IT security concept: Definition & implementation according to BSI

Table of contents

1. Creating an IT security concept according to BSI (including template)
2. What is an IT security concept?
3. Why do you need an IT security concept?
4. The BSI security concept as a methodical standard
5. IT security concept according to ISO 27001
6. Creating an IT security concept
7. IT risk analysis and protective measures in the IT security concept
8. Structured documentation with the IT security concept template
9. Documenting an IT security concept in an audit-proof manner
10. The IT security concept as a basis for certifications and audits
11. IT security concept with INDITOR and GRC Suite+
12. The IT security concept is a strategic success factor

Creating an IT security concept according to BSI (including template)

Cyberattacks, data leaks, and system outages cause enormous economic damage every year. The digital association Bitkom estimates the losses incurred by German companies due to theft, sabotage, and industrial espionage in 2025 at 289.2 billion euros, 70 percent of which stems directly from cyberattacks. These figures make it clear: A resilient IT security concept is indispensable today. It not only protects against financial risks, but also forms the foundation for certifications, audits, and compliance with legal requirements.

How can you develop an IT security concept that meets the requirements of BSI standards and ISO 27001? And how do companies implement risk analyses, suitable protective measures, and audit-proof documentation in practice? In this article, you will get concrete answers and learn how to use an IT security concept template as a strategic tool.

Definition:  What is an IT security concept? 

By definition, an IT security concept is a central management document that describes all measures taken to protect the IT infrastructure and the information processed within it. It defines which information, systems, and processes are particularly critical, what threats they are exposed to, and which technical and organizational measures are necessary to reduce identified risks to an acceptable level.

Every IT security concept relies on three basic security objectives, the so-called CIA triad:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized individuals and systems may access sensitive data.

• Integrity: Data and systems must remain accurate, complete, and unaltered.

• Availability: IT systems, applications, and data must be usable for business operations at the intended times.

An effective IT security concept is more than just a collection of isolated measures. It establishes a continuous improvement process for monitoring, evaluating, and adapting IT security, thus becoming an integral part of IT governance.

Why you need an IT security concept 

Without a documented security concept, you expose yourself to avoidable risks such as cyberattacks, data breaches, and compliance violations. A professionally crafted concept creates transparency across the entire IT landscape, enables the systematic identification of vulnerabilities, and serves as a decision-making basis for prioritizing protective measures based on protection requirements and risk.

Furthermore, a BSI-compliant security concept is a formal prerequisite for ISO 27001 certifications, which are increasingly demanded by partners and customers as proof of trustworthy business relationships.

The BSI security concept as a methodical standard 

BSI IT-Grundschutz is the established methodology of the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) for implementing a robust IT security concept. A BSI-compliant security concept provides a field-tested best-practice approach, delivering concrete, actionable modules for typical IT components, systems, and processes.

This IT security concept is based on BSI Standards 200-1 (ISMS), 200-2 (Methodology), and 200-3 (Risk Analysis), as well as the IT-Grundschutz Compendium. The latter bundles detailed requirements across 111 modules. These specifications extend down to the configuration level, significantly reducing room for interpretation during practical implementation.

Users such as companies, organizations, or public authorities can choose between Basic, Standard, or Core protection levels to adjust the implementation effort to their specific needs. Successful implementation enables ISO 27001 certification based on IT-Grundschutz.

IT security concept according to ISO 27001 

ISO/IEC 27001 is the internationally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Compared to the BSI security concept, ISO 27001 pursues a less prescriptive, more risk-based, and management-oriented implementation approach.

An ISMS according to ISO 27001 follows the Deming cycle (named after its creator William Edward Deming) or PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act):

• Plan: Definition of scope and performance of a thorough risk analysis.

• Do: Implementation of derived protective measures.

• Check: Monitoring effectiveness through audits and KPIs.

• Act: Continuous improvement of the ISMS.

Annex A of ISO 27001:2024 lists 93 potential security controls across four categories: organizational, people, physical, and technological. The selection of measures to implement is not generic, but based on the results of the individual risk analysis.

Creating an IT security concept 

When creating an IT security concept, a methodical approach is essential:

• Define the scope: Precisely specify which organizational units, locations, business processes, and IT systems are covered by the concept.

• Asset inventory: Record all relevant IT assets, including hardware, software, data, interfaces/APIs, and external service providers. A well-maintained Configuration Management Database (CMDB) forms the ideal foundation for this.

• Protection requirement analysis: Evaluate each asset regarding the aforementioned security objectives: confidentiality, integrity, and availability (normal, high, very high).

