Information security should be a top priority for any organisation, particularly those that handle and store sensitive information.
An ISO 27001-certified Information Security Management System (ISMS) provides a robust framework for managing and protecting company and customer data.
To successfully implement an ISO 27001 ISMS, you’ll need thorough pre-planning, analysis and execution. We’re here to guide you through the process with a 10-step breakdown of the ISMS implementation journey.
Understanding the Core Principles of ISO 27001
ISO 27001 is a globally recognised Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) standard, officially known as the ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management standard. The standard outlines best practices for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an ISMS.
The standard supports three core principles:
- Confidentiality – ensuring that data is accessible only by authorised personnel.
- Integrity – ensuring the data is accurate, complete and trustworthy throughout its lifecycle.
- Availability – ensuring authorised users have access to data when needed.
Achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that your organisation has implemented a systematic approach to managing sensitive information. This may include customer and employee details, intellectual property, financial information and third-party data.
Implementing an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS, however, can be a complex task. Our free ISO 27001 checklist PDF aims to make the process more manageable.
Download our free ISO 27001 checklist PDF to get started.
ISO 27001 Checklist – 10 Steps to Compliance
1. Build your team and assign roles
Without the right team, it can be challenging to implement an effective ISMS.
You will need an authorised project leader with specific skills and experience to lead the implementation. They must thoroughly understand the ISO 27001 standard and its requirements. They should have strong organisational, communication and planning skills and be adept at managing resources and risks. Knowledge of IT infrastructure and data security principles is essential.
The team implementing the ISMS should include representatives from all areas of the organisation affected by the system.
Together, they should draft a project mandate. This will include the ISMS objectives, timeframes, budgets and how senior management will support the implementation.
2. Define the scope of the ISMS
Before you can build and implement your ISO 27001 ISMS, you must determine its scope.
This will outline the type of operations your ISMS will be applied to and those outside its scope. In most cases, your ISMS will be applied to your entire organisation. However, it may vary depending on the nature of your organisation, the types of data you handle, how it is handled and the industry you operate in.
The scope of the ISMS must be documented.
3. Create information security policies and objectives
Establishing clear information security policies and objectives is fundamental to ISO 27001 certification. You must create a robust policy framework setting out your organisation’s commitment to information security.
Your Information Security Policy serves as the backbone of your ISMS, detailing the key objectives and standards your business will follow.
It should include relevant sub-policies that cover distinct areas of your operations, such as:
- Data protection and GDPR compliance.
- Incident management and reporting.
- Access control measures.
Additionally, you should define information security objectives that align with your organisation’s broader business goals. These objectives should be measurable and regularly reviewed.
Clearly articulating your policies and objectives helps you meet ISO 27001 requirements. It also demonstrates to clients and regulatory bodies that you take security seriously, building trust and competitive advantage.
4. Conduct an information asset inventory
A key component of ISO 27001 compliance is knowing exactly what data your organisation holds and where risks might lie. Conducting a thorough information asset inventory helps identify all data and resources that need protection under your ISMS.
This means identifying:
- Information assets including customer data, intellectual property and sensitive business information.
- Supporting assets like IT systems, hardware and facilities that store or process data.
Assets should be classified based on their sensitivity and criticality to business operations so the appropriate level of protection can be applied.
You should assign ownership of the data to the appropriate person so you create accountability and manage risks related to those assets.
A comprehensive and well-documented asset inventory not only meets ISO 27001 requirements but also provides a solid foundation for the next stages, particularly risk assessment and treatment.
5. Conduct a risk assessment and implement a risk treatment plan
ISO 27001 requires organisations to implement a robust risk assessment framework. This involves identifying, evaluating, and prioritising potential security risks to your data. The goal is to understand how likely these risks are to occur and their potential impact.
Once risks are identified, your team should create a risk treatment plan, selecting appropriate controls from Annex A of the ISO 27001 standard to mitigate each one. It’s essential to regularly review and proactively update your risk assessments and treatment plans to reflect evolving threats.
6. Document a Statement of Applicability
The Statement of Applicability (SoA) is a vital document in ISO 27001 certification.
It lists all the security controls your organisation has chosen from Annex A and justifies their inclusion or exclusion. This document serves as both a guide and evidence for auditors, showing how your organisation addresses information security risks.
