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info@canadiancyber.ca
Abdul Samad Saleem
October 20, 2025
ISO 27001 Control 5.36 emphasizes the value of independent reviews for maintaining a strong ISMS. At Canadian Cyber, we help organizations identify blind spots, validate controls, and continuously improve through unbiased assessments.
Security can’t just look good on paper it has to work.
But here’s the truth: when you build and manage your own systems, it’s easy to miss the cracks.
That’s why ISO 27001 Control 5.36 Independent Review of Information Security exists.
It ensures your organization regularly brings in fresh, objective eyes to evaluate how well your ISMS is performing and whether it still fits your business needs.
Because real security is about validation, not assumption.
You can’t improve what you don’t measure.
And you can’t measure objectively if you’re grading your own work.
Independent reviews help organizations:
✅ Identify blind spots internal teams overlook
✅ Validate that controls are effective and up to date
✅ Ensure compliance with ISO 27001 and other frameworks
✅ Build stakeholder confidence in your security program
Control 5.36, from ISO/IEC 27002:2022 Section 5.36, is an Organizational control that’s primarily detective in nature, reinforcing Integrity and Accountability through the Monitor and Improve cybersecurity concepts.
1. Schedule Regular Reviews
Conduct independent ISMS reviews at planned intervals at least annually or after major changes.
2. Ensure Independence
The reviewer should not be directly responsible for implementing or managing the ISMS.
3. Use a Structured Approach
Review policies, controls, and effectiveness against ISO 27001 requirements and organizational risks.
4. Document Findings and Recommendations
Keep detailed reports and track corrective actions.
5. Act on Insights
Use review outcomes to refine your security strategy and improve continually.
🚫 Treating internal audits as “independent” when done by the same team
🚫 Skipping reviews after significant organizational or technical changes
🚫 Ignoring findings or failing to track corrective actions
🚫 Viewing reviews as compliance tasks rather than improvement opportunities
At Canadian Cyber, we’ve seen the power of independent assessment firsthand.
When external experts review your ISMS, you gain clarity, credibility, and confidence.
Our team provides ISO 27001 internal and independent audit services tailored to your organization’s maturity from readiness reviews to ongoing control performance assessments.
We don’t just audit we help you elevate your security.
Even the strongest ISMS can stagnate without external perspective.
ISO 27001 Control 5.36 ensures your security posture stays honest, current, and continuously improving.
Fresh eyes don’t just find flaws they uncover opportunities.
At Canadian Cyber, we provide:
ISO 27001 and ISO 27001 Implementation Support
Privacy Impact Assessments (PIAs)
ISO 27018 Cloud Privacy Guidance
Internal Audit and Readiness Reviews
👉 Ready to strengthen privacy within your ISMS? Book a free consultation here.
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