What does Annex A provide in the ISO 27001 framework?

Annex A of the ISO 27001 standard is specifically designed to provide an overview of applicable controls that organizations can implement to manage information security risks effectively. It contains a comprehensive list of security controls categorized into different domains, which helps organizations assess their current security posture and identify controls that may be necessary to mitigate risks to their information assets.

Organizations can refer to Annex A when developing and implementing their Information Security Management System (ISMS), ensuring that they consider relevant security measures tailored to their specific risk environment. The structured nature of the controls in Annex A also aids in conducting audits and validations of compliance with the standard, as it sets clear expectations for what should be in place.

The other options do not accurately describe the purpose of Annex A within the ISO 27001 framework, making the understanding of its role crucial for those looking to implement or audit an ISMS effectively.