IT Resilience with ISO 27031

Q: How is ISO 27031 related to ISO 27001?

Through Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001:2022, specifically Control A.5.30 on ICT Readiness for Business Continuity. The main clauses of ISO 27001 do not contain a specific business continuity requirement; ISO 27031 provides the bridge to operational implementation. Organizations that operate an ISMS can build upon it rather than starting from scratch.

Q: Do we also need ISO 22301?

ISO 22301 is the certifiable standard for business continuity management and covers the organization as a whole. ISO 27031 applies only to the IT side. If you need to provide evidence to customers or regulatory authorities, ISO 22301 is the way to go; for technical operational capability, ISO 27031 is sufficient.

Q: Is ISO 27031 the same as the Cyber Resilience Act?

No. The Cyber Resilience Act, Regulation (EU) 2024/2847, sets cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements entering the EU market. ISO 27031 addresses the resilience of your own IT systems. Manufacturers of products with digital elements need both, for different reasons.

From Strategy to Feasibility: ISO 27001 Meets ISO 27031

ISO 27001 forms the foundation of a professional information security management system (ISMS). It defines the requirements for establishing, operating, and continuously improving information security – including overarching requirements for business continuity.

But this is precisely where a gap arises in many companies:
How is the strategic requirement for business continuity actually implemented in IT?

The answer: ISO 27031

ISO 27031 provides the crucial framework for exactly this. It describes how to specifically prepare your information and communication technology (ICT) so that it remains operational even during crises and incidents.

Specifically, this means:

Identifying and assessing critical IT systems
Developing effective recovery strategies
Establishing robust recovery processes
Planning and conducting realistic tests and exercises

In short: ISO 27031 makes business continuity in IT operationally and measurably achievable.

Your benefit: Close gaps instead of duplicating work

If you already operate an ISMS in accordance with ISO 27001 or are seeking certification, you’ll benefit immediately:

Closing the gap between strategy (BCM) and IT implementation (ITSCM / IRBC)
Increased resilience of your critical systems
Demonstrable crisis resilience to customers, partners, and auditors
Avoiding redundancies and unnecessary effort

Here’s how abat supports you

We integrate the requirements of ISO 27031 efficiently and practically into your existing organization – without unnecessary complexity.

Our approach:

Utilizing existing ISMS and BCMS structures (no siloed solutions)
Joint development of:
- Response plans
- Coordination concepts
- Restart procedures
Establishment of a lean, effective IT emergency response organization

Your benefits:

No duplicate interviews

No redundant risk analyses

No theory-heavy test management

Quick integration instead of additional project effort

We ensure that IT Readiness for Business Continuity (IRBC) actually works in your company – not just that it’s documented.

Take the next step now

Make your business continuity audit-ready and truly resilient from an IT perspective.
Contact us for a no-obligation initial consultation or start with a quick check of your current IT resilience.

FAQs

What does ISO 27031 cover?

ISO/IEC 27031:2025 describes how to prepare information and communication technology for disruptions – a concept known as IRBC, or ICT Readiness for Business Continuity. The standard serves as a guideline and is not certifiable. It bridges the gap between the strategic level of emergency management and its implementation in IT.

How is ISO 27031 related to ISO 27001?

Do we also need ISO 22301?

Is ISO 27031 the same as the Cyber Resilience Act?

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Saskia

ISMS Consultant
Bremen

For me, abat is: fun, exciting projects - great customers and colleagues packed into a respectful and trusting atmosphere with plenty of room for continuous development!