.png)
One of the best ways to demonstrate the suitability of your Information Security Management System (ISMS) to your organization, customers, and partners is to achieve a globally recognized certification. The ISO 27001 certification is also a foundational layer in building a defensible position should it be needed.
The globally recognized ISO/IEC 27000 family is the gold standard for building and maintaining secure ISMS systems. Maintaining the ISO 27000 standards assists an organization in managing events, demonstrating a solid privacy/security posture, and defending itself against threats and legal liabilities.
ISO27001 is the certifiable ISO standard that describes how to manage an ISMS securely. 27001 is compatible with other standards and regulations, including SOX, GLBA, and other cybersecurity regulations. Completing 27001 certification helps demonstrate the effectiveness of controls to regulators and supports the principle that your security controls constitute “reasonable security” as required.
1. Identify the Risk Owners and Obtain Management Commitment
A risk owner should be someone who would “feel the pain” should a risk materialize. The risk owner is impacted, accountable, and has the authority to invest in a solution. Even though the standard technically allows an entity or department to act as the risk owner, it is generally more effective for the risk owner to be a single person. They need to be high enough in the organization to allocate resources, define the timeline and drive the risk remediation process.
2. Get an Expert on Board
With management on your side, it’s time to plan for a successful ISO 27001 audit. If this process is one that you’d like to achieve as quickly and smoothly as possible, you should enlist an expert. Choose a consultant with the certifications, knowledge, and experience to guide you through the process.
The Truvantis team is an experienced advisor to companies preparing for an ISO 27001 audit. Whether you’re just beginning to explore these controls or are looking to shore up gaps in an advanced, complex ISMS, we can help.
3. Define the Scope of the ISMS and the Information Security Policy
Your organization defines its information security policy based on your specific business goals. This policy serves as a framework by establishing a direction and principles regarding information security.
Once the policy is in place, you define the scope of the ISMS, including sensitive data and the technical systems, people, and processes used to manage, secure, and monitor your ISMS.
4. Perform a Risk Assessment and Gap Analysis
A formal risk assessment is a requirement for ISO 27001 compliance. That means you must document the data, analysis, and results of your risk assessment.
To start, consider your baseline for security. What legal, regulatory, or contractual obligations does your company need to meet?
Many organizations that don’t have a dedicated compliance team hire an ISO consultant to help with their gap analysis and remediation plan. An experienced consultant like Truvantis can provide expert guidance to help you meet compliance requirements.
5. Identify and Implement Risk Mitigation Controls
Truvantis excels at customizing the solutions to fit your business. We don’t sell one-size-fits-all technology. Instead, we work with your team, budget, security goals and risk tolerance to recommend a unique solution for your business.
6. Perform Internal/Test Audits and the Final ISO 270001 Certification Audit
For official certification in the ISO 27001 standard, organizations must go through their entire ISMS to ensure all the requirements are met. Then contract an accredited auditor from a firm specializing in this standard to conduct the audit. The auditor is prohibited from advising you on how to meet the ISO 27001 standards. To ensure a successful audit, you may receive guidance from an unaffiliated advisor such as Truvantis. We can help perform a mock audit, so your team knows what to expect and is ready for a successful real audit. We also work with your auditor to keep the audit on track and within defined boundaries.
7. Maintain Continuous Compliance
With ISO 27001 certification, maintenance is crucial if you want to keep it. Make sure you stay on top of your ISMS. This means you must review, monitor, and maintain it methodically. The Truvantis team can help manage your ISMS and keep your ISO 27001 compliance up to date.
Why Truvantis
Working with Truvantis helps streamline ISO 27001 certification. Truvantis works with your organization in advance to talk through the process, define the scope and boundaries of the evaluation and develop a certification roadmap. When you need ISO 27001 certification, Truvantis can help with crucial budget-saving recommendations based on the extent of your business and surrounding requirements.
Truvantis is a cybersecurity and privacy consulting organization with comprehensive expertise in implementing, testing, auditing, and operating information security programs. We specialize in helping our clients improve their cybersecurity and privacy posture through practical, effective, and actionable programs—balancing security, technology, business impact, and organizational risk tolerance.
Ready to move forward? Contact Us for more information and to start your ISO 27001 consultation.
