The International Organization for Standardization, (ISO), is a worldwide body that collects standardization for various disciplines. 

Particularly, the ISO 27001 standard has been designed to be used as a framework in an organization’s information security management (ISMS) system. This document includes all policies and processes that govern how data is used and controlled. ISO 27001 does not require specific tools, solutions, or methods. Instead, it serves as a checklist. 

Intro To ISO 27001

The ISO published its first set of standards in 2005. It has been updating the policies periodically since then. In 2013, the most significant changes to ISO 27001 were implemented. ISO 27001’s ownership is split between the ISO and the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), a Swiss organization that focuses on electronic systems.

ISO 27001 aims to establish standards that guide modern organizations on how to manage their data and information. ISO 27001 is all about risk management. It helps companies and non-profits to understand their strengths and weaknesses. ISO maturity signifies a reliable, secure organization that can be trusted with data.

Companies of any size need to be aware of the importance of cybersecurity. But simply setting up an IT security group within an organization does not guarantee data integrity. An ISMS is an essential tool, especially for groups spread across different countries or locations. It covers all security processes from beginning to end.

An ISMS (Information Security Management System) is an information management system that should exist within an organization as a living document for risk management. In the past, companies would print out an ISMS and give it to employees. An ISMS should be saved online in a secure location. This is usually a knowledge management program. Employees should have access to the ISMS online at all times and be informed when there are changes. The ISMS is the most important piece of reference material for determining compliance levels in your organization.

Anyone interested in improving their information security procedures or policies can use ISO 27001 to guide them. ISO 27001 Certification Australia can be a great goal for those companies who want to excel in this area. Fully compliant means your ISMS is deemed to have followed all the best cybersecurity practices to protect your organization against threats such as ransomware.

Certain industries deal with sensitive classes of data. This includes financial and medical fields. Vendors and third parties must obtain ISO 27001 certification. It doesn’t matter what industry your company is in, ISO 27001 compliance can prove to be a significant win. The certification will show customers, governments, and regulators that your organization is safe and trustworthy. This will help you build your brand and protect you from financial losses or penalties due to data breaches, security incidents, or other damages.

What Happens To Your ISO 27001 Compliance?

 Your organization could be subject to a future audit if it has been certified previously. If this happens, your compliance certificate may also be lost. You could also lose your ability to operate in certain areas.

How Do You Become ISO 27001 Certified?

Receiving ISO 27001 certification takes a long time and requires significant involvement by both internal stakeholders as well as external parties. It is more than just filling out the checklist and sending it for approval. Before applying for certification you need to ensure that your ISMS covers all areas of technology risk.