• IT risk analysis: Identify threats and vulnerabilities for your critical assets. Evaluate each risk—for instance using a risk matrix (likelihood × impact)—to enable clear prioritization.

• Define protective measures: Determine an appropriate strategy for each identified risk: such as avoiding the risk (e.g., terminating a process), reducing it (through technical or organizational measures), transferring it (e.g., via insurance), or deliberately accepting it (if the residual risk is tolerable).

• Responsibilities (roles and permissions): Define clear responsibilities, e.g., for the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO / ISB), the IT security team, and system owners.

• Documentation: When creating an IT security concept, audit-proof documentation of all steps—from risk analysis to control implementation—is essential for audits and internal traceability.

IT risk analysis and protective measures in the IT security concept 

The IT risk analysis and corresponding protective measures represent the operational core of your IT security concept. They highlight where the greatest threats to your most valuable assets lie. Without a systematic IT risk analysis and protective measures, you lack the foundation for targeted and cost-effective investments in IT security.

Depending on the standard, different analysis methods are applied, ranging from qualitative assessments to quantitative calculations of potential loss amounts.

Typical protective measures can be categorized as follows:

• Technical measures: Firewalls, IDS/IPS, data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), patch management, backup and recovery systems.

• Organizational measures: Security policies, authorization concepts, incident response plans, security training, and awareness campaigns.

You should verify the effectiveness of these measures through regular checks and audits.

Structured documentation with the IT security concept template 

An IT security concept template provides guidance and ensures that all security-relevant topics are covered systematically and traceably. Proven templates typically include the following elements:

• Introduction and objectives: Scope, management commitment, and responsibilities.

• Asset inventory: IT asset inventory as well as network and architecture diagrams.

• Protection requirement analysis: Methodology and classification results.

• Risk analysis: Documentation of threats, vulnerabilities, and risk assessment.

• Protective measures: Control catalog including implementation status and timeline.

• Emergency and recovery concept: Plans for Business Continuity Management (BCM) and disaster recovery.

• Monitoring and improvement: Audit planning, KPIs, and management reviews.

• Appendices: Detailed risk registers, control catalogs, and audit logs.

Documenting an IT security concept in an audit-proof manner 

Your IT security concept only unfolds its full impact if it is documented in a traceable, up-to-date, and auditable manner. Audit compliance requires:

• Completeness: All relevant information is included.

• Traceability: Changes are completely logged (versioning).

• Immutability: Protection against unauthorized modifications is ensured.

• Availability: Documents are accessible to authorized individuals at all times.

For ISO 27001 or BSI certifications, strict versioning with justifications for changes, defined approval workflows, and secure archiving are mandatory. Modern ISMS tools automate these processes and deliver audit-compliant reports at the push of a button.

The IT security concept as a basis for certifications and audits 

A comprehensive IT security concept is the central prerequisite for recognized certifications. For ISO 27001, certification is conducted by accredited auditing bodies in two steps:

1. In a Stage 1 audit, auditors first check the completeness and quality of the documentation.
2. In the subsequent Stage 2 audit, they evaluate on-site whether the described measures are actually implemented and effective.

The certificate is valid for three years and is confirmed through annual surveillance audits. For BSI IT-Grundschutz, auditors licensed by the BSI must confirm that the relevant modules have been fully implemented and a functioning ISMS has been established.

IT security concept with INDITOR and GRC Suite+ 

 Specialized software like INDITOR and Suite+ from i-doit provides systematic support when creating an IT security concept. INDITOR and GRC Suite+ integrate risk management, provide catalogs (ISO 27001/27002, BSI IT security catalogs, and many more), and ensure audit-proof documentation. Risks, protective measures, and responsible parties can be mapped precisely, creating an optimal foundation for certifications and audits. Direct integration between ISMS and IT documentation (CMDB) eliminates redundant data maintenance and manual reconciliation errors. 

IT security concept for long-term business success 

An effective IT security concept does not merely fulfill requirements for audits, but actively governs an organization's security. It serves as a strategic tool that reduces key risks, creates clarity across your IT landscape, and builds trust with customers and business partners.

Whether you align with the BSI security concept or ISO 27001: A structured approach, dependable risk assessment, and audit-proof documentation are crucial for success. With an appropriate methodology and the right software, the security concept becomes a core building block for greater organizational stability and resilience.

If you want to develop an IT security concept based on BSI or ISO 27001 and need a solution that reliably guides you from risk analysis to certification, take a look at our specialized software.

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