Definition and purpose

The purpose of ISO/IEC 30111 is to establish guidelines for vulnerability handling processes. It assists organizations in managing vulnerabilities in a consistent and effective manner, ensuring that they are assessed, prioritized, and mitigated or remedied promptly, thereby reducing the risk to users of products or services.

Governing Body

The standard is developed and maintained by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).

Last updated

ISO/IEC 30111 was initially published in 2013. It was withdrawn and replaced by ISO/IEC 30111:2019.

Applies to

ISO/IEC 30111 is applicable to any organization that develops, maintains, or supports products or online services. This includes software developers, IT service providers, and technology manufacturers across various sectors.

Controls and requirements

The standard provides guidance on several aspects of vulnerability handling, including:

• Receiving Reports: How to accept and handle incoming reports of potential vulnerabilities.
• Investigating: Steps to verify, replicate, and assess the impact of reported vulnerabilities.
• Resolving Issues: Developing and implementing solutions to address verified vulnerabilities.
• Release and Communication: Processes for releasing patches or updates and communicating with stakeholders, including customers and the public.
• Feedback Loop: Mechanisms for learning from vulnerabilities to improve products and processes.

Please refer to the official ISO/IEC 39111:2019 documentation for details on controls and requirements.

Audit type, frequency, and duration

Audits for ISO/IEC 30111 compliance typically involve reviewing an organization’s vulnerability handling procedures, documentation, and records to ensure they align with the standard’s requirements. The frequency of these audits can be based on the organization's risk management strategy, the nature of the products or services it offers, or as part of regular compliance checks.

The duration depends on the size of the organization, the complexity of its products or services, and the depth of the audit.