Is it sufficient for only the IT department head to support the ISO 27001 program

No, it is not sufficient for only the IT department head to support the ISO 27001 program. Effective implementation and maintenance of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO 27001 require commitment and support from top management across the entire organization. Here’s why:

Reasons for Top Management Support:

1. Resource Allocation: Top management can allocate the necessary resources (financial, human, and technological) required for the successful implementation and maintenance of the ISMS.

2. Organizational Culture: Establishing a culture of security within the organization requires leadership to set the tone and encourage security practices throughout all departments.

3. Strategic Alignment: Information security must be aligned with the organization's overall business objectives and strategies. This alignment can only be achieved with top management's involvement.

4. Authority and Influence: Top management has the authority to enforce policies and procedures, ensuring compliance across all levels of the organization.

5. Accountability: Management is responsible for the overall risk management and ensuring that information security risks are adequately addressed.

Involvement Beyond IT:

• Cross-Department Collaboration: Information security impacts all areas of an organization, not just IT. HR, finance, legal, and other departments must also be involved in defining and implementing security controls relevant to their operations.

• Employee Awareness and Training: Ensuring all employees are aware of and understand their roles in maintaining information security requires a coordinated effort from various departments, supported by top management.

ISO 27001 Requirements:

• Clause 5.1: Leadership and commitment - ISO 27001 explicitly requires top management to demonstrate leadership and commitment to the ISMS by ensuring that information security policies and objectives are established and compatible with the strategic direction of the organization.

Without broad support and involvement from top management, the ISMS may lack the necessary authority, resources, and organizational alignment to be effective. Therefore, it's crucial for the success of ISO 27001 implementation that top management actively supports and engages with the program.