Information and communication technology (ICT) is the backbone of nearly every organisation. From enabling transactions to maintaining customer interactions, ICT systems have become inseparable from day-to-day business operations. Yet, with this reliance comes vulnerability. Cyberattacks, technical failures, or third-party outages can bring critical services to a halt. To address these challenges, ISO/IEC 2703:2025 provides an internationally recognised framework that guides organisations in preparing their ICT environments to withstand and recover from disruptions.
The journey of ISO/IEC 27031 reflects the growing recognition of ICT’s role in business resilience. The first edition of the standard was released in 2011, setting the foundation for organisations to consider ICT readiness as part of their continuity planning. However, the landscape of cyber threats and operational risks has changed drastically since then.
A revision project was initiated but stalled in 2020 due to challenges in scope and direction. It was later rebooted to better address the realities of modern ICT disruptions, both deliberate, such as cyberattacks, and accidental, such as system outages or human error. This process resulted in the second edition of the standard, ISO/IEC 27031:2025, officially published in May 2025. The updated version provides more comprehensive guidance for ensuring ICT support across evolving digital environments, aligning business continuity strategies with today’s resilience demands.
ISO/IEC 27031 is not just another standard; it bridges the gap between information security and business continuity. It offers structured guidance on how organisations can ensure that their ICT capabilities remain reliable during unexpected incidents. By focusing on readiness, response, and recovery, it aligns ICT systems with broader business continuity objectives, ensuring that essential services can resume quickly and with minimal disruption.
The framework is designed to be adaptable, recognising that organisations differ in size, complexity, and reliance on technology. Whether applied to in-house infrastructure or cloud-based services, ISO/IEC 27031 helps create an environment where resilience is built in, rather than retrofitted after a crisis.
ICT disruptions are not confined to the digital space; empowering organisations with ISO/IEC 27031 helps them reduce these tangible business consequences. System downtime can interrupt supply chains, hinder customer services, and erode stakeholder trust. In highly regulated industries, it can also result in non-compliance with legal and contractual obligations.
ISO/IEC 27031 addresses these risks by ensuring that ICT services can be restored within acceptable timeframes, reducing potential financial loss and reputational damage. It also places emphasis on dependencies outside the organisation, such as internet service providers, data centres, or cloud platforms, acknowledging that resilience is only as strong as the weakest link in the chain.
Adopting the principles of ISO/IEC 27031 offers multiple advantages that go beyond simple disaster recovery:
The strength of ISO/IEC 27031 lies in its practical, readiness-focused approach. It encourages organisations to assess vulnerabilities, define recovery objectives, and develop processes that ensure continuity under stress. By embedding ICT resilience within governance and risk frameworks, it shifts the mindset from reactive recovery to proactive preparedness.
When combined with existing standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 for information security and ISO 22301 for business continuity, ISO/IEC 27031 provides a layered, integrated defence. Together, these standards create a resilient foundation where technology supports, rather than undermines, organisational objectives, even in times of disruption.
ICT disruptions are no longer rare or exceptional; they are an inevitable reality of modern operations. ISO/IEC 27031 equips organisations with the structure to anticipate, withstand, and recover from these challenges, ensuring that business continuity is safeguarded. By aligning ICT resilience with strategic priorities, the standard reinforces trust, accountability, and long-term stability.
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