What Is the ISO 27001 Standard?—A Beginner’s Guide

The rise in cybercrime means robust information security practices are more important than ever to help defend businesses against threats.

In one surprising case, hackers broke into a casino’s computer system through its smart fish tank, which was connected to the Internet. Cases like this highlight how creative and determined today’s cyber criminals have become, finding unexpected ways to access data illegally.

ISO 27001 certification can help your organization understand the requirements for establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

ISO/IEC 27001 is a management system standard that sets out the criteria for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS that helps protect data, information, and computer networks.

It supports businesses of all sizes in complying with data protection obligations, keeping customer and other important data safe, and helping to prevent systems from being hacked by cybercriminals. It also helps to prevent data breaches, avoid data theft, and build customer trust.

An ISMS is a series of tools, processes, and policies designed to manage information security in an organization. Implementing an ISMS that is certified to the ISO 27001 standard demonstrates to stakeholders, customers, and employees that your business takes information security seriously.

What Is the ISO 27001 Standard?

ISO 27001 was developed by the International Organization for Standardization. It is part of the ISO 27000 family, a group of international standards focused on information security.

The standard offers a blueprint for creating Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) that help businesses protect their sensitive information from security threats, including:

• Unauthorized access to systems and networks
• Theft, including customer data or company IP
• Damage to networks and systems, such as through ransomware attacks
• Security incidents, such as lost or poorly stored data
• Data breaches

ISO 27001 certification helps businesses put measures in place to help identify potential security risks and implement effective safeguards to tackle these threats.

ISO 27000 Standards

ISO 27001 is part of the ISO 27000 series of standards. Each standard addresses different aspects of information security, providing a consistent approach to safeguarding data, preventing theft and loss, and managing security risks.

Many businesses prioritize obtaining ISO 27001 certification, as it offers official recognition, while the other standards serve as valuable guides and supportive information.

ISO 27000 standards include:

• ISO/IEC 27000: Defines terms and definitions used throughout the ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards.
• ISO/IEC 27001: Specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.
• ISO/IEC 27002: Provides a code of practice (guidance) for selecting and implementing information security controls based on ISO/IEC 27001 Annex A.
• ISO/IEC 27003: Offers guidance on the implementation of an ISMS in accordance with ISO/IEC 27001, including project planning and organizational context.
• ISO/IEC 27004: Provides guidance on monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation of the ISMS to assess performance and effectiveness.
• ISO/IEC 27005: Focuses on information security risk management, offering methodologies aligned with ISO 31000.
• ISO/IEC 27006: Specifies requirements for certification bodies that audit and certify ISMS under ISO/IEC 27001.
• ISO/IEC 27007: Provides guidelines for auditing ISMS, including principles and managing an audit program.
• ISO/IEC 27031: Offers guidance for ICT readiness for business continuity (ICT-BC)—keeping IT systems operational during disruptions or emergencies.
• ISO/IEC 27701: Extends ISO/IEC 27001 and 27002 by adding requirements and controls for managing personally identifiable information (PII)—essentially a privacy information management system (PIMS).

Each standard in the ISO 27000 series includes the ISO/IEC prefix, indicating it is jointly developed by International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), along with the publication year. For instance, ISO 27001 is officially ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

How Often Does the Publication Date Change?

ISO 27001 updates take place periodically to reflect evolving information security practices. The updates mean certified businesses are required to adapt their ISMS to meet new requirements and maintain compliance.

ISO 27001 has seen several updates so far, in 2005, 2013, 2017, 2022 and 2024.

Three Main Principles of ISO 27001 Standard

ISO 27001 is built upon three fundamental principles known as the CIA Triad:

• Confidentiality: Making information accessible only to authorized individuals and protecting it from unauthorized disclosure.
• Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy, completeness, and trustworthiness of information by preventing unauthorized modification.
• Availability: Guaranteeing authorized users have reliable and timely access to information and systems when needed.

