ISO 27001 Certification: A Complete Guide to Process, Costs, and Benefits

The ISO 27001 certification process typically requires gaining familiarity with the standard, diligent planning, committed implementation, and ongoing maintenance.

The readiness and existing processes of the organization determine the complexity of each of these steps. For first-time certification seekers becoming audit-ready and dealing with the back and forth with the auditor after the initial audit can be overwhelming. 

In this blog, we’ve penned a beginner’s guide to the ISO 27001 certification process. Let’s get started.

TL:DR

What is ISO 27001 certification?	ISO 27001 certification is a document issued by an accreditation body after the audit that confirms that the organization’s ISMS meets all the requirements under ISO 27001.
ISO 27001 certification Steps	1. Plan your certification process 2. Define ISMS scope 3. Conduct a risk assessment 4. Build a security framework for implementation 5. Implementation plan 6. Evaluate performance 7. Internal audit 8. Get your systems audited 9. Implement a continual improvement process
The benefit of ISO 27001 certification	It shows the world that you take information security seriously and have what it takes to keep your critical intellectual property secure.

What is ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification is a globally recognized standard issued by an accreditation body that proves your organization’s information security management aligns with best practices. The standard was first published in 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). It was revised in 2013 and most recently updated in 2022.

Some of the mandatory requirements to achieve an ISO 27001 certification are:

• The implementation of an ISMS
• Frequent risk assessments
• The development of  security policies and procedures
• Carrying out risk management processes
• Timely reviews of ISMS effectiveness

Why do you need ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 is an international standard and a hallmark of efficient business practices that aim to safeguard sensitive information. ISO accreditation demonstrates a commitment to information security and adds credibility and value during customer conversations. ISO-certified organizations also avoid the financial and reputational costs related to data breach management. 

Download our ISO 27001 ebook to gain a competitive edge. Our step-by-step guide will empower you to achieve certification efficiently.

Is it worth getting an ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 has a global growth rate of 20% and it is a popular information security standard in the US which is seeing 78% year on year increase in the certifications.

The short answer is Yes. Thanks to the ever-evolving risk landscape, it has become a global norm for organizations to work only with businesses that can demonstrate the security of sensitive data. ISO accreditation now doubles up as a business differentiator that helps bring in new business opportunities and expand the customer base.

Becoming ISO/IEC 27001 certified goes a long way in establishing your security prowess. It gives you an overview of your organization’s security measures, policies, and practices and helps you determine the next steps to achieve an elevated security posture while optimizing expenses and resources.

Good read: 10 Best ISO 27001 Software You Need To Consider For 2024