What type of audit assesses the effectiveness of an ISMS?

A certification audit is designed specifically to evaluate whether an Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the criteria outlined in the ISO/IEC 27001 standard. The primary purpose of this audit is to verify the organization’s compliance with the standard and assess the effectiveness of its ISMS in managing information security risks. During the certification audit, the auditors will review the organization’s policies, procedures, and controls, conducting interviews with personnel and examining documentation to ensure alignment with the established requirements.

In contrast, an internal audit is typically carried out by the organization to assess its own ISMS, ensuring it operates effectively and is compliant with internal policies and the ISO standard. While useful for maintaining and improving the ISMS, it may not have the same level of validation that a certification audit provides when it comes to obtaining formal certification.

A follow-up audit occurs after the initial certification audit to verify that any non-conformities identified have been successfully addressed, focusing more on rectifications than on the overall effectiveness of the ISMS.

Lastly, a system audit generally refers to a broader examination of a specific system rather than the comprehensive evaluation of an entire ISMS as outlined in the certification process. Therefore, while each type of audit serves its purpose, the certification audit is specifically