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AMC1 IS.I.OR.260 Continuous improvement

ED Decision 2023/009/R

The continuous improvement process (CIP), as required by IS.I.OR.200(b), should aim to continuously improve the effectiveness, suitability and adequacy of the ISMS. This should be achieved by a proactive and systematic assessment of the ISMS and all its elements — including its maturity. The assessment should take into account the outcomes and conclusions of other information security and assurance processes including audits, management reviews, evaluation of performance, effectiveness and maturity, as well as the outcomes of the derived corrective actions and corrections.

The steps to be performed should be at least the following:

(a) Identification of improvement opportunities based on the outcomes of the assessment of the ISMS with respect to its suitability, effectiveness, adequacy and, if deemed necessary, efficiency, as well as on any other suggestion for improvement. The assessment should consider performance indicators which reflect its processes and elements and the defined objectives for effectiveness and maturity.

(b) Evaluation of the identified opportunities regarding cost benefit, absence or reduction of undesired effects and achievement of the targeted objectives and intended outcomes.

(c) Proposal on the evaluated improvement opportunities to the management, and recommendation of actions to support their review and decision-making.

(d) According to the decision taken under point (c), planning, development and implementation of actions and changes to the ISMS, its processes or elements to achieve the improvements.

(e) Evaluation the effectiveness of the implemented actions and ISMS changes, and, as applicable, verification that the root cause of identified deficiencies has been eliminated.

The management should assess and review the outcomes of the CIP at planned intervals to ensure the continuing effectiveness, adequacy and suitability of the ISMS, to decide on the prioritisation of the implementation of actions and changes, as well as to revise or set new objectives or targets for continuous improvement.