Cybersecurity. A word that is getting more popular nowadays. Why? Because as the world becomes more driven by data, cyber threats increase. Today, information security is of utmost importance for all companies. Businesses must take proactive measures to protect their sensitive data and maintain customer trust. Hackers, scammers, financial criminals, and other denizens of the dark web are all your enemies. One way to enhance your protection is to become ISO 27001 certified.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001, is a security framework created by the International Organization for Standardization to assess a company’s ability to keep its data safe. It provides a comprehensive framework for organizations to establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and continually improve an information security management system, or ISMS. This framework determines whether an organization has built an information security management system (ISMS) capable of protecting sensitive data, including:

Scoping the ISMS Conducting a risk assessment Developing policies and controls Creating documentation Training staff Conducting internal audits Completing a certification audit Maintaining compliance through surveillance and recertification audits

ISO 27001’s full name is “ISO/IEC 27001:2017 Information technology — Security techniques — Information security management systems — Requirements.”

The History of ISO 27001

ISO 27001, initiated in 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), has seen periodic updates to evolve alongside cybersecurity threats and technologies. Established in 1946, ISO, a global apolitical entity, ensures cross-border collaboration among 166 countries' standardization boards. Today, ISO's impact is felt across various sectors, from universally adaptable shipping containers to cameras utilizing ISO compliant units to gauge light sensitivity.

What does being ISO 27001 compliant mean for your business?

Obtaining this certification demonstrates to clients and stakeholders that their data is safe. By being ISP 27001 certified, businesses prove to their customers and clients that their data is taken seriously and is well-protected. ISO 27001 certification is one of the most respected standards internationally.

What are the benefits of compliance with ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification comes with many benefits for growing businesses aside from keeping data safe.

1. Fortified against cyberattacks: Imagine your business as a castle. ISO 27001 is the fortress and watch guard that keeps intruders out.
2. Gain customer trust: People feel safer leaving their belongings in a safe with a lock, right? Similarly, customers feel more comfortable doing business with companies that are certified as secure, like those with ISO 27001. This trust can lead to more sales and a better reputation for your business.
3. Save money: ISO 27001 helps you prevent cyberattacks from happening, so you don't have to spend money fixing the damage and recovering from the losses.
4. Stand out from the crowd: In a world full of businesses, having an ISO 27001 certification is like having a shiny badge that says "we're serious about security." This can give you an edge over your competitors.
5. A strong foundation for more certifications: ISO 27001 is an ideal starting point to continue investing in other security features and additional certifications if needed.
6. Do business globally: ISO 27001 is like a universal language of security that's understood and respected all over the world. This can open doors for you to do business with clients in other countries.

ISO 27001 Requirements

ISO 27001 outlines a set of requirements for organizations to establish, implement, and maintain an effective ISMS. These requirements are structured into 10 clauses, each addressing a specific aspect of information security management. Clauses 4-10 of ISO 27001 outline the core requirements for establishing an effective ISMS. Clause 4: Context of the organization Clause 5: Leadership Clause 6: Planning Clause 7: Support Clause 8: Operation Clause 9: Assessment and evaluation Clause 10: Improvement

What is an Information Security Management System, or ISMS?

What's an ISMS? It's more than just the tools, it's a complete set of guidelines governing how you handle information. It is a systematic strategy for managing information security risks, including policies, procedures, and controls applied throughout the lifecycle of your information assets. When an independent auditor confirms your company's ISMS aligns with standards, you earn ISO 27001 certification.

What Are ISO 27001 Controls?

ISO 27001 controls are specific measures and safeguards that organizations implement to mitigate information security risks. Annex A of ISO 27001 provides a catalog of 93 controls that organizations can select and implement based on their specific risk assessments.

How long does it take to get ISO 27001 certified?

Getting certified for ISO 27001 takes time and effort, but the benefits of a robust ISMS are well worth it. Here's a simplified breakdown of the process and how long each step typically takes: Overall Timeline: Small-to-medium businesses: 4-6 months (preparation) + 2-3 months (certification audit) Larger organizations: 1 year or more

How much does ISO 27001 certification cost?

