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learn all about iso 27001 certification

what is iso 27001?

In today’s world, managing cyber-risks can be a daunting task given the rapid technological innovations and escalation of cyber threats. ISO/IEC 27001 offers a solution for organisations that want to become more risk-aware and take proactive measures to detect and resolve vulnerabilities before they wreak havoc.

ISO 27001 is a renowned standard for information security management systems (ISMS). The standard outlines the necessary requirements for an ISMS. The Implementation of an ISMS in accordance with ISO 27001 serves as a valuable tool for managing risks, building cyber resilience, and achieving operational excellence.

Colleagues ISO 27001

what is an isms?

ISMS stands for “Information Security Management System.” It’s a set of policies and procedures for systematically managing an organisation’s data. The goal of an ISMS is to minimize risk and ensure business continuity by proactively limiting the impact of a security breach. ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard for information security. It sets out the specification for an effective ISMS. The ISMS provides a holistic approach to managing the information systems within an organisation.

Who is ISO 27001 certification for?

Cyber-threats affect all organisations, from the smallest start-up to the biggest multinational. This standard enables organisations to manage their security risks, adapted to their size and specific needs.

Benefits of certifying with iso 27001

Resilience against cyberattacks

organisation-wide protection

competitive advantage over non-certified competitors

improved compliance with gdpr & nis2

gain trust from prospects

cost-saving

Steps to obtain an ISO 27001 Certificate

1. ISO 27001 Assessment: Take the first step towards implementing an ISMS

The ISO 27001 assessment will give you an idea of the effort needed to pursue the implementation of an ISMS, or, when you already have an ISMS installed, if you’re maintaining it effectively.

FAQ: How do you assess our security practices?

The procedure starts with a kick-off meeting which includes an introduction to ISO 27001. Afterwards we assess your security through interviews with stakeholders and a document review. We analyze the state of your ISMS, which is vital to obtaining an overview of its performance. Our findings are gathered in an ISO 27001 Assessment Report and shared with you in a closing meeting. We also provide you with an ISO 27001 Implementation Roadmap.

ISO 27001 implementation supports (85%) GDPR compliance and adherence to other global standards on information governance. The approach to ISO 27001 implementation, apart from first defining the scope of the ISMS and a series of information security related processes and procedures defined in the ISO 27001 standard, can vary depending on your specific objective.

FAQ: How do you fill the gaps detected during the assessment phase?

To answer key requirements and achieve ISO 27001 certification, we work together with your key stakeholders to define the key actions and processes to be implemented in your organisation.

We do this based on the assessment made by Cingulum or another external organisation. Depending on your priorities and resources, we provide the expertise needed to accompany your organisation throughout the entire implementation phase.

During an ISO 27001 Internal Audit we assess the different controls described in the ISMS and thus allow you to complete the ‘check’ phase of the ISO Plan Do Check Act (PDCA) cycle.

You can rely on Cingulum to complete an ISO 27001 internal audit in case you don’t have an in-house internal auditor or audit team and need to have an audit performed as part of your 3-year certification cycle. You might also appeal to this audit in the context of your information security management system if you lack the technical expertise to assess this control objective sufficiently.

After the internal audit, it is possible to aim for certification through our independent partners.

FAQ: How do you verify the effectiveness of the controls in your ISMS

The internal audit assesses your ISMS by means of a systematic and independent process. We first obtain audit evidence by performing a document review and exploring key elements of your policies and procedures required by the standard. We also take samples and interview auditees to verify the effectiveness of the controls and how they are adhered to. Everything is objectively evaluated to see which audit criteria are fulfilled and all findings are gathered in an ISO 27001 Internal Audit Report.

An ISO 27001 external audit is conducted by an accredited certification body (e.g.: Brand Compliance). The audit typically occurs in two stages.

 

In Stage 1, the auditor reviews documentation, including the ISMS policy, risk assessment, and treatment plans, to ensure the system is adequately designed to meet ISO 27001 requirements. In Stage 2, the auditor conducts an in-depth evaluation of the implementation and effectiveness of the ISMS, including interviews with staff, observation of processes, and verification of controls. The goal is to confirm that the ISMS is operational and continuously improving. If the organization meets the standard, it is awarded ISO 27001 certification; otherwise, the auditor provides non-conformance findings to be addressed.

Does ISO 27001 overlap with NIS 2 requirements?

Yes, through obtaining the ISO 27001 certification, you’ll ensure compliance with the NIS 2 Directive.

Download our eBook on NIS2 compliance to find out its impact on your organisation.

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