ISO 27001, the global standard for information security management, was published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in collaboration with the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 series, which focuses on Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
Designed to offer a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks, the standard has been updated over time to address technological advancements and emerging threats, with a major revision in 2022.
Serving as a benchmark for improving data protection, ISO 27001 allows organisations to attain certification for their ISMS.
ISO 27001 guides you in setting up an effective Information Security Management System for your organisation. The standard focuses on several key areas to help you protect sensitive information:
These requirements help you build a framework that ensures confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
ISO 27001 certification shows that your organisation’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) meets the ISO 27001 standard, proving your commitment to protecting sensitive information.
The certification process focuses on your ISMS. An independent certification body checks your security controls, policies, and procedures. If they meet the ISO 27001 standard requirement, you will achieve certification. This must be renewed every three years.
Certification builds trust with stakeholders, meets contractual requirements, and provides a competitive advantage by demonstrating your dedication to information security.
To achieve certification, follow these steps:
With thorough preparation, your business could achieve ISO/IEC 27001 certification and demonstrate your commitment to protecting sensitive information.
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Having ISO 27001 certification means that an organisation has successfully implemented an effective ISMS. Complying with the requirements of ISO 27001 means that an organisation meets international standards for protecting sensitive information, effectively managing security risks, and continually improving security practices.
Achieving this certification demonstrates a business’s commitment to data security, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and builds trust with customers and stakeholders.
ISO 27001 is the international standard for establishing an Information Security Management System. It requires businesses to understand and define the scope of their ISMS, with leadership involvement in setting policies and responsibilities.
The standard requires organisations to plan for risks and opportunities, provide the necessary resources, ensure that employees are competent in their roles, and maintain documented information.
Organisations are also required to implement and control processes, while regularly evaluating the performance of their ISMS through audits and reviews. A key focus of ISO 27001 is continual improvement – identifying and fixing nonconformities in their ISMS is key. Annex A contains a list of 93 security controls that are provided as a guide to help businesses manage information security risks. Whilst implementing these measures is not mandatory, they serve as a useful reference for organisations looking to strengthen their security practices.
The main aim of the ISO 27001 standard policy is to provide a framework for an effective and robust Information Security Management System.
This framework helps businesses to protect their information assets by spotting and managing risks to safeguard the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information – often referred to as the CIA Triad.
In doing so, ISO 27001 helps organisations to protect sensitive data, comply with legal and regulatory requirements, and build trust with customers and stakeholders.
The main concept of ISO 27001 is the implementation of a systematic approach to establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
This approach helps organisations to manage the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by applying a risk management process. It aims to protect information assets and give confidence to stakeholders through effective security controls and management.
ISO 27001 is flexible and can be used by organisations of any size.
Whether you’re a small start-up, a medium-sized business, or a large multinational company, the standard can enhance your information security management.
Smaller organisations can gain from a structured way to manage security risks, while larger ones can integrate ISO/IEC 27001 with existing systems to ensure security across all areas.
The standard’s adaptability makes it suitable for any industry or sector that wants to protect their data and information.
Every organisation needs to switch to the ISO 27001:2022 standard by October 31, 2025.
The updated standard includes changes to fit modern business needs and new threats, such as:
Make sure your organisation is prepared for these important updates to maintain compliance.
Download our free ISO/IEC 27001:2022 transition guide to get started.
