Gone are the days when cyber security was a purely internal concern. Due to the steadily increasing threat presented by data breaches, it’s now a very public matter. Governments and customers alike expect you to protect sensitive information. The consequences of failure can include fines, lost contracts, and even lawsuits.
One of the easiest ways to address this challenge is by following a cyber security framework. And one of the most well-known is ISO 27001. But what is it? Why is it so popular? And how can you achieve certification?
What Is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 (also known as ISO/IEC 27001/2022) is an internationally recognised cyber security standard developed by the International Organization for Standardization and the International Electrotechnical Commission. Unlike other frameworks, which might just provide a set of basic controls to implement, ISO 27001 works a little differently. It focuses on an Information Security Management System, or ISMS. Businesses must not only implement such a system, but also continually modernise and maintain it.
By using an ISMS as the main focus, ISO 27001 manages to be significantly more systematic and comprehensive than other frameworks. This is part of the reason it’s gained so much respect from regulatory bodies, customers, and even other organisations. ISO 27001 certified companies are deeply trusted for their ability to shield sensitive data.
Why Sydney SMBs Are Pursuing ISO 27001 Certification
A major factor that differentiates this security standard from the rest is accreditation. ISO 27001 compliance grants an official certification, assuming you can pass the external audit. This badge of approval is highly sought after for a few reasons:
Compliance with Client Requirements
Certain clients (for instance, government agencies) are increasingly requiring recognised security qualifications rather than trusting businesses at their word. ISO 27001 certification is often preferred if not outright required. By obtaining it, you remove a barrier and strengthen your competitive advantage.
Demonstrable Compliance
Every company claims they have a strong security posture. Those with an ISO 27001 badge on their website can actually back it up. This universally recognised benchmark does the talking for you, proving to regulatory bodies that you make an effort to obey data protection laws.
Risk Reduction
Certification isn’t just for show. Perhaps most importantly, it strengthens internal controls and drastically reduces your risk of experiencing a major breach. This protects you against financial losses, reputational damage, and data loss, while also improving business continuity.
What Does ISO 27001 Certification Cost?
Cost is often a major concern for businesses considering certification. Unfortunately, it’s also a difficult question to answer. This is because the amount you end up paying can vary based on several factors:
- The size of your business
- The complexity of your IT infrastructure
- Your current security posture
- Whether you use existing staff, hire additional in-house team members, or consult an external professional
- The actual audit process (which must be carried out by an accredited conformity assessment body on a regular basis)
If you’re considering certification, it’s best to plan thoroughly and obtain quotes from any necessary professionals before you begin. This way, you’re less likely to be surprised by unexpected costs.
Getting Started
1. Conduct a Gap Assessment
First, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the ISO 27001 framework. Investigate the requirements, then conduct an audit of your existing IT infrastructure. Compare the two, and you’ll end up with a fairly good idea of where your business currently stands. This will help you identify where additional work is needed and develop a realistic plan.
2. Define the Scope of Your ISMS
Next, determine what your ISMS will need to cover. This document is the most important part of ISO 27001 compliance, so it’s crucial that you get this right. Consider:
- Hardware
- Software
- Networks
- Cloud environments
This information will impact implementation and costs, so check your work carefully.
3. Build and Implement Your ISMS
Now that the planning stage is complete, it’s time to implement your ISMS. Work slowly and systematically. This will allow you to react quickly to any problems that might arise, minimising the potential damage. If you’re not confident in your ability to effectively implement the ISMS, it may be worth reaching out to a compliance expert at this point in the process.
4. Engage an Accredited Certification Body
Once your ISMS is fully implemented, you’ll need to pass your first audit. This must be performed by an accredited body. Remember that you will need to present a Statement of Applicability (SoA). This is one of the most crucial documents for the audit process. It summarises the controls you implemented and explains why you deemed them necessary. The audit itself will typically comprise of two stages and, if successful, will result in a certificate that remains valid for three years.
5. Maintain and Improve Continuously
Your initial audit is only the beginning. To remain certified, you’ll need to pass a new one every three years. For this reason, it’s essential that your ISMS is maintained and continuously improved. If you fall too far behind, you could find yourself in hot water when the recertification audit comes around.
Compliance is Tricky. A Framework Can Help You Simplify It.
ISO 27001 might seem like just another obligation to fulfill, but that’s not true at all. In fact, it can make regulatory compliance significantly easier. This framework is definitely worth considering if you’re looking for a way to strengthen security, obey regulations, and improve trust.
ISO 27001 is only one of the security frameworks available. There are dozens of others, and it isn’t always easy to determine which is best for your needs. Our article comparing ISO 27001 to the Essential Eight will help you make the right choice for your business.