Why ISO 27001 is ‘the’ standard for information security

Scott Naisbett
Oct 7, 2020
3 min read

Updated: Mar 5

ISO 27001 information security standard concept showing certification, cybersecurity protection and secure data management.

The ISO 27001 information security standard is one of the fastest-growing management standards in the world, with certifications increasing by approximately 20% each year.

If your organisation has not yet considered ISO 27001, now may be the time.

ISO/IEC 27001 is the internationally recognised standard that defines best practice for an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

Achieving certification demonstrates that your organisation follows established information security practices and that your systems have been independently assessed to confirm that sensitive information is protected.

ISO 27001 is supported by ISO/IEC 27002, which provides detailed guidance on implementing information security controls.

How to Implement an ISMS to the ISO 27001 Information Security Standard

Implementing an ISMS aligned with the ISO 27001 information security standard is a structured project that involves the entire organisation.

Depending on the organisation’s size, complexity and readiness, implementation can take between three months and one year.

Although every organisation’s ISMS will be unique, many projects follow a structured approach similar to the steps below.

1. Project Initiation

Once approval is obtained, the project structure must be established.

This includes defining responsibilities, governance arrangements and the overall project plan.

2. ISMS Initiation

ISO 27001 promotes a process-based approach to managing information security.

This stage establishes the ISMS structure and ensures the organisation begins building a framework for continual improvement.

3. Management Framework

Clauses 4 and 5 of ISO 27001 require organisations to define:

the organisational context
relevant stakeholders
leadership responsibilities

This stage establishes the overall management framework for the ISMS.

4. Baseline Security Criteria

The organisation must define baseline security requirements that protect information assets.

These requirements form the foundation of the organisation’s information security controls.

5. Risk Management

Risk management sits at the centre of the ISO 27001 information security standard.

Through regular risk assessments, organisations identify threats to information and implement appropriate controls to mitigate those risks.

6. Implementation

During this stage, the organisation implements the risk treatment plan, introducing security controls that address identified risks.

7. Measure, Monitor and Review

To ensure the ISMS remains effective, organisations must regularly monitor performance and review their information security objectives.

Activities at this stage include:

internal audits
management reviews
performance monitoring

8. Certification

The final stage is certification.

An accredited certification body conducts an independent audit to confirm that the organisation’s ISMS meets the requirements of the ISO 27001 information security standard.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification

Certification provides several important benefits for organisations.

1. Win New Business and Retain Customers

ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that your organisation takes cyber security seriously.

This can:

strengthen credibility during contract tenders
increase customer confidence
support entry into global markets

2. Protect and Enhance Your Reputation

Data breaches can cause severe reputational damage.

By implementing the ISO 27001 information security standard, organisations demonstrate that they have robust processes in place to protect sensitive information.

3. Satisfy Audit Requirements

ISO 27001 provides globally recognised assurance that security controls are effective.

Because of this, organisations often experience fewer customer security audits, reducing the time and cost associated with repeated assessments.

4. Avoid Financial Losses From Data Breaches

Effective information security management helps organisations reduce the risk of costly incidents.

Implementing ISO 27001 helps protect information assets and supports regulatory compliance, including requirements related to data protection legislation such as GDPR.

Why Organisations Choose ISO 27001

Thousands of organisations worldwide are implementing the ISO 27001 information security standard to safeguard sensitive information and demonstrate their commitment to information security.

Certification helps organisations: