Learning from information security incidents
Use knowledge from past incidents to boost security and prevent future issues.
Plain language
This control is about using past security incidents to make your organisation safer. It's like learning from mistakes so you don't repeat them, which reduces the chance of future problems and protects your data and systems.
Framework
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Control effect
Preventative
ISO 27001 domain
Organisational controls
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
24 Oct 2022
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
Maturity levels
N/A
Official control statement
Knowledge gained from information security incidents shall be used to strengthen and improve the information security controls.
Why it matters
Neglecting to learn from past incidents can enable repeat attacks, causing prolonged disruptions, data loss and added financial costs.
Operational notes
Run post-incident reviews, document lessons learned, assign remediation actions and deadlines, then update controls, playbooks and training accordingly.
Implementation tips
- IT managers should set up a system to track all security incidents. This means creating a process to record details about what happened, who was involved, and what was affected, which helps in understanding patterns or recurring issues.
- HR teams should incorporate lessons from past incidents into employee training. Update training materials with real-world examples to show staff how to spot and avoid security threats, strengthening overall organisational defence.
- The board should ensure regular reviews of incident data to inform decision-making. They can do this by holding quarterly meetings to discuss incident trends and necessary improvements in security policies based on these trends.
- Compliance officers should use incident data to update risk assessments. By analysing what went wrong and why, they can identify areas needing stronger controls as required by the ISO 27002:2022 guidance and Australian Privacy Act 1988.
- IT staff should revise technical controls based on incident insights. This involves tweaking settings, adding new security measures, or upgrading technology to prevent repeat incidents, ensuring alignment with recommendations from APRA and the ASD Essential Eight.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskRequest a copy of the incident tracking logs. GoodLogs should be detailed, up-to-date, and show all incidents with analysis of their causes and consequences.
- AskRequest evidence of employee training updates related to incident learning. GoodTraining materials should include clear, recent examples from past incidents and instructions on how to avoid similar issues.
- AskRequest minutes from board meetings where security incidents were discussed. GoodMinutes should reflect thoughtful analysis of incidents and outline specific policy or procedural changes.
- AskRequest the latest risk assessment document. GoodThe risk assessment should clearly indicate areas where additional controls are needed, supported by incident data.
- AskRequest a list of technical changes made in response to past incidents. GoodThe list should show specific technical updates linked to preventing similar future incidents, reflecting insights from incident logs.
Cross-framework mappings
How Annex A 5.27 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| handshake Supports (2) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0125 | Annex A 5.27 requires that knowledge gained from information security incidents is used to strengthen and improve information security co... | |
| ISM-0576 | Annex A 5.27 requires organisations to use knowledge from incidents to strengthen and improve information security controls | |
| extension Depends on (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0043 | Annex A 5.27 requires that knowledge gained from information security incidents is used to strengthen and improve information security co... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Want to implement this control?
Mindset Cyber runs PECB-accredited ISO/IEC 27001 training that maps directly to the controls in this library.