ISO 27001 - What You Need To Know

When it comes to obtaining the ISO 27001 certification, it’s easy to assume that it’s a costly and complex standard primarily tailored for large corporations or those operating in heavily regulated sectors. However, these preconceptions are far from the truth and could potentially hinder you from grasping the advantages that ISO 27001 certification can offer you and your organisation.

Join us in our blog post where we look to discuss ISO 27001 and the common misconceptions around the certification.

What is ISO 27001?

Let’s start with the basics. What exactly is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a globally recognised framework for information security management and has been a guiding light for organisations seeking to safeguard their sensitive information.

It plays a pivotal role in crafting, executing, sustaining, and elevating a robust information security management system (ISMS) designed to shield your valuable information assets from a multitude of threats whilst remaining compliant to both legal and contractual obligations.

ISO 27001 is designed to help businesses and institutions of all sizes and sectors protect their sensitive information, including customer data, intellectual property, and financial records, from a wide range of security threats.

Common misconceptions about ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is too costly and time consuming

The total expenses for ISO 27001 consulting services are dependent upon several factors, including the project's scope and goals, the current system's maturity, and the selection of both the certification body and consultants.

Launching an implementation project can prove to be a challenging endeavour, particularly when dealing with limited prior experience in managing information systems and resorting to a trial-and-error methodology. Nevertheless, embracing this standard can hold a multitude of advantages, including:

• Boosting customer confidence

• Bolstering your information security stance

• Meeting the demands of business, legal, contractual, and regulatory prerequisites

• Mitigating the likelihood of data breaches and other security events

Implementing ISO 27001 is daunting and not for small businesses

While there will be some legwork involved, it's highly likely that your organisation is already addressing a significant portion of the requirements. Implementing ISO 27001 will essentially formalise your existing information security management system. The practices involved are flexible and applicable to an organisation of any size, the differences between a small and large business come to depend on the distinct nature of each business, the risks that are faced will vary depending on size.  

It's important to keep in mind that ISO 27001 operates as a "risk-based" management system, requiring the identification of an organisation's unique risks, along with assessing their impact and likelihood.

The IT department are responsible for the implementation of ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is not solely the domain of your IT department; it encompasses your entire organisation and is a shared responsibility across all departments handling information. While IT security measures like firewalls and antivirus software are pivotal in defending against data breaches, ISO 27001 also extends its influence to areas such as HR, where it aids in securely onboarding and offboarding employees, and to your facility management team, enabling them to maintain a secure organisation by overseeing premises security, including visitor access control.

Achieving the ISO 27001 accreditation will make us ‘breach proof’

Unfortunately not, however, with the right cyber security guidance and tools, such as the ones implemented in ISO 27001, your organisation will have taken significant steps to mitigate the risk of being breached. It will also ensure that if a breach occurs the organisation has the correct procedures and processes for limiting the damage caused by data breaches.

Working alongside a cyber security company can help you identify when the right time to apply for ISO 27001 and ensure that you have the right steps in place to make certification as simple as possible.

Is ISO 27001 worth it?

ISO 27001 certification can provide several benefits for an organisation, including

• improved information security

• increased customer confidence

• enhanced reputation

• compliance with legal and regulatory requirements

• competitive advantage

When it comes to building an ISMS or preparing for an external information security audit, having the support of real experts makes a huge difference.

Understanding and staying up to date with industry standards can be difficult our team of information security specialists are here to help.

At Cybaverse, we use a logical and structured approach to help implement the right processes and procedures to meet the requirements of ISO 27001 in the most efficient way.

Why not get in touch today to see how we can work with you?