%20(7).png)
What do you need to know about ISO 27001 certification?
If achieving ISO 27001 certification feels like a mountain to climb, you’re not alone.
The process can seem complex and overwhelming, but here’s the truth: it’s your ticket to stronger security, customer trust, and a competitive edge.
The best part?
With the right guidance, it’s easier than you think.
In this blog, I break down everything you need to know about the ISO 27001 certification process. I'll walk you through:
- What the certification process is,
- How to prepare for your certification audit,
- How to navigate the audit itself,
- Common challenges and how to address them,
- What you need to do once you've got the certificate,
- And more...
Ready to take the first step toward certification? Let’s dive in!
Note - This article focuses on the ISO 27001 certification process itself. It assumes that you have implemented ISO 27001. If not, then check out my Expert Guide to Implementing ISO 27001.
ISO 27001 Certification Explained
ISO 27001 certification is a globally recognised information security management systems (ISMS) standard.
It provides a framework for organisations to manage and protect their sensitive information.
This certification demonstrates that a company or individual has implemented the necessary controls and measures to safeguard against security threats.
ISO 27001 Certification for Companies
For companies, ISO 27001 certification can be a game-changer.
It helps build trust and credibility with clients and stakeholders. It also gives a competitive edge in the market.
By achieving this certification, companies showcase their commitment to information security and their ability to handle sensitive data securely.
ISO 27001 Certification for Individuals
Whilst this article is intended to focus on companies, it's worth talking about ISO 27001 Certification for Individuals.
Individuals can also benefit greatly from ISO 27001 certification.
It serves as a testament to their knowledge and expertise in information security.
ISO 27001 Certification for individuals comes in four flavours, depending on your experience and role:
Company vs Individual Certification
While both company and individual certifications hold their significance, it's important to understand the differences.
Company certification focuses on implementing security controls throughout the organisation, whereas individual certification validates their skills and knowledge of ISO 27001.
Who issues ISO 27001 Certificates?
ISO 27001 certificates are issued by accredited certification bodies.
These bodies assess compliance against the ISO 27001 standard and award certifications accordingly.
It is important to choose a trusted and accredited certification body. This helps ensure the certification is valid and authentic.
Importance of Accredited Certification Bodies
When pursuing ISO 27001 certification, it is important to work with accredited certification bodies.
These bodies have the necessary expertise and authority to assess compliance accurately. This ensures that the certification holds value and is recognized globally.
Accredited certification bodies play a vital role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of ISO 27001 certification.
They undergo rigorous evaluation and meet strict criteria set by international certification bodies.
These bodies ensure that the certification process is fair, transparent, and consistent across different organisations and individuals.
Furthermore, working with accredited certification bodies provides assurance that the certification is recognized and respected worldwide.
This is especially important for companies in global markets. ISO 27001 certification is often needed to work with international clients and partners.
Accredited certification bodies also contribute to the continuous improvement of information security practices.
Through their assessments and audits, they identify areas for improvement and provide recommendations to enhance your security posture.
This feedback helps organisations keep up with the latest industry practices. It also helps them adjust their security measures.
In conclusion, ISO 27001 certification is a valuable achievement for both companies and individuals.
It demonstrates a commitment to information security and provides a competitive advantage in today's digital landscape.
By working with accredited certification bodies, organisations and individuals can ensure the validity and global recognition of their ISO 27001 certification.
What Is The ISO 27001 Certification Process?
Once you have successfully implemented ISO 27001, the ISO 27001 Certification process can start.
There are four key stages to the certification process.
- Stage 1 Audits
- Stage 2 Audits
- Findings
- Surveillance Audits
Let's explore these in a bit more depth.
ISO 27001 Certification Stage 1 Audit
Achieving ISO 27001 certification starts with the Stage 1 Audit. The two key activities that are performed at this stage are - document review and readiness for Stage 2.
The Auditor will review all of the ISO 27001 documentation that makes up your ISMS.
This includes, but is not exclusive to:
- The documented scope of your ISMS
- Information Security Policy and Objectives
- Risk assessment methodology
- Risk assessment report
- ISO 27001 Statement of Applicability
- Information security controls
- Risk treatment plan
- Document control procedures
- Procedure for addressing non-conformities and corrective actions
- Procedure for Internal Audit
You will also need records of at least one internal audit and management review.
Some key things to keep in mind:
- ISO 27001 Stage 1 audits are important steps in the ISO 27001 Certification Process. They mainly focus on documentation.
- The goal of ISO 27001 Stage 1 audits is to assess your readiness for the main audit (Stage 2). So it's important to make sure you're ready.
- If elements are missing, then this will delay your ability to progress to Stage 2.
ISO 27001 Certification Stage 2 Audit
So you've passed Stage 1 and now you're heading to the main event.
The Stage 2 Audit usually happens a few weeks after the Stage 1 Audit. It will follow a plan or schedule given by your Auditor.
The Stage 2 Audit checks if your documented ISMS from Stage 1 is in place in your organisation.
This assessment is done using a combination of techniques:
- Observation: The Auditor will watch how your organisation works. This helps to see if policies and processes are being followed. This can often include a survey of your premises to evaluate physical security controls.
- Interview: The Auditor will interview relevant employees (typically leadership, management and owners) to evaluate how policies and processes are being followed.
- Record Review: The Auditor will check important records. This is to make sure that processes and procedures are being followed correctly.
The Auditor's goal is to ensure you follow what you have written in your security policies and procedures.
Once the Auditor has completed their Audit, it's now about waiting - with bated breath - for their findings.
ISO 27001 Certification Findings
You've gone through the Audit and put your best foot forward. What happens next?
After a few days, the Auditor will come back to you with their findings in the form of a draft audit report.
The Audit Report will vary from auditor to auditor, but will generally include the following key components:
- Executive Summary
- Audit Scope
- Audit Approach
- Findings
- Recommendations
- Conclusion
Naturally, we are most interested in Findings, Recommendations and Conclusions right?!!
Findings will generally come in one of 3 forms:
If there are no major issues, the Auditor will send their report to the Certification Body. This report will confirm that you are ISO 27001 compliant, and your certificate will be issued.
If the Auditor finds one or more major non-conformities, it means there is more work to do.
The Auditor will/should provide feedback on:
- What major non-conformities exist
- How they identified them
- What supporting evidence led them to that conclusion
#ProTip - Major non-conformities will be disappointing and the instinct is to react. My advice - Don't React! As frustrating as it might be, you must work with the Auditor. They are there to help you!
The Auditor may provide guidance/recommendations but remember that they are expected to be independent and impartial. They will also issue a deadline by which the non-conformity must be resolved (usually 90 days.)
Your job is then to take appropriate corrective action to address the non-conformity.
But be careful!
Any action you take must fix the cause of the problem. If not, the auditor may not accept your work.
After confirming the correct action has been taken, inform the Auditor.
If you have fixed the non-conformity, the Auditor will accept your corrective action. Then, they will start the process of issuing your ISO 27001 Certificate.
ISO 27001 Surveillance Audits
ISO 27001 Certification is valid for 3 years.
Throughout this time, