What Is a Statement of Applicability (SoA)?

An information security management system (ISMS) is a framework for managing information security. It provides a structured approach for identifying, assessing, and managing information security risks. It can be used to protect an organization’s information assets and meet compliance requirements.

A Statement of Applicability is an important part of adhering to ISMS standards. Keep reading to learn more about the Statement of Applicability and how it is a key document in the certification process.

What is a Statement of Applicability?

A Statement of Applicability (SoA) is a document that specifies the extent to which a particular security management system meets the requirements of a particular ISMS standard. More specifically, it identifies which security controls are implemented or planned for a particular organization, system, or application. The Statement of Applicability also provides a rationale for why certain controls were selected and how they will be used to mitigate security risks. Further, the Statement of Applicability outlines which federal regulations and statutes the organization complies with.

The SoA is usually prepared by the legal department or compliance officer in conjunction with other departments as needed. The document is then reviewed and approved by senior management.

What are the benefits of having a Statement of Applicability?

Statements of Applicability are important in information security risk assessment. An information security risk assessment is a process of identifying, quantifying, and evaluating information security risks in order to develop a risk management strategy. The goal of an information security risk assessment is to identify potential information security risks and vulnerabilities so that they can be addressed through risk management processes. This assessment can be conducted on an organization-wide level or on a specific system or application level.

There are many benefits to having a Statement of Applicability for the assessment of information security risks. For one, having an SoA can help reduce the risk of legal challenges by demonstrating that the organization is using a recognized standard. It can also help you to identify the specific requirements that your organization must meet in order to comply with a specific regulation. Additionally, you can track your organization’s progress in complying with specific regulations and identify any gaps in your organization’s compliance with specific regulations. Further, a Statement of Applicability can help you to develop a compliance plan for specific regulations.

What happens if you don’t have a Statement of Applicability?

If an organization does not have a Statement of Applicability, they are not taking the necessary measures to identify and address applicable risks when implementing or maintaining their information technology systems. An SoA specifies which IT controls are relevant to a specific organization and how they should be implemented, based on the organization’s risk assessment. Without this document in place, it can be difficult for organizations to ensure that their IT systems are secure and compliant with relevant regulations.

How do you create a Statement of Applicability?

To create an SoA, there are a few steps you will need to follow. First, identify the specific IT products, services, or systems to which you will apply your security controls. Then, verify that the identified products, services, or systems are within the scope of your compliance program. Finally, for each product, service, or system, identify the applicable compliance requirements, document the security controls that will be applied to meet those requirements, and review and approve the SoA with key stakeholders.

Altogether, an SoA can help to ensure product safety and compliance with regulations. By having a documented record of how safety standards are being addressed, companies can more easily demonstrate that they have met all the necessary requirements and address any potential issues before they become a problem.