The cost of ISO 27001 certification can vary considerably depending on several factors, but it's typically within the range of $50,000 to $200,000. Here's a breakdown of the main cost components: Stage 1 and 2 Audits: This initial audit phase, focusing on documentation review and certification evaluation, can cost $14,000 to $16,000 for a small startup. Larger organizations, or those with complex operations, will see higher costs in this stage. Readiness Stage: Preparing for the audit involves implementing security measures, training staff, and documenting processes. This phase can range from $10,000 to $39,000 depending on the size and complexity of your organization and the extent of existing security infrastructure. Surveillance and Recertification Audits: Once certified, you'll undergo periodic audits to maintain compliance. These audits typically cost $20,000 to $23,000 per year.

ISO 27001 Certification Process

Getting Started:

• Form your team: Appoint dedicated individuals and secure leadership buy-in. Consider leveraging an ISO consultant for expert guidance.
• Define your scope: Identify the critical information assets and systems for your ISMS. Prioritize based on customer importance.
• Assess and address risks: Identify threats, implement controls, and create an action plan. Conduct a risk assessment to tackle vulnerabilities.
• Document diligently: Capture policies, procedures, and compliance evidence. Essential for showcasing ISO 27001 adherence.
• Educate your team: Raise awareness about information security. Train employees on their roles in maintaining a secure environment.

Prepare for Stage 1 Readiness: The initial audit reviews documentation for completeness and ISO 27001 compliance. Implement improvements: Address auditor recommendations to ensure a fully functional and effective ISMS.

Conquer Stage 2: This deeper audit assesses your actual processes and security practices. Showcase the practical operation of your ISMS.

ISO 27001 vs ISO 27002: What's the Difference?

Both ISO 27001 and ISO 27002, crafted by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), are information security standards aimed at empowering organizations with ISMS. While they share the common goal of data protection, their roles and functionalities differ significantly. Think of ISO 27001 as the architect of your ISMS. This management standard provides a blueprint outlining the essential requirements for establishing, implementing, and maintaining a secure information environment. While ISO 27001 provides the blueprint, ISO 27002 acts as the toolbox. This non-management standard offers a comprehensive catalog of security controls across various categories.

Post-Certification Maintenance:

• Sustain compliance: Regular internal audits and continuous improvement initiatives are crucial for an effective ISMS.
• Surveillance audits: Annual checks by the certification body verify ongoing ISO 27001 compliance.
• Recertification: Renew your ISO 27001 certification after three years with a recertification audit.

ISO 27001 Maintenance

Maintaining ISO 27001 certification requires ongoing efforts to ensure the ISMS remains effective and aligned with evolving information security threats and business needs. Key maintenance activities include:

• Internal Audits: Conduct regular internal audits to evaluate the ISMS's effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Management Reviews: Conduct periodic management reviews to assess the overall performance of the ISMS and make strategic decisions for continuous improvement. Incident Response: Establish and maintain an incident response plan to effectively manage and respond to information security incidents.
• Training and Awareness: Continuously provide training and awareness programs to keep employees updated on information security policies, procedures, and threats.
• Business Context Changes: Regularly review and update the ISMS to reflect changes in the organization's business context, such as new technologies, processes, or products.
• Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Stay up-to-date with evolving data privacy regulations and ensure the ISMS aligns with applicable compliance requirements.
• External Certification Audits: Submit to periodic external audits by an accredited certification body to maintain ISO 27001 certification.

How compliance automation streamlines ISO 27001 certification

Getting ISO 27001 certified used to be a mountain of paperwork and endless tasks. Writing policies, gathering evidence, tracking vendor security certificates – it was a time-consuming ordeal. But now, there's a smarter way. SKELDUS streamlines the entire process, helping companies achieve ISO 27001 certification significantly faster than ever before. Say goodbye to manual evidence collection: SKELDUS automatically gathers the evidence you need during your audit window. This frees you up to focus on other important tasks. Plus, it keeps your systems safe by constantly checking for vulnerabilities and providing actionable fixes. No more starting from scratch: Instead of writing complex policies yourself, choose from SKELDUS's library of pre-approved, ISO-ready templates. These templates are designed by former auditors and compliance experts. Real-time visibility and control: SKELDUS' dashboards give you a clear overview of your progress. You can easily assign tasks to your team, track their completion, and identify areas for improvement before the audit arrives. Real results, real fast: Our customers have achieved ISO 27001 certification in just weeks thanks to SKELDUS's automation and expert guidance. See what they're saying!

In conclusion, while not mandatory by law, ISO 27001 certification offers a clear path to compliance with regulations like GDPR. In the IT service sector, clients often prioritize certified partners, making certification crucial for business growth.