Every year, we talk to thousands of businesses and organizations looking to improve their information security measures. Getting ISO 27001 certification for your Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a good way to do this.
Achieving ISO 27001 certification can benefit your business in a number of ways, and it could be a simpler process than you expect – particularly if you already have some processes in place.
Why You Need ISO 27001 Certification
ISO 27001 certification is suitable for any organization that stores, processes or manages personal, financial or confidential data. This standard is applicable across a diverse range of sectors, including finance, retail, manufacturing, healthcare, legal, governmental and IT.
Getting ISO 27001 certification shows that your business handles and stores sensitive information with care. It can boost your organization’s credibility with customers, partners, and stakeholders. It’s especially useful for businesses that work globally or plan to, as it proves you follow international security standards. It can also help meet client needs and strengthen your market position.
How to Get ISO 27001 Certification—What to Consider
At the start of the ISO 27001 certification process, your organization must demonstrate that its Information Security Management System (ISMS) complies with the standard’s requirements.
Read our ISO 27001 guide for beginners.
Once you are ready, the certification process can begin. One of our expert auditors will conduct the Stage 1 assessment. This assessment evaluates your information security policies and procedures, identifies any gaps, and provides a detailed report outlining areas for improvement needed to achieve certification.
The auditor will provide a detailed report, including a gap analysis, that will highlight areas needing improvement. This report, along with our tools, information and guidance, will help you implement the necessary changes needed to fulfil the standard’s requirements.
After completing this, our auditor will return to carry out the Stage 2 assessment. This involves checking that the adjustments have been made and verifying that your ISMS is fully compliant.
After the Stage 2 assessment is completed, your ISO 27001 certification will be issued pending an independent review from our Compliance Department.
What Organizations Need to Do in the Certification Process
Lay the Groundwork
Start by conducting a gap analysis to assess your current Information Security Management System (ISMS) against ISO 27001 requirements.
Use this to create a comprehensive implementation strategy that includes timelines, resource allocation and role definitions.
At this stage, get the support of senior management to ensure they are on board with the implementation and that you have the necessary resources.
Build the ISMS Framework
Documentation is central to ISO 27001 certification. It should include the scope of your ISMS, information security objectives, risk assessments and policies, You should also document the assigned roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in building the ISMS.
These documents, along with records of your audits and the changes you have made to your processes, will serve as evidence of compliance.
You will also need to conduct a thorough risk assessment to pinpoint threats and establish controls to mitigate these risks.
Improve Employee Skills and Awareness
Improving awareness about information security and providing thorough ISO 27001 training is vital to ensure smooth execution and lasting success.
You will also need to communicate everyone’s roles and responsibilities.
Management Review and Internal Audit Process
With the ISMS in place, conduct internal audits to assess its effectiveness and detail any areas needing improvement before the certification audit. This must be done before the certification audit.
It’s also important to perform a management review to evaluate the ISMS’s performance and ensure it aligns with business goals, before implementing the necessary changes.
Certification Audit
You’ll need to work with an accredited certification body to arrange your certification audit.
During the audit, an expert ISO auditor will examine your ISMS and its documentation to verify alignment with ISO 27001 standards.
If the auditor identifies any nonconformities, these will need to be addressed and reassessed before your organization can successfully achieve ISO 27001 certification.
Achieve and Maintain Certification
After successfully completing the ISO 27001 audit, your organization will be awarded certification. To maintain this, ongoing internal audits and risk assessments are crucial for staying compliant with ISO 27001 requirements. Make the most of these audits to guide the continuous enhancement of your ISMS.
How to Apply for ISO 27001 Certification
It’s easy to apply for ISO 27001 certification – just contact us for a no-obligation quote.
We’ll make every step as straightforward as possible to help your organization successfully achieve certification.
How Long Does It Take to Achieve ISO 27001 Certification?
The timeline for achieving ISO 27001 certification can differ greatly between organizations. This can depend on several factors, such as the resources you currently have in place, your organization’s size and the existing condition of your ISMS
Typically, the certification process spans 3-6 months. However, some of our clients have completed it within weeks, while others have taken longer; each organization’s journey is unique.
To make achieving certification faster, consider appointing a dedicated employee to manage the process. This person could oversee certification tasks and coordinate preparations ahead of the final audit.
How Much Does It Cost to Get ISO 27001 Certification?
The expenses associated with ISO 27001 certification can differ based on your business.
However, there are typical costs that every organization should consider:
- The costs of dedicating staff time to develop and implement the ISMS.
- Expenses related to the Stage 1 assessment to identify areas for improvement.
- Fees for hiring consultants to assist with the implementation process can vary depending on the organization’s size and complexity.
- Charges for an external certification audit by an accredited body are usually based on the scope and length of the assessment.
- Expenses for employee and management training programmes covering ISO 27001 standards and practices.
- Continued maintenance and recertification costs to ensure compliance, including regular internal audits and recertification every three years.
Find out more about the cost of achieving ISO 27001 certification.
How Difficult Is It to Achieve ISO 27001 Certification?
Navigating the ISO 27001 certification requires careful attention to documentation and risk management. However, solid planning, strong leadership support, and expert guidance can make the process easier.
Three ways to simplify the certification journey:
- Prioritise Risk Assessments—Carry out a comprehensive risk assessment to spot potential threats and weaknesses in your information systems. This will help you allocate resources and implement specific controls to ensure your security measures meet ISO 27001 requirements.
- Involve all staff—It’s crucial that all staff are invested in the certification process. Managers and employees should also understand their roles and responsibilities when it comes to safeguarding information security. This approach helps create a security-conscious culture.
- Seek Expert Help—Think about bringing in a consultant or tapping into resources from organizations with ISO 27001 expertise. Their knowledge can offer valuable guidance and best practices, making the certification process smoother and helping you avoid common challenges along the way.
Do I Need an ISO 27001 Consultant?
While hiring an external consultant isn’t mandatory to get ISO 27001 certification, it can be helpful if your organization needs more in-depth knowledge of ISO 27001 during the process.
Here’s how we can help you:
- Expert Evaluation—Our expert auditors will identify any areas in your ISMS that need improvement before your final assessment.
- Comprehensive Support—We offer support with useful reference documentation and provide generic templates and tools to help you establish the necessary processes for achieving ISO 27001 certification.
- Find a Consultant—If your organization requires more extensive support than we can provide under ANAB rules, we can recommend a list of trusted ISO consultants who can offer the additional expertise you need.
Does ISO 27001 Require Regular Assessments?
ISO 27001 certification requires regular assessments to keep your Information Security Management System (ISMS) compliant and effective. This involves conducting internal audits at regular intervals to evaluate controls and spot opportunities for enhancement.
Additionally, a certification body will need to carry out an annual external surveillance audit to confirm that your ISMS remains aligned with the standard. These assessments are vital for upholding robust information security practices, tackling new threats, and showing your stakeholders that your organization is serious about security.
Plus, they support continuous improvement and help your organization stay agile in the ever-evolving security landscape.
Get Started With ISO 27001 Certification
Implementing an ISO 27001 Information Security Management System might seem overwhelming at first, requiring a considerable investment of time, resources, and money.
However, it can be a rewarding and manageable undertaking—you might be pleasantly surprised to discover how much ISMS you already have in place and how effectively it’s working.
Amtivo can provide expert support throughout the ISO 27001 certification process. Our auditors are with you at every step, from the initial audit to your recertification audit three years later.
We’re an ANAB-accredited ISO certification body with proven expertise that can help guide your business towards successful ISO certifications.
Get started on your journey to ISO 27001 certification—get a quote today or contact our team to discuss your needs.