What is an ISMS?

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a systematic approach to handling and safeguarding sensitive information within an organization.

Its primary functions include:

• Risk management: Identifying, assessing, and treating information security risks through a structured approach.
• Security control implementation: Establishing technical, administrative, and physical safeguards to protect information assets.
• Compliance assurance: Ensures the organization meets all legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to information security.
• Incident response: Establishing clear procedures to detect, report, and effectively respond to information security incidents.
• Continual improvement: Implementing regular monitoring, measurement, and evaluation to improve security over time.
• Security responsibility: Creating clear policies, procedures, and responsibilities for information security throughout the organization.
• Business continuity: Protecting critical information processes to maintain operations in the face of disruptions.

What is ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO 27001 Certification is a formal validation that an organization’s ISMS meets the international standard’s requirements for protecting sensitive data.

Accredited certification bodies, such as Amtivo, can issue ISO certifications. Organizations must implement an ISMS, conduct internal audits, address gaps, and pass formal certification audits by an accredited third-party assessor to achieve certification.

To begin ISO 27001 certification, your organization must show that its ISMS meets the standard’s requirements. An expert auditor will first conduct a Stage 1 assessment to evaluate policies and identify gaps. After implementing necessary improvements, a Stage 2 assessment verifies compliance. Upon successful completion, certification is issued following an independent compliance review.

Find out more about how to get ISO 27001 certification.

Who Needs the ISO 27001 Standard?

ISO 27001 certification is suitable for organizations of every size and industry that prioritize safeguarding critical information. This includes companies in technology, finance, healthcare, government, telecommunications, manufacturing, and professional services.

The standard provides guidelines to create an effective ISMS that protects valuable information, identifies risks, and reduces potential threats to your business’s information security.

Achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates business credibility and builds customer trust and confidence, which can lead to increased sales and revenue.

What Is a Data Breach, and What Are the Consequences?

A data breach is a security incident in which unauthorized parties gain access to sensitive, protected, or confidential information. This data may include: personal identifying information, financial data, health records, private company information, and login credentials.

Data breaches can occur through various means, including hacking, malware, phishing, physical theft of devices, insider threats, or accidental exposure.

Data breaches can have several consequences, both in the short and long term. These might include expensive financial penalties, legal action, damage to your reputation, loss of work and clients, and interruptions to your regular business operations.

In some instances, these consequences might lead to a business having to close down completely.

Read about what to do in a data breach.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification

ISO 27001 certification offers many benefits for organizations, including:

Legal Compliance

Various industry and regional regulations (such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS) mandate specific information security requirements. An ISO 27001-certified ISMS provides a structured approach to support businesses in meeting these compliance obligations.

Prevent Costly Breaches

Information security breaches can result in substantial financial losses through regulatory fines, legal proceedings, remediation costs, and reputational damage. An ISMS establishes preventive controls to help mitigate these risks before incidents occur.

Build Confidence and Trust With Customers

ISO 27001 certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and other stakeholders that your organization takes information security seriously. It builds trust and confidence in your relationships, assuring clients that you will handle their sensitive data responsibly.

Improve Business Continuity

An effective ISMS ensures that critical information remains accessible, accurate, and secure, enabling continued business operations even during disruptions.

Learn more about the benefits of ISO 27001.

ISO 27001 Controls Explained

ISO 27001 controls are specific security measures that organizations implement as part of their ISMS. They represent the specific actions businesses take to protect critical data, including:

• Formalized policies
• Practical measures, such as shredding sensitive documents
• Technological solutions, such as firewalls or encryption
• Procedural steps, such as verifying visitor identification

Each control is an element that can be checked and evaluated for effectiveness, and together, they form a comprehensive system for securing your information.

