How to Meet the Requirements of ISO 27001 A.18.1.1

Complying with laws, regulations, and contractual obligations is one of the most challenging aspects of information security management. Many organizations focus heavily on defending against cyber threats but overlook the equal importance of ensuring compliance with mandatory requirements. ISO 27001 addresses this through control A.18.1.1, which requires organizations to identify, document, and keep up to date with all relevant legal, statutory, regulatory, and contractual obligations.

Failing to meet these obligations can result not only in exposure to cyberattacks but also in heavy fines, lawsuits, reputational damage, and even the loss of business opportunities. Understanding and implementing ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 is therefore essential for protecting both security and compliance.

What Is ISO 27001 A.18.1.1?

ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 states:

“All relevant legislative statutory, regulatory, contractual requirements and the organization's approach to meet these requirements shall be explicitly identified, documented and kept up to date for each information system and the organization.”

This control ensures that compliance is not treated as an afterthought but as a structured, ongoing process. Even if an organization does not plan to pursue ISO 27001 certification, it can still face significant risks if it fails to demonstrate that all legal and regulatory requirements are systematically followed.

Why Regulatory Compliance Matters for Information Security

Laws and regulations are constantly evolving, shaped by new technologies, changing business practices, and rising security threats. Depending on your industry and geography, you may need to comply with:

• Data protection laws such as GDPR or CCPA

• Privacy regulations specific to healthcare (HIPAA), finance (GLBA), or critical infrastructure

• Intellectual property rights and copyright laws

• Labor and workplace safety requirements with IT implications

• Contractual obligations imposed by clients, partners, or vendors

The challenge is not only identifying applicable regulations but also proving compliance. Governments and regulators are increasingly holding organizations accountable for mishandling sensitive data. Failure to comply may lead to penalties, negligence lawsuits, and reputational harm that can significantly reduce company value.

How to Identify and Document Applicable Requirements

Meeting ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 starts with a clear understanding of which laws, regulations, and obligations apply to your organization. This process requires cross-functional collaboration, compliance should never be left to the IT or information security team alone.

Key steps include:

1. Engage multiple departments: Legal, HR, Finance, Procurement, and Compliance all play a role in identifying obligations.

2. Map applicable laws and regulations: Consider all jurisdictions where your company operates, including international laws if you do business globally.

3. Address potential conflicts: Different jurisdictions may impose conflicting requirements, making it essential to prioritize or adopt the strictest standard.

4. Create a compliance register: Maintain a documented inventory of all laws, regulations, and contractual requirements.

This register should be continuously updated as new regulations emerge or as your business expands into new regions or industries.

Evidence of Compliance with ISO 27001 A.18.1.1

To demonstrate compliance, organizations must not only identify obligations but also provide evidence that requirements are actively monitored and addressed. Examples of compliance evidence include:

• A published compliance policy supported by standards, procedures, and guidelines

• A documented inventory of all applicable requirements

• Correspondence with legal or compliance teams, demonstrating ongoing collaboration

• Meeting notes or agendas showing regular discussions on compliance matters

• Internal compliance reports reviewed by senior management or the board

• Audit and assessment reports evaluating the organization’s level of compliance

• Project documentation such as budgets, progress reports, and risk assessments related to compliance initiatives

This evidence proves not only that the organization understands its obligations but also that compliance is embedded into daily operations and governance.

Common Challenges in Meeting ISO 27001 A.18.1.1

Organizations often struggle with:

• Assuming compliance is only IT’s responsibility rather than a shared obligation across departments

• Keeping up with global regulatory changes, especially when operating in multiple jurisdictions

• Overlooking contractual obligations, which can be as binding as statutory requirements

• False sense of compliance due to incomplete or outdated regulatory inventories

Addressing these challenges requires proactive monitoring, effective communication between departments, and a structured approach to compliance management.

Best Practices for Staying Compliant

To effectively meet ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 requirements, organizations should adopt these best practices:

• Develop a compliance governance framework: Define responsibilities and accountability across teams.

• Leverage GRC tools or compliance management software: Automate the tracking, mapping, and reporting of compliance obligations.

• Regularly train employees: Ensure all staff understand the importance of compliance and their role in maintaining it.

• Conduct periodic audits and reviews: Identify gaps early and take corrective action.

• Engage external experts when necessary: Consultants and legal specialists can help interpret complex or conflicting requirements.

Turning Compliance Into a Security Advantage

While meeting regulatory requirements can feel like a burden, ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 highlights how compliance can directly strengthen information security. By systematically tracking obligations, documenting compliance, and engaging multiple departments, organizations reduce the risk of security incidents, improve audit readiness, and build stronger trust with customers and partners.

Ultimately, compliance under ISO 27001 A.18.1.1 is about embedding best practices that enhance resilience, protect sensitive information, and add long-term value to your business.