ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple: A Comprehensive Guide to Information Security Management
Introduction
Information security has become a defining business priority. With cyber threats increasing in scale and sophistication—and regulatory pressure rising through frameworks such as GDPR, NIS2, and sector-specific mandates—organizations can no longer treat security as a purely technical concern. A structured, auditable approach to managing information security risks is now essential.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple: A Comprehensive Guide to Information Security Management by Willy Danenberg responds directly to this need. The book transforms the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard from a dense, intimidating document into a clear, actionable roadmap that professionals can confidently apply to design, implement, and maintain an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS).
About the Author
Willy Danenberg is a seasoned compliance and risk management expert with nearly four decades of professional experience spanning banking, information security, governance, and regulatory advisory roles. His career has focused on translating complex regulatory and technical standards into practical, business-ready solutions.
Danenberg is the author of multiple titles in the IT Made Simple Series, a well-regarded collection designed to help professionals understand and apply demanding frameworks such as GDPR, ISO standards, NIS2, and DORA. His writing is characterized by clarity, structured thinking, and a strong emphasis on real-world implementation rather than abstract theory.
Book Information: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple
Title: ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple: A Comprehensive Guide to Information Security Management
Author: Willy Danenberg
Publisher: PayServices BV
Publication Date: October 4, 2025
Language: English
Length: 462 pages
ISBN: 979-8900303116
ASIN: B0FTXCGH5F
Format: Kindle Edition / Paperback
Why ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple Matters Today
ISO/IEC 27001 has long been the global benchmark for information security management, but the 2022 revision introduced significant updates-particularly to Annex A controls, risk alignment, and integration with broader governance frameworks. Many organizations struggle to understand what has changed and how to adapt without overengineering their security programs.
This book matters because it:
- Explains the 2022 standard in plain, accessible language
- Connects information security with business risk and governance
- Supports both certification-driven and maturity-driven approaches
- Helps organizations build security programs that are sustainable, auditable, and aligned with modern threats
Rather than treating ISO 27001 as a compliance checkbox, the book positions it as a strategic management system.
Overview of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple
This guide offers a comprehensive walkthrough of the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard, focusing on how organizations can design, implement, and maintain an effective ISMS. Danenberg carefully balances conceptual explanations with operational guidance, ensuring the material is relevant to both technical and non-technical audiences.
Key areas covered include:
- Information security risk identification and assessment
- Risk treatment planning and control selection
- Governance structures and management responsibilities
- Annex A control objectives and their practical application
- Documentation and evidence requirements
- Audit readiness, certification, and continual improvement
The result is a reference that remains useful long after the initial implementation phase.
The Structure of the Book
The book follows a logical, implementation-oriented structure:
- Foundational sections introduce ISO 27001 principles, scope, and terminology
- Core ISMS chapters address risk management, controls, and governance
- Operational guidance supports documentation, metrics, and internal audits
- Advanced insights explore integration with frameworks such as NIST and ISO 27701
Each chapter builds progressively, allowing readers to develop both understanding and execution capability without prior ISO certification experience.
Key Lessons from the Book
Several critical themes run throughout the book:
- Information security is a management responsibility
Danenberg emphasizes leadership accountability and governance over purely technical fixes. - Risk-based thinking is central to ISO 27001
Controls must be selected based on organizational risk, not blindly implemented. - Annex A is a toolbox, not a checklist
The book clarifies how to tailor controls to business context rather than overcomply. - Continuous improvement is essential
An ISMS must evolve alongside threats, business changes, and regulatory expectations.
Practical Tools and Frameworks
A key strength of the book is its practical orientation. Readers benefit from:
- Clear explanations of Annex A controls and their intent
- Step-by-step guidance for risk treatment planning
- Advice on building audit-ready documentation
- Practical insights into certification preparation
- Examples that reflect real organizational challenges
The guidance is applicable to organizations of all sizes, from SMEs to large enterprises.
Who Should Read ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple
This book is ideal for:
- IT and information security managers
- CISOs and security leadership teams
- Compliance officers and risk managers
- Internal and external auditors
- Consultants supporting ISO 27001 implementations
- Executives overseeing governance and assurance
Whether pursuing ISO 27001 certification or strengthening internal security maturity, readers will find this guide highly valuable.
Conclusion
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Made Simple: A Comprehensive Guide to Information Security Management succeeds in making one of the world’s most important security standards accessible, actionable, and relevant. Willy Danenberg combines deep expertise with a clear writing style to deliver a guide that supports both strategic understanding and operational execution.
For organizations navigating today’s complex threat landscape, this book is not just a compliance manual-it is a practical blueprint for building resilient information security.
FAQs
Is this book suitable for ISO 27001 beginners?
Yes. The book starts with fundamentals and builds progressively, making it suitable for newcomers.
Does it cover the ISO/IEC 27001:2022 updates in detail?
Yes. The 2022 revision, including Annex A changes, is thoroughly explained.
Is the book useful without pursuing certification?
Absolutely. It supports broader security maturity and governance, not just certification.
Can non-technical leaders benefit from this book?
Yes. The language is accessible, and the focus on governance makes it valuable for executives.
Does it align with other frameworks like NIST?
Yes. The book discusses integration with related standards and frameworks where relevant.
