What is ISO 27001 and how can you benefit from this standard?

ISO/IEC 27001 is a standard that establishes principles for information security management. It was developed by the International Organization for Standardization, in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission, based on the widely recognized British standard BS 7799-2 from 1995. ISO 27001 enables effective management of data security within an organization. The standard is subject to certification, so a company that decides to implement ISO/IEC 27001 can obtain objective proof that it operates in accordance with the highest, globally recognized standards in the field of information security.

What is ISO 27001 about, and why can its guidelines be useful for any company?

The ISO 27001 standard was first published in 2005 and has been continuously updated ever since—not because it wasn’t well-developed to begin with! ISO 27001 was developed based on best practices proven in reputable organizations, in accordance with the structure of other globally recognized standards in the ISO family. All of them undergo periodic reviews and updates, ensuring they remain relevant to a rapidly changing reality. In this respect, ISO/IEC 27001 is a unique system. In an era of extremely competitive markets, advanced digital technologies, and rapid data flow, information has become an extremely valuable resource.

It may seem that information security management in accordance with ISO 27001 is relevant only where powerful databases are used (e.g., in telecommunications companies). However, every company that cares about maintaining the confidentiality of information should take an interest in this standard—for example, to ensure that vigilant competitors do not beat them to the punch in implementing an excellent idea. The ISO 27001 standard is a universal system—formulated at such a general level that it can be used regardless of the size of the organization or the nature of its operations. During the implementation of ISO/IEC 27001, it is interpreted in detail in the context of the specific needs and circumstances of the entity in question.

Why is it worth not only implementing ISO 27001 but also obtaining the relevant certification?

The ISO/IEC 27001 standard is designed to protect information—whether stored in digital form (in the cloud, on local drives and servers, on portable media, in email…), on paper, on whiteboards, or communicated verbally. The direct benefits of securing various types of data are obvious—it does not fall into the wrong hands and is not used for purposes other than those for which it was collected. In practice, the implementation and certification of ISO 27001 come with a much broader range of benefits. With an efficient information security management system, a company gains:

• oversight of data processing procedures, which helps minimize the risk of data breaches and the associated losses,
• tools that enable compliance with increasingly stringent legal requirements regarding data protection,
• a better-prepared and more motivated workforce, aware of the risks and opportunities related to information security.

The implementation of ISO/IEC 27001 alone already brings these benefits. How else can ISO 27001 certification help businesses? It is a globally recognized, objective proof that a given organization is capable of effectively managing risks related to information security. A company that decides to pursue ISO 27001 certification enjoys greater trust from customers and business partners, as well as credibility in the eyes of various institutions whose decisions determine its growth opportunities. It gains a competitive advantage in the market over companies that do not hold ISO 27001 certification.

How can an ISO 27001 auditor help an organization?

Implementing ISO 27001 is a task best entrusted to specialists—a company that professionally develops and maintains management systems. To obtain ISO 27001 certification, you must meet a number of formal requirements and modify your existing operational strategies or organizational structure to align with the standard’s guidelines. This requires not only a thorough knowledge and understanding of its content but also significant experience.

A professional consultant with auditor credentials can prepare a company for an ISO 27001 audit with a guarantee of certification. This is important not only because of the benefits provided by ISO 27001 certification, but also because the ISO 27001 certification audit is conducted by an accredited body, whose visit involves significant costs. The cost of a 27001 audit depends on many factors, but you must pay for every audit—regardless of the outcome. It is therefore worth preparing thoroughly for it.

Is it worth taking an ISO 27001 internal auditor training course?

Organizations for which the implementation of the ISO 27001 standard requires a thorough understanding of the company’s specific operations, a range of innovations, and—in the future—day-to-day oversight of the information security management system may consider training one of their employees to become an internal auditor. Such a person will gain the necessary competencies to:

• analyze the company’s current information security system and modify it in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001 guidelines, and subsequently monitor its compliance with the standard through internal ISO 27001 audits,
• develop and maintain documentation for the ongoing monitoring of the effectiveness of data security processes (this is a useful tool, but it is also subject to verification during every external ISO 27001 audit),
• train other employees on the procedures that an organization holding ISO 27001 certification must follow.

Competencies in the areas described above can be acquired through training on the standard’s requirements and on the methodology for conducting ISO 27001 audits. Companies committed to being thoroughly prepared to obtain and maintain ISO 27001 certification can take advantage of dedicated training programs tailored to their individual needs.