An ISMS governing body is the group or individual(s) within an organization responsible for overseeing, guiding, and supporting the implementation and ongoing management of the Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Key responsibilities are as follows:
- Setting the information security policy and objectives
- Providing resources and direction for the ISMS
- Ensuring alignment with business goals and regulatory requirements
- Reviewing risk assessments and approving key decisions
- Monitoring ISMS performance, including internal audits and improvement actions
The governing body is typically made up of senior leadership or a designated security committee and plays a critical role in demonstrating top-level commitment – something required for ISO/IEC 27001 certification.
