ISO 18788 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving the management of security operations. It provides the principles and requirements for a security operations management system (SOMS). ISO 18788 provides a business and risk management framework for organizations conducting or contracting security operations and related activities and functions while demonstrating:

• conduct of professional security operations to meet the requirements of clients and other stakeholders;
• accountability to law and respect for human rights;
• consistency with voluntary commitments to which it subscribes.
• establish, implement, maintain and improve an SOMS;
• assess its conformity with its stated security operations management policy;
• demonstrate its ability to consistently provide services that meet client needs and are in conformance with applicable laws and human rights requirements.