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Managing information security in the ICT supply chain

15/09/2025

Author: Stuart Barker | ISO 27001 Expert and Thought Leader

ISO 27001 Managing information security in the ICT supply chain is a rule that helps companies keep their information safe when they work with other companies. It makes sure that all the businesses in a chain follow the same rules to protect data. Think of it like a team sport where everyone needs to play by the same rules to win. This control is important because a weak link in the supply chain can put everyone’s data at risk.

Examples

  • A car company uses a new computer chip from another business to make a smart car. This rule means the car company must check if the chip business protects its data well. They might ask to see the other company’s security rules to be sure the car’s software is safe from hackers.
  • An online store uses a company to manage its customer support. This rule makes the online store check that the support company keeps all customer info, like names and emails, a secret. They might write an agreement that says the support company must use strong passwords and secure systems.

Context

This rule is a part of the bigger ISO 27001 standard, which is a set of best practices for keeping information secure. It focuses on the risks that come from working with other companies. By following this rule, a company can be more confident that its data is safe, even when it is not directly in its control. It helps build trust and good relationships between businesses. It also helps companies meet laws and rules about data privacy.

Relevant ISO 27001 Controls

The following controls from the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard are related to managing information security in the ICT supply chain:

About the author

Stuart Barker is an information security practitioner of over 30 years. He holds an MSc in Software and Systems Security and an undergraduate degree in Software Engineering. He is an ISO 27001 expert and thought leader holding both ISO 27001 Lead Implementer and ISO 27001 Lead Auditor qualifications. In 2010 he started his first cyber security consulting business that he sold in 2018. He worked for over a decade for GE, leading a data governance team across Europe and since then has gone on to deliver hundreds of client engagements and audits.

He regularly mentors and trains professionals on information security and runs a successful ISO 27001 YouTube channel where he shows people how they can implement ISO 27001 themselves. He is passionate that knowledge should not be hoarded and brought to market the first of its kind online ISO 27001 store for all the tools and templates people need when they want to do it themselves.

In his personal life he is an active and a hobbyist kickboxer.

His specialisms are ISO 27001 and SOC 2 and his niche is start up and early stage business.