ISO IEC 27043-2015 PDF

Full title and description

ISO/IEC 27043:2015 — Information technology — Security techniques — Incident investigation principles and processes. This International Standard gives guidelines and idealized process models for incident investigation activities involving digital evidence, covering activities from readiness and preparation through investigation closure and reporting.

Abstract

ISO/IEC 27043:2015 provides a high-level, non‑prescriptive overview of principles and processes for digital incident investigations. It addresses investigation process models and common process phases (readiness, initialization, acquisitive activities, analysis, concurrent activities and closure), and highlights general advice and caveats while referring readers to more detailed, complementary standards for specific forensic tasks.

General information

• Status: Published (first edition, confirmed at periodic review).
• Publication date: March 2015 (published 2015-03-04 in ISO/IEC stores).
• Publisher: ISO/IEC (developed under ISO/IEC JTC 1/SC 27 — Information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection).
• ICS / categories: 35.030 (Information security).
• Edition / version: Edition 1 (2015).
• Number of pages: 30 (ISO/IEC/IEC publication listing).

Scope

This standard gives general guidelines applicable to a wide range of incident investigation contexts involving digital evidence (for example: unauthorized access, data corruption, system failures, and breaches). It describes idealized models for investigation processes and associated activities — from preparation (readiness) and incident initialization through acquisition, investigation, analysis, and closure — but does not prescribe detailed technical procedures; instead it points to more specific standards for detailed methods and techniques.

Key topics and requirements

• Incident investigation process model: defining phased processes (readiness, initialization, acquisition, investigation/analysis, concurrent processes, closure).
• Readiness and preparation activities for investigations, including roles, responsibilities and capability planning.
• Evidence acquisition and preservation principles (chain of custody, documentation, integrity).
• Guidance on investigative and analytical activities while maintaining evidential weight and legal/ethical considerations.
• Interaction with other processes and stakeholders (internal response teams, legal, HR, law enforcement, external experts).
• Emphasis on non‑prescriptive, harmonizing guidance that complements more technical ISO/IEC forensic standards.

Typical use and users

Used by incident response teams, digital forensics practitioners, security managers, auditors, legal counsel, and organizations establishing or maturing formal incident investigation and digital evidence handling processes. It is particularly useful for practitioners designing investigation workflows, defining roles and responsibilities, and aligning internal procedures with recognized international principles.

Related standards

ISO/IEC 27043 sits alongside related ISO/IEC standards that address specific digital evidence and forensic activities: ISO/IEC 27037 (identification, collection, acquisition and preservation of digital evidence), ISO/IEC 27041 (assurance of investigative methods), ISO/IEC 27042 (analysis and interpretation of digital evidence), and the ISO/IEC 27050 series (electronic discovery). These complementary standards provide the detailed, task‑level guidance that 27043 references and harmonizes with.

Keywords

Incident investigation, digital forensics, digital evidence, chain of custody, incident response, readiness, evidence acquisition, analysis, ISO/IEC 27000 family.

FAQ

Q: What is this standard?

A: ISO/IEC 27043:2015 is an international standard that provides principles and process models for investigating incidents involving digital evidence.

Q: What does it cover?

A: It covers high‑level guidance and idealized process phases for investigations (readiness, initialization, acquisition, analysis/investigation, concurrent processes, closure), and highlights legal, evidential and organizational considerations; it does not provide detailed technical steps for specific forensic techniques.

Q: Who typically uses it?

A: Incident responders, forensic examiners, information security managers, legal teams, auditors, and organizations building or reviewing incident investigation programs.

Q: Is it current or superseded?

A: The publication is the first edition from March 2015; it was subject to ISO periodic review and has been confirmed in subsequent reviews (confirmed at review cycles, e.g., 2020). Users should check the issuing body for the most current confirmation or revision status before purchase or formal adoption.

Q: Is it part of a series?

A: Yes — it is part of the broader ISO/IEC 27000 family addressing information security and includes closely related forensic and e‑discovery standards (notably ISO/IEC 27037, 27041, 27042 and the 27050 series).

Q: What are the key keywords?

A: Incident investigation, digital evidence, digital forensics, chain of custody, incident response, forensic readiness, ISO/IEC 27043, ISO/IEC 27000 family.