ISO 27001:2017

ISO/IEC 27001 is the leading Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard, part of the expanding ISO/IEC 27000 family of standards. First published in 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO 27001 sets out the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.

The current version, ISO/IEC 27001:2017 – Information technology – Security techniques – Information security management systems – Requirements, is widely recognised simply as ISO 27001 certification. It helps organisations of all sizes and sectors protect sensitive information, manage cybersecurity risks, and demonstrate compliance with international best practices.

By achieving ISO 27001 certification, businesses can enhance data protection, build trust with customers and stakeholders, and ensure resilience against growing cyber threats.

ISO 27001 Information Security Management

Systematic Risk Assessment
Organisations implementing ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) are required to systematically examine their information security risks, taking into account potential threats, vulnerabilities, and business impacts.

Design & Implementation of Security Controls
Businesses must design and implement a coherent and comprehensive suite of information security controls (such as encryption, access controls, or multi-factor authentication) and apply other risk treatment measures—including risk avoidance, risk transfer, or risk mitigation—to address unacceptable risks.

Ongoing Management & Improvement
ISO 27001 emphasises adopting an overarching management process to ensure that information security controls remain effective and aligned with the organisation’s information security needs on an ongoing basis. This continual improvement cycle ensures long-term protection against cybersecurity threats and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

ISO/IEC 27001:2017 is intended to be suitable for several different types of use, including the following:

Formulating Security Requirements and Objectives
Organisations can use ISO 27001 Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) to establish clear information security requirements and objectives aligned with business goals.
Cost-Effective Risk Management
The standard provides a framework to ensure that cybersecurity risks are managed in a cost-effective and efficient way, reducing vulnerabilities and operational disruptions.
Regulatory Compliance
Implementation of ISO 27001 helps businesses ensure compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards related to data protection and information security.
Framework for Security Controls
ISO 27001 serves as a process framework for the implementation and management of security controls, ensuring that organisational security objectives are consistently met.
New & Existing Processes
It enables the definition of new information security management processes and the clarification of existing ones, ensuring they remain relevant and effective.
Management Oversight
Senior management can use ISO 27001 to determine the status of information security management activities and ensure accountability across the organisation.
Internal & External Audits
The framework supports both internal and external auditors in assessing compliance with information security policies, directives, and standards.
Information Sharing with Partners
Organisations can use ISO 27001 to provide reliable information security policies, standards, and procedures to trading partners, suppliers, and stakeholders.
Business-Enabled Security
ISO 27001 ensures the implementation of business-enabling information security practices, balancing protection with operational efficiency.
Customer Confidence
By providing clear and transparent information security practices, organisations can build trust with customers and demonstrate a commitment to protecting sensitive data.

How to achieve ISO 27001 certification – ISO 27001 implementation steps

Gap Analysis

Awareness Training

Risk analysis

Documentation Design and finalisation

Implementation

Internal Auditor Training and conduct of internal audit

Management Review Meeting

Review of Implementation