Blog

The ISO 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It helps businesses protect sensitive data, reduce cybersecurity risks, and comply with regulations. Obtaining certification involves several steps including preparing for an audit and certification. Information security management is pivotal to ensuring security of the internal assets. If the ISO 27001 clauses are not met diligently, there would be too many risks to evade. The process is crucial to identify threats and prevent them timely.

To learn about how I can become ISO 27001 certified, read below.

How can I become ISO 27001 certified compliant?

Step 1 – is about decoding the ISO 27001 requirements. The first is the review of ISO 27001:2022 standards and Annex A controls. Second, understand the key risk aspects. They are commonly known as – risk management, data protection, access controls, and incident response.

Step 2 – is getting the leadership’s commitment. Senior management must be supportive of the ISO 27001 implementation. They must allocate resources for ISMS policies, security tools, and training.

Step 3 – is to define ISMS as the “Scope & Objectives”. First, the management must Identify what data, processes, and departments the ISMS will cover. They must also set information security goals (cyber risk reduction, regulatory compliance).

Step 4 – is conducting a gap analysis. The management must compare your current security practices with the ISO 27001 requirements. Later, they should start identifying weaknesses in data protection, risk management, and access control. Developing an action plan to fix security gaps is significant. The management team must select relevant resources to optimise the plans.

Step 5 – is performing a risk assessment and risk treatment plan. For that, the initial step is to identify risks to the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Next, the management must use the ISO 27005 risk assessment methodology. According to the detection of the risks, they must implement risk treatment measures (encryption, backup policies, firewalls).

Step 6 – is developing ISMS policies and procedures.  The first concern is creating security policies, incident response plans, and access control measures. Next, the management must ensure compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, PCI-DSS, or other regulations if applicable. Documentation is essential. The top authority must make a report of all policies in the ISMS manual and document them.

Step 7 – is conducting employee awareness and training. Train employees on cybersecurity best practices and compliance. Implement an Access Control Policy (ACP) to prevent unauthorised data access. Conduct phishing tests and cybersecurity drills.

Step 8 – is performing an internal audit and corrective actions. Conduct an internal audit to verify ISMS implementation. Identify non-conformities and take corrective actions. Update documentation based on audit findings.

Step 9 – is passing the certification audit. Hire an ISO 27001 certification body to conduct an external audit. The audit has two stages. In stage 1 (Documentation Review), the auditor checks ISMS policies and risk assessment. In stage 2 (On-Site Audit), the auditor verifies compliance with the ISO 27001. If successful, you will receive the ISO 27001 certification.

Step 10 – is about efficiently maintaining compliance and continuous improvement. It is possible when the management will conduct regular internal audits and risk assessments. They also must perform annual surveillance audits with the certification body. Always update the ISMS policies based on new cybersecurity threats & regulations.

Why Is Compliance Important?

Compliance means abiding by the legal and regulatory clauses. (GDPR, HIPAA, SOC 2). By meeting compliance, management gets the opportunity to protect against cyber threats, hacking, and data breaches. Compliance means services are up to the expectations. It helps to establish customer trust and competitive advantage. Also, the risk of financial losses due to security incidents is visibly lowered when a company meets compliance from time to time. Most significantly, a company needs to adhere to the best practices for sustainability. Thus, compliance areas are mandatory to accomplish.

To learn about ISO safety management consultancy costs and obtain professional assistance from experts based in Australia, contact ComplianceHelp. You will discover several services including support for how to conduct internal audits, gap analysis, and readiness reviews. Besides having a comprehensive set of guidance, you can customize a package according to your needs. Your overall cost might come down to an unbelievable amount. Understand the criteria for ISO certification with the help of experienced professionals. Obtain professional support to accomplish 100% compliance.