As businesses become increasingly reliant on technology, governing the use of IT has become critical to ensuring organisations achieve their strategic objectives while managing risks effectively. The newly updated ISO/IEC 38500:2024 offers an enhanced framework that helps leaders optimise IT governance, adapt to technological advances, and address emerging challenges.
What is ISO/IEC 38500:2024?
ISO/IEC 38500:2024 is the latest edition of the international standard that outlines principles for effective governance of information technology. This standard guides organisations in making informed decisions about the strategic and responsible use of IT. It applies to organisations of all sizes and sectors, from public companies and government bodies to not-for-profits.
The updated standard retains its focus on high-level governance but now reflects changes in the IT landscape, such as the rise of artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and cybersecurity threats. These factors significantly impact how organisations govern and protect their IT assets, making the need for robust governance more urgent than ever.
Why ISO ISO/IEC 38500:2024 matters
With the rapid adoption of new technologies like AI, businesses face growing risks from data breaches, privacy issues, and the ethical use of technology. ISO/IEC 38500:2024 provides a structured framework for addressing these challenges, helping organisations:
- Ensure their IT strategies align with business goals
- Mitigate risks associated with emerging technologies
- Build resilient cybersecurity measures
- Stay compliant with international laws and regulations like GDPR and POPIA.
By adopting this standard, businesses can also foster trust with stakeholders by demonstrating that they take IT governance seriously.
Fundamental principles of ISO/IEC 38500:2024
The core principles underpinning ISO/IEC 38500:2024 remain as follows:
- Responsibility: Ensure that key roles in IT decision-making are clearly defined and assigned.
- Strategy: IT must align with overall business strategies to drive value and competitive advantage.
- Acquisition: IT investments should be carefully planned, focusing on delivering business value.
- Performance: IT resources must be used optimally and monitored for performance improvements.
- Conformance: Organisations must comply with internal policies and external regulations, including data protection laws.
- Human behaviour: IT governance should account for the influence of human behaviour, ensuring ethical and sustainable use of technology.
What’s new in ISO/IEC 38500:2024?
The 2024 update includes additional guidelines that respond to current trends and risks.
One significant enhancement is the focus on sustainability—encouraging organisations to consider the environmental impact of their IT operations and promote eco-friendly technologies. It also strengthens guidance around cybersecurity governance, addressing the increased need for resilience in the face of rising cyber threats.
Furthermore, the standard now aligns with ISO 37000, emphasising the broader context of organisational governance. This ensures that IT governance is integrated within the overall governance framework, reinforcing that IT is not a siloed function but a critical component of business success.
How ITLawCo can help
At ITLawCo, we understand the importance of robust IT governance in today’s digital economy. Our team has generous experience in helping organisations implement the ISO/IEC 38500:2024 framework, tailoring solutions to your specific needs. Whether you’re grappling with complex IT challenges or seeking to enhance your current governance framework, we can provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Contact us to learn how we can help your organisation achieve IT governance excellence with ISO 38500:2024.
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