Information Security in the Lab: Why ISO 27001:2022 Matters for Sample Management

The life sciences industry handles some of the most sensitive and valuable data in the world - patient data, clinical trials, intellectual property, and research results.  It is also a prime target for cybercrime.  

As highlighted by Fortinet’s analysis of pharma cybersecurity challenges, organizations in this sector are targeted specifically because they store “sensitive information about patients, patented drugs, clinical trials, [and] research projects”.

But beyond data, laboratories also manage high-value physical assets: samples.

As labs become more digital, connected, and automated, protecting both data and samples is no longer optional - it’s foundational.

Why Sample Management Security Matters

Samples exist both physically and digitally, and these two must remain perfectly aligned.

 Any disconnect between a sample and its digital record can result in lost or misplaced samples, compromised research integrity, regulatory compliance risks and delays in drug discovery and development.

Modern labs must ensure:

• Accurate tracking of sample location and movement
• Protection of sample metadata (lineage, conditions, usage)
• Controlled access to sensitive materials
• Complete audit trails for compliance
• Secure integration with automation systems and instruments

This is why many organizations rely on a secure sample management platform to maintain control, traceability, and security across the full sample lifecycle.

The Growing Cybersecurity Challenge in Life Sciences

Cybersecurity risk in life sciences is increasing due to several factors:

• Rapid digitization and cloud adoption

• Increased use of automation and IoT devices
• Heavy reliance on third-party vendors
• Complex ecosystems of tools and integrations

According to Fortinet, this combination significantly expands the attack surface and introduces new vulnerabilities, particularly through third-party systems, ransomware, and human error. (1)

For labs, this risk is amplified when sample data, automation workflows, and experimental systems are interconnected.

What Is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard that defines best practices for managing information security.

It requires organizations to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS), a structured framework for protecting data and managing risk.

1. The CIA Triad

At the heart of ISO 27001 is the protection of three specific attributes of information:

• Confidentiality - Ensuring only authorized users can access sensitive data
• Integrity - Protecting data from unauthorized changes or corruption
• Availability

2. Risk-Based Approach

 It requires us to look at our business and ask: "What are our risks?”

• Identifying - Look for threats (like hackers or hardware failure) and vulnerabilities.

• Assessing - Determine the likelihood and impact of those risks.

• Treating -Decide whether to mitigate, transfer, avoid, or accept the risk.

3. The ISMS (Information Security Management System)

 An ISMS is a holistic framework that includes:

• People: Driving operations, undergoing training and awareness
• Processes: Policies and procedures that guide people
• Technology: Controls that safeguard the system

4. The PDCA Cycle (Continuous Improvement)

Security is never "finished." ISO 27001 follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act cycle to ensure the system evolves with new threats.

• Planning involves establishing the ISMS, objectives, and processes.

• Doing focuses on implementing and operating security controls.

   

• Checking is about monitoring and reviewing the performance against policies

• Acting focuses on taking corrective actions to improve the ISMS. 

5. Leadership and Management Support

The standard insists that Top Management must be involved. This means providing resources, defining the security policy, and ensuring that security objectives align with the business goals. 

6. Compliance and Legal Requirements

The standard requires organizations to identify and comply with all applicable laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, or industry-specific mandates.

Why ISO 27001 Matters for Laboratory and Sample Management Systems

Laboratories rely on multiple digital systems to manage operations, including:

• Sample management platforms

• Electronic lab notebooks (ELN)

• Laboratory information management systems (LIMS)

Each of these systems plays a role in storing and managing sensitive data.

A laboratory information management system (LIMS), for example, ensures structured tracking and traceability across workflows.
Similarly, a modern Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN) provides a secure environment for documenting experiments and managing research data.

Without strong security practices, these systems can become points of vulnerability.

ISO 27001 certification ensures that vendors follow rigorous processes to protect data across all layers of the platform.

Benefits of ISO 27001 for Labs

ISO 27001:2022 is not just about compliance; it delivers real business value. According to GRC Solutions’ overview of ISO 27001 benefits, certification helps organizations:

• Demonstrate strong security practices and gain a competitive advantage

• Reduce the risk and impact of costly data breaches

• Strengthen trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders

• Meet regulatory and contractual requirements such as GDPR

• Clearly define ownership of information security responsibilities

In highly regulated environments like pharma and biotech, these benefits are critical.

How Cenevo Supports Secure Lab and Sample Management

At Cenevo, security is embedded into how laboratory platforms are designed and operated.

We support modern labs through two complementary platforms:

Mosaic

An enterprise-grade sample management platform designed to orchestrate complex sample workflows across automated labs. Mosaic offers a comprehensive suite of tools to maximize the efficiency and accuracy of sample tracking, inventory management and workflow automation – over 150 device and system integrations to maximize efficiency, orchestration and accuracy.

Labguru

A secure cloud-based laboratory data management research-to-production platform, combining an Electronic Lab Notebook (ELN), LIMS, inventory management and AI-based informatics tools – scientists utilize Labguru to plan, document, track, streamline, automate and share their scientific research and production.

Across both platforms, we apply security practices aligned with ISO 27001:2022 principles, including:

• Continuous vulnerability testing

• Secure software development processes

• Controlled infrastructure and access management

• Protection of sensitive customer and operational data

• Monitoring and response procedures for security incidents

These practices help ensure that both data and samples remain secure, traceable, and accessible.

Ensuring Availability in Modern Lab Environments

Security is not only about preventing unauthorized access; it is also about ensuring continuous access to critical information.

Laboratories depend on real-time access to:

• Sample data

• Experimental results

• Inventory and storage information

• Workflow and automation systems

Disruptions can impact research timelines, operational efficiency, and decision-making.

Our platforms are designed with:

• Reliable infrastructure
• Secure APIs for system integrations
• High-performance architecture
• Extensive testing for stability and resilience

This ensures laboratories can maintain uninterrupted operations, even in complex environments.

Conclusion

Sample management security is no longer a niche concern; it is a core requirement for modern laboratories. As labs handle increasing volumes of samples, data, and automation, ensuring security, traceability, and reliability becomes essential.

By adopting standards such as ISO 27001 and working with trusted platforms, organizations can:

• Protect sensitive data and samples

• Reduce operational risk

• Support compliance and audit readiness

• Enable scalable, connected lab environments

Originally published on www.titian.co.uk  and updated on April 19, 2026.

1.  https://www.fortinet.com/solutions/industries/pharma/cybersecurity-challenges-in-the-pharma-industry