Organizations adopting artificial intelligence (AI) technologies are increasingly interested in aligning AI governance with existing security frameworks. ISO 42001:2023 is the first international standard for AI management systems, setting requirements for responsible AI development, oversight, and continual improvement. In parallel, ISO 27001 provides a well-established framework for information security management. Integrating ISO 42001 audits with an ISO 27001-based system can create a cohesive governance framework across both AI and information security domains.

Shared Foundations and Scope

Both ISO 42001 and ISO 27001 follow the same high-level management system model and the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. Each standard requires a defined scope and policies, leadership commitment, risk assessment, documented processes, internal audits, and continual improvement. This common structure makes it straightforward to adapt an existing ISO 27001 Information Security Management System (ISMS) to also cover AI governance. For example, an organization’s established risk assessment process can be expanded to include AI-specific threats, making the transition to ISO 42001 smoother.

Benefits of a Unified Audit Approach

Integrating the audits and processes of both standards delivers clear advantages:

• Consolidated Policies and Scope: A single governance policy and scope statement can cover both information security and AI management. Teams follow one unified set of rules, reducing duplication. For example, a combined “Information Security and AI Governance Policy” keeps messaging consistent and avoids confusion.
• Comprehensive Risk Management: A unified risk register lets organizations address cyber threats and AI-specific threats together. Stakeholders gain a holistic view of organizational risk, knowing that both data breaches and AI ethics issues are assessed under one program.
• Efficient Processes and Audits: Shared processes (such as change control, asset management, and vendor evaluations) can be updated to address both domains. Auditors can then plan integrated audits that evaluate the requirements of both ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 in one session, avoiding duplicate documentation and shortening overall audit effort.
• Improved Stakeholder Confidence: Demonstrating dual compliance shows customers, regulators, and partners that the organization takes both security and ethical AI seriously. This comprehensive oversight can be a competitive differentiator and simplifies compliance reporting.

Overall, combining the management systems yields operational efficiency and stronger governance. Integrated audits under one management system often lead to cost savings and clearer reporting.

Practical Integration Strategies

To integrate ISO 42001 into an existing ISO 27001 system, organizations can follow these steps:

1. Align Scope and Governance – Expand the ISMS scope to include AI systems (e.g., datasets, models) and update the governance policy so that leadership commitments cover both data protection and responsible AI.
2. Extend Risk Management – Incorporate AI-specific threats (such as model bias or data poisoning) into the risk assessment process. Add AI assets (models, datasets) to the inventory and treat these risks using the same risk treatment framework used for other assets.
3. Map and Consolidate Controls – Identify where existing ISO 27001 controls can be extended for AI needs. For example, adapt software development and change control processes to include AI model testing, and update vendor due diligence to assess AI service providers. Reuse or adjust procedures so they satisfy both standards.
4. Train Teams and Assign Roles – Provide training that includes AI governance concepts alongside information security. Auditors should also build AI expertise; for example, ISO 42001 lead auditor training equips audit staff to evaluate AI risk management. Assign a cross-functional team (IT, legal, data science, compliance) to oversee the integrated management system.
5. Conduct Integrated Audits – Schedule internal audits that cover clauses from both standards together. Inform your certification body about the integrated system so it can audit ISO 27001 and ISO 42001 in a single combined audit, reducing redundancy.

By following these strategies, organizations can add AI governance smoothly to their existing framework while staying efficient. Regular reviews or gap analyses help ensure that no requirements of either standard are overlooked.

Conclusion

Integrating ISO 42001 audits with an ISO 27001 system creates a holistic governance framework for emerging technologies. It leverages existing information security processes (risk management, incident response, management review) to also cover AI-specific controls. This unified approach improves readiness for evolving AI regulations and simplifies compliance oversight. For auditors, IT managers, and compliance officers, it means governing all digital risks under one robust management system. Ultimately, a combined ISO 27001/42001 framework ensures that data security and responsible AI practices are monitored and improved together.