part of ISO’s broader initiative to integrate climate change considerations across various management system standards, reflecting the growing importance of environmental issues in the corporate world.

Understanding climate control requirement

The Standard requires organizations to assess whether climate change is a pertinent issue for their operations and its potential impact on the needs and expectations of their stakeholders. This assessment is crucial, as it ensures that organizations are not only identifying climate-related risks but are also prepared to mitigate them effectively.

Integration into management systems

When deemed relevant, climate change must be integrated into the development and implementation of the management system. This proactive approach is essential for safeguarding information security in the face of evolving environmental challenges. Below, we explore several key considerations that organizations must address:

7 Key Considerations for Information Security

1. Physical risks — Impact on infrastructure: The increasing frequency of extreme weather events, such as hurricanes, floods, and wildfires, poses tangible threats to data centers and communication networks. Such events can lead to power outages and damage critical infrastructure, significantly affecting the availability and reliability of information systems.
2. Regulatory compliance — Navigating changing landscapes: As climate change garners more attention globally, regulatory landscapes may shift, demanding that organizations modify their information security practices to meet new environmental standards. For instance, in the EU, recent regulations mandate that companies report on climate-related risk management processes, prompting organizations to update their compliance strategies.
3. Supply chain vulnerabilities — Ensuring continuity: Global supply chains are susceptible to disruptions caused by climate change, impacting the availability of essential IT components and services. These disruptions can result in increased costs and delays, along with potential security risks if alternative suppliers are not thoroughly evaluated and vetted.
4. Data integrity and confidentiality — Safeguarding Systems: Environmental fluctuations, such as changes in humidity and temperature, can compromise hardware reliability, potentially leading to data corruption or loss. Ensuring data integrity and confidentiality in such conditions requires robust preventive measures and monitoring systems.
5. Increased cyber threats — expanding attack surfaces: The adoption of technologies aimed at addressing climate change, including smart grids and IoT devices, expands the attack surface for cyber threats. Organizations must bolster their cybersecurity frameworks to manage the increased risk effectively.
6. Business continuity planning — preparing for disruptions: To remain resilient, organizations need to update their disaster recovery and business continuity plans to account for the heightened frequency and severity of climate-related events. This preparation is critical for maintaining operational continuity in the face of disruptions.
7. Reputational risk — Building stakeholder trust: Addressing climate change proactively can bolster an organization’s reputation, while failure to act can lead to reputational damage. Demonstrating a commitment to environmental responsibility can enhance trust and credibility among stakeholders.

Real-world applications

For instance, a leading data center company in Southeast Asia has incorporated climate change assessments into its risk management procedures, allowing it to better prepare for and mitigate the impacts of recurring floods. This proactive stance not only protects their infrastructure but also strengthens stakeholder confidence.

Future trends in climate change and information security

Organizations should anticipate future trends, such as the rise of sustainable technologies and evolving threat landscapes, to craft long-term strategies that address both environmental and security challenges.

Actionable Insights

• Conduct a climate risk assessment: Begin by identifying potential climate-related impacts on your operations and stakeholders.
• Develop a compliance strategy: Stay informed about regional regulatory updates and implement necessary changes to your information security practices.
• Strengthen cybersecurity: Enhance your frameworks to accommodate technologies and expanded attack surfaces.
• Update business continuity plans: Regularly review and revise your plans to ensure readiness for climate-related disruptions.

Conclusion: A call to action

Organizations are encouraged to take immediate, proactive steps in integrating climate change considerations into their information security frameworks. By doing so, they not only ensure compliance and mitigate risks but also demonstrate a commitment to sustainability, providing a competitive edge in an ever-evolving landscape.

The integration of climate change considerations into ISO/IEC 27001:2022 underscores the importance of anticipating and mitigating the multifaceted risks associated with environmental changes. By addressing these issues strategically, organizations can safeguard their information security, comply with evolving regulations, and reinforce their commitment to sustainability, thereby securing a competitive edge in a rapidly changing world.

About the author:

Dr. Michael C. Redmond, PhD, recently served as the Deputy Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) of a large city and she is the founder and CEO of Redmond Worldwide, a Risk Management consulting firm. She holds a PhD in Psychoneurology, an MBA from Fordham University in International Business and Marketing, an MBA in Risk Management from PECB University, and an MBA in Information Security from PECB University.

Redmond is a highly regarded expert in risk management, with extensive experience in consultation, auditing, training, and international public speaking. She has authored several acclaimed books, including “Evolving Roles of Chief Information Security Officers and Chief Risk Officers,” “Mastering Business Continuity Management,” “Mastering Your Introduction to Cyber Security”, and “Mastering Your Work Life Balance.”