Scenario 33: United NetSure is a IT service provider headquartered in Dubai, UAE, specializing in secure cloud hosting, data analytics platforms, and managed IT services for clients in the financial, healthcare, and public sectors. The company has recently committed to implementing an information security management system (ISMS) aligned with ISO/IEC 27001, formalizing and strengthening its approach to information security. In the early stages of ISMS implementation, United NetSure conducted workshops to identify communication requirements. It established clear communication processes and selected secure channels to ensure information was accurately received, understood, and acted upon. The communication plan was designed to deliver relevant information in formats tailored to stakeholder roles. Policies, procedures, and risk-related updates were clearly communicated via secure, accessible channels and aligned with organizational objectives. Regular briefings and documentation helped maintain cross-departmental understanding and trust. However, despite this structured approach, there was no consistent process for addressing follow-up questions or concerns. For example, when the security team raised ambiguities about new procedures, their feedback was often left unanswered, creating uncertainty in implementation. Top management defined ISMS communication objectives, identified key internal and external audiences, and planned regular updates aligned with security priorities. The strategy outlined what would be shared, with whom, and through which channels.
While comprehensive on paper, its execution often relied on ad hoc efforts, with teams handling communication alongside their regular duties and without dedicated mechanisms or support. United NetSure's approach allowed adequate time based on the nature of the communication. For instance, before launching a new data classification policy, the communications team spent three weeks tailoring content, validating it with the ISMS coordinator, and organizing briefings and Q&A sessions across departments. In managing changes to its ISMS, United NetSure prepared a communication plan as part of its change management procedures. Before introducing major updates, such as new encryption standards, users were briefed through instructional webinars and documentation. These activities took place before the changes were transitioned into live operations, ensuring users were informed and prepared. United NetSure introduced a digital form for submitting ISMS-related change requests.
While changes were often coordinated and implemented, in some instances, minor technical changes were implemented without formal review, leading to misalignments with ISMS documentation and occasional duplication of effort. Based on the scenario above, answer the following question.
As indicated in the scenario, which key principle for effective communication did United NetSure not apply?
- Appropriateness
- Responsiveness
- Both A and B
Answer(s): B
Explanation:
Although United NetSure established structured and secure communication processes, it failed to address follow-up questions or concerns from staff, such as the security team’s unanswered feedback. This indicates a lack of responsiveness, which is a key principle of effective communication under ISO/IEC 27001, ensuring that communication is two-way and responsive to stakeholder needs.
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