The current edition, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 has 93 controls from Annex A of the standard. These are grouped into four main categories:

• Organizational controls (37 controls): Includes controls related to information security policies, risk management, supplier relationships, and compliance requirements.
• People controls (8 controls): Covers areas such as security awareness training, screening, responsibilities, and disciplinary processes.
• Physical controls (14 controls): Includes physical security measures, equipment security, and environmental controls.
• Technological controls (34 controls): Covers areas such as access control, cryptography, network security, and system security.

Implementing ISO 27001 Controls

When implementing ISO 27001, select controls that address your specific risks rather than applying all controls. Start by assessing your business risks, then choose appropriate mitigation controls.

For example, implement firewall controls against cyber attacks or access control policies to prevent data theft.

Organizations must consider these controls, or refer to guidance, such as ISO/IEC 27002, to understand how to select and apply appropriate controls based on their risk context:

• Plan strategically: Set deadlines, estimate costs, assign responsibilities, and define clear objectives.
• Determine what to protect: Identify areas needing safeguarding and list critical information.
• Set security policies: Document your security approach with management approval.
• Identify vulnerabilities: Assess potential information risks and their likelihood.
• Select relevant controls: Choose security measures that address your specific risks.
• Create documentation: Develop clear information protection guidelines.
• Implement the plan: Establish rules, physical security, training, and security software.
• Keep detailed records: Document instructions, track incidents, and maintain compliance evidence.
• Maintain effectiveness: Set up methods to measure security performance, conduct regular reviews, and learn from incidents.
• Continually improve: Review progress with management and update security measures.

What Are the Requirements for the ISO 27001 Standard?

ISO 27001 has specific requirements that organizations must meet to achieve certification. These are not optional like the controls—they are essential and form the backbone of managing information security. They outline how to manage security, while the controls are the particular steps taken to meet the requirements of the standard.

Every business aiming for ISO 27001 certification must follow all the requirements when setting up an ISMS. However, the way you implement the requirements can be adapted to suit your specific situation.

Requirements are:

For more details, read ISO 27001 Requirements—a Comprehensive Guide.

How Is ISO 27001 Implemented?

Here’s an outline of the steps you would take to achieve ISO 27001 certification:

• Establish an ISMS: Begin by setting up your initial ISMS framework for your business.
• Conduct a gap analysis: Evaluate your current security practices against ISO 27001 requirements to identify areas needing improvement.
• Implement risk treatment plans: Develop and apply security controls to mitigate identified risks.
• Document your ISMS: Clearly outline all policies, procedures, guidelines, and essential documentation related to your ISMS.
• Perform internal audits: Regularly audit your ISMS to assess its effectiveness and compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Management review: Senior management should review the ISMS performance, ensuring it is effective and continually improving. They should also review internal audit results and make any necessary adjustments.
• Undergo an external audit: An accredited certification body, such as Amtivo, will conduct an external two-stage initial audit to evaluate your compliance with ISO 27001 and the effectiveness of your ISMS.
• Certification: If your organization meets all the requirements and successfully passes the certification audit, you will receive ISO 27001 certification, affirming your commitment to information security.

Read our free Amtivo ISO 27001 Checklist to identify the key requirements for achieving certification and remember to review your ISMS regularly to stay secure. Cyber threats always change as hackers find new ways to attack information systems.

ISO/IEC 27001 certification typically follows a three-year cycle, including annual surveillance audits and a recertification audit at the end of the cycle. These regular audits show your business is still meeting the necessary requirements throughout the certification cycle.

Take the First Step Towards ISO 27001 Certification

Achieving certification is important for any organization that wants to build and maintain good information security practices. Businesses with certification typically see fewer security risks, better data protection, and an improved reputation with customers and partners.

If you want to show a strong commitment to information security and gain a competitive edge, Amtivo can help you take the first step towards gaining ISO 27001 certification today. We also offer ISO 27001 training courses, covering ISO 27001 introduction to implementation. To learn about recent changes, please read our ISO 27001 2022 Transition Guide.

Get started on your journey to ISO 27001 certification—get a quote today or contact our team of experts to discuss your needs.