Just another day, just another compliance framework we would like to help you learn about! Today, we are taking up the ISO 27001 framework.
ISO 27001, like SOC 2, seeks to prove one major thing: that your company values information security as a top priority, has implemented an information security system, and therefore can be trusted with confidential customer data.
It is the global standard for ensuring the security of information and supporting assets around the world.
What does ISO 27001 Certification include?
ISO 27001 certification is a wide-ranging information security management framework. It includes an ISO 27001 risk assessment process and defines controls for organisational structure, security policies, training, data asset management, authentication and authorisation, encryption, operational security, supplier security management, incident response, compliance monitoring, and reporting… and more.
The ISO 27001 risk assessment plays a central role in identifying vulnerabilities, assessing threats, and prioritising the appropriate controls based on organisational risk tolerance. Again, not all controls are mandatory, but all of them should be reviewed—especially during the ISO 27001 risk assessment—to determine their relevance to the organisation’s security objectives and risk management plan.
Performing a thorough and accurate ISO 27001 risk assessment helps establish a clear roadmap for securing information assets and achieving certification more effectively.
Which Industries Use ISO 27001 Certification?
ISO 27001 compliance is the most common information security management framework outside North America. It is used in many industries, such as the following:
IT & SaaS Companies
Adopt ISO 27001 to meet client SLAs, win new business, and demonstrate robust information security practices.
Finance Firms
Use ISO 27001 to comply with strict regulations and reduce liability risks by providing strong data protection controls.
Government Agencies
Rely on ISO 27001 to safeguard highly sensitive data through the C-I-A triad—confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
When Should You Choose ISO 27001 over SOC 2?
Choosing between ISO 27001 compliance and SOC 2 compliance depends on your market, client needs, and security goals.
Geographic Relevance
SOC 2 is widely recognised in the U.S. and Canada, while ISO 27001 is preferred in Europe, Asia, and other international markets. Your target geography plays a major role in determining which certification to pursue.
Customer Requirements
The best guide for selecting a framework is your customers. If clients specifically ask for ISO 27001 or SOC 2, meeting those expectations builds trust and speeds up deals.
Business Scope
Companies handling sensitive data globally or dealing with multinational clients often benefit more from ISO 27001’s international recognition.
Dual Certification Advantage
Many businesses choose to pursue both SOC 2 and ISO 27001 simultaneously. The frameworks share overlapping controls, making it cost-effective and efficient, especially with automation tools like Akitra.
Benefits of Getting ISO 27001 Certified.
With information security threats on the rise, it is essential for companies to assert their security robustness in an increasingly competitive industry.
Implementing ISO 27001 compliance will demonstrate to customers and regulators alike that your organisation takes data confidentiality seriously and has done everything reasonably practicable to identify and mitigate security risks. Your risk management strategy will be both solid and transparent.
ISO 27001: Process Overview
Let’s check out how the certification readiness and auditing proceed:
- Perform a risk assessment
- Define the scope of the Information Security Management System and its objectives
- Define and/or select relevant controls
- Collect compliance evidence
- Conducting an internal audit to evaluate the ISMS and its operational effectiveness
- Have an ISO audit performed by a third-party auditor
Internal auditing helps ensure your ISMS is current and ISO 27001 compliant. The auditor must remain impartial and independent from the controls they review. Before proceeding to the external audit, all internal audit findings should be reviewed with the ISMS team and leadership to address any identified gaps or weaknesses.
H2 Type of External Audit
An ISO 27001 audit consists of two main stages. Stage 1 includes a thorough documentation review, where an external ISO 27001 auditor examines an organisation’s policies and processes to ensure they align with the ISO standard and its Information Security Management System (ISMS). In Stage 2, the auditor performs practical tests to verify that the ISMS is correctly designed, properly implemented, and operating effectively.
Although ISO 27001 certification remains valid for three years, ISO requires annual surveillance as part of the ongoing ISO 27001 audit cycle. This ensures that the ISMS and its related controls continue to function properly, meaning organisations must undergo an external audit every 12 months during the three-year certification period.
Parashift Fast-Tracks ISO 27001 with Akitr
Parashift, a Swiss IDP company, achieved ISO 27001 compliance in just four months using Akitra’s automation platform. With streamlined evidence collection, real-time dashboards, and auditor-friendly tools, they cut down time, built customer trust, and accelerated their sales pipeline, boosting credibility with customers.
