Integrating Records Management and Information Security Management Systems

Mapping ISO 15489, ISO 30301, and ISO 16175 to ISO/IEC 27001 & 27002

Executive Summary

Records and information are the lifeblood of organizational accountability and compliance. As information security standards like ISO/IEC 27001 (for Information Security Management Systems) and ISO/IEC 27002 (security controls) evolve, they increasingly emphasize proper management of records – from protecting their integrity to ensuring timely deletion of data. This white paper provides a comprehensive roadmap for records and information professionals to integrate internationally recognized records management standards (ISO 15489, ISO 30301, ISO 16175) with an Information Security Management System (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001:2022 and ISO/IEC 27002:2022. It maps how each records management standard supports specific clauses of ISO 27001 and controls in ISO 27002, and it offers practical steps to embed robust records management into an ISMS.

By aligning these frameworks, organizations can strengthen compliance, streamline audits, and enhance overall information governance. Key benefits include: unified policies and objectives, reduced duplication of effort, improved risk management, and demonstrable evidence of control for audits and regulators. In an era of rigorous privacy laws and cybersecurity threats, integrating records management into security programs ensures information is not only secure but also authentic, usable, and retained for the correct duration (cdn.standards.iteh.ai) (linkedin.com). The result is an organization that is audit-ready and resilient, with records that reliably support both operational needs and security requirements.

Introduction

Modern organizations operate under intense scrutiny to protect information and demonstrate compliance with both security and recordkeeping requirements. Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) based on ISO/IEC 27001 have become a gold standard for safeguarding the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. In parallel, Records Management standards, such as ISO 15489 (Records Management Principles), ISO 30301 (Management System for Records), and ISO 16175 (Functional Requirements for Records in Digital Environments), provide frameworks to ensure that information is systematically captured, maintained, and disposed of as evidence of business activities. Historically, records management and information security have been managed in silos. Today, their convergence is not just logical but necessary. For instance, the latest ISO/IEC 27002:2022 introduced 11 new controls – including Control 8.10 “Information Deletion” – highlighting that organizations must be able to identify, retain, and securely dispose of information in line with business, compliance, and privacy needs (linkedin.com) (upguard.com). This reflects principles long familiar to records professionals under standards like ISO 15489 (which emphasizes retention and disposition).

The intersection of these domains means integrated implementation yields stronger outcomes. Effective records management supports information security by ensuring records are authentic, reliable, and available when needed – attributes that preserve integrity and accountability (cdn.standards.iteh.ai). Conversely, an ISMS provides the risk management and control environment that protects records from threats and unauthorized access (iseoblue.com). Integration helps an organization fulfill legal and regulatory obligations (for example, data privacy laws’ requirements for data minimization and timely deletion) while maintaining the evidence required for audits and business operations. It creates a culture of “information governance” where records management controls and security controls work in tandem.

This white paper outlines a detailed mapping of key ISO records management standards to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 clauses and ISO/IEC 27002:2022 controls. It explains how each standard underpins specific requirements of an ISMS. A summary table provides an at-a-glance alignment between records standards and security controls. We then present practical steps for integrating records management into an ISMS, ensuring that records professionals and security teams can collaborate effectively. Real-world benefits and outcomes of this integration are discussed, reinforcing the value of a unified approach. By the end of this paper, records and information professionals will have a clear understanding of how to leverage their expertise in records standards to enhance information security compliance and audit readiness.