A sampling plan for the audit is a method of selecting a representative subset of the audit evidence to evaluate the conformity of the ISMS1. The advantages of using a sampling plan are:
* It reduces the audit duration by focusing on the most relevant and significant aspects of the ISMS2.
* It gives confidence in the audit results by ensuring that the sample is sufficient, reliable, and unbiased3.
1: ISMS Auditing Guideline - ISO27000, page 9; 2: Internal Audit Plan - ISO Templates and Documents Download; 3: A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an ISO 27001 Internal Audit, Step 4; : ISMS Auditing Guideline - ISO27000; : Internal Audit Plan - ISO Templates and Documents Download; : A Step-by-Step Guide to Conducting an ISO 27001 Internal Audit

Explanation:

* Risk analysis is the process by which the nature of the risk is determined along with its probability and impact. Risk analysis involves estimating the likelihood and consequences of potential events or situations that could affect the organization's information security objectives or requirements12. Risk analysis could use qualitative or quantitative methods, or a combination of both12.
* Risk management is the process by which a risk is controlled at all stages of its life cycle by means of the application of organisational policies, procedures and practices. Risk management involves establishing the context, identifying, analyzing, evaluating, treating, monitoring, and reviewing the risks that could affect the organization's information security performance or compliance12. Risk management aims to ensure that risks are identified and treated in a timely and effective manner, and that opportunities for improvement are exploited12.
* Risk identification is the process by which a risk is recognised and described. Risk identification involves identifying and documenting the sources, causes, events, scenarios, and potential impacts of risks that could affect the organization's information security objectives or requirements12. Risk identification could use various techniques, such as brainstorming, interviews, checklists, surveys, or historical data12.
* Risk evaluation is the process by which the impact and/or probability of a risk is compared against risk criteria to determine if it is tolerable. Risk evaluation involves comparing the results of risk analysis with predefined criteria that reflect the organization's risk appetite, tolerance, or acceptance12. Risk evaluation could use various methods, such as ranking, scoring, or matrix12. Risk evaluation helps to prioritize and decide on the appropriate risk treatment options12.
* Risk mitigation is the process by which the impact and/or probability of a risk is reduced by means of the application of controls. Risk mitigation involves selecting and implementing measures that are designed to prevent, reduce, transfer, or accept risks that could affect the organization's information security objectives or requirements12. Risk mitigation could include various types of controls, such as technical, organizational, legal, or physical12. Risk mitigation should be based on a cost-benefit analysis and a residual risk assessment12.
* Risk transfer is the process by which a risk is passed to a third party, for example through obtaining appropriate insurance. Risk transfer involves sharing or shifting some or all of the responsibility or liability for a risk to another party that has more capacity or capability to manage it12. Risk transfer could include various methods, such as contracts, agreements, partnerships, outsourcing, or insurance12. Risk transfer should not be used as a substitute for effective risk management within the organization12.
References :=
* ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements
* ISO/IEC 27005:2022 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security risk management

Explanation
The asset owner is responsible for initial asset allocation to the user or custodian of the assets. The asset owner is a person or entity that has been assigned the responsibility for managing and protecting the asset throughout its lifecycle. The asset owner should ensure that the user or custodian of the assets has the appropriate authorization, competence and awareness to use or handle the assets securely. The asset owner should also monitor and review the use or custody of the assets and update or revoke the allocation as needed. ISO/IEC
27001:2022 requires the organization to assign owners to all assets within the scope of the information security management system (see clause A.8.1.2). References: CQI & IRCA Certified ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Lead Auditor Training Course, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements, What is an Asset Owner?

This is the definition of an interested party according to ISO 27001:2013, clause 3.16. An interested party is essentially a stakeholder, i.e., a person or organization that can influence or be influenced by the information security management system (ISMS) or its activities. Interested parties can have different needs and expectations regarding the ISMS, and these should be identified and addressed by the organization.
References:
* ISO/IEC 27001:2013, Information technology - Security techniques - Information security management systems - Requirements, clause 3.16
* PECB Candidate Handbook ISO 27001 Lead Auditor, page 10
* Identifying interested parties and their expectations for an ISO 27001 ISMS
* Examples of ISO 27001 interested parties