To create the SoA, follow these steps:
- Review the Annex A controls, which cover everything from access control to incident management.
- Map controls to the risks identified during your risk assessment.
- Explain exclusions, providing clear reasons for any controls deemed unnecessary.
The SoA should be updated regularly to align with current risks, business needs and compliance obligations. It acts as a living document, evolving with your organisation and security environment. Maintaining an accurate and justifiable SoA helps meet ISO 27001 requirements and demonstrates a thorough, risk-based approach to information security.
7. Provide ongoing training and awareness programme
Regular information security training and awareness are a cornerstone of ISO 27001 compliance.
It demonstrates that everyone in your organisation understands their role in maintaining information security.
Start by identifying training needs based on employee roles, then develop tailored programmes. Topics should include the ISMS, incident response and specific data protection and access control policies.
Training should be ongoing, not just a one-off event, with records of participation and competency kept.
Frequent refreshers and updates help employees stay informed about emerging risks and changing policies, fostering a security-conscious culture across the business.
8. Implement ISMS documentation and controls
Proper documentation is essential for ISO 27001 compliance with all ISMS processes clearly defined and auditable.
This includes policies, procedures and records that detail how security controls are implemented and maintained.
Key areas to document include:
- Access control measures, such as who can access information and systems.
- Incident response procedures for managing security breaches.
- Supplier management and the security controls expected from third parties.
You must regularly review and update documentation to reflect current practices, legal requirements and risk environments.
9. Perform internal audits and management reviews
Regular internal audits are crucial to assess the functioning of your ISMS.
Audits should identify non-conformities and areas for improvement so that your ISMS remains aligned with ISO 27001 requirements.
After each audit, you should conduct a management review to evaluate findings and take corrective actions. This review allows senior leadership to monitor ISMS performance, allocate resources and make strategic decisions.
Document each review and save it for reference during future reviews and the formal ISO 27001 certification process.
Discover our ISO internal auditor online training course.
10. Drive continual improvement
Continual improvement is an ongoing requirement for ISO 27001 compliance and essential for maintaining an effective ISMS. The process doesn’t end with certification; instead, you should establish a structured approach for evolving your security practices as new risks emerge.
Key elements include:
- Incident tracking – Use data from security incidents, breaches and audit findings to pinpoint areas for improvement.
- Corrective and preventive actions – Address non-conformities, ensuring permanent solutions.
- Regular ISMS updates – Review and revise policies and procedures to reflect technological changes, business processes, or legal requirements.
The Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA) approach is a particularly useful model for continual improvement, making it highly effective for implementing ISO 27001.
Continually refining your ISMS helps meet compliance and also bolsters your organisation’s resilience against evolving security threats, maintaining a strong security posture over time.
Prepare for Your Certification Audit
In preparation for an external certification audit, you may wish to:
- Review the required documentation – Make sure all your documents are complete, up to date and accurately reflect your ISMS.
- Conduct a final internal audit or gap analysis – Check that you have identified any oversights or weaknesses in your ISMS.
- Contact your certification body – Confirm the audit dates and clarify any specific requirements or expectations your external auditor might have.
- Brief staff – Check that all employees know what to expect during the audit and their role in answering questions or providing evidence.
- Prepare evidence – Collect relevant records that demonstrate the effective implementation and operation of your ISM.
- Address any last-minute issues – Resolve issues or nonconformities with corrective actions to maintain compliance before the certification audit.
Why You Should Choose Amtivo
Amtivo is an INAB-accredited certification body for ISO certifications, with proven expertise to help guide your business towards successful ISO certifications. The Irish National Accreditation Board (INAB) is the national body with responsibility for the accreditation of certification bodies and inspection bodies.
The first step of certifying your organisation for ISO 27001 is the Stage 1 audit, performed by one of our expert auditors. They will identify any gaps in your current ISMS that you must address and rectify before you can continue your certification journey.
Once these are addressed and your auditor is satisfied, your organisation will then undergo an in-depth Stage 2 assessment before you can successfully achieve ISO 27001 certification.
Read more about the many benefits of ISO 27001 certification.
Get started on your ISO 27001 certification journey – get a quote today or contact our team to discuss your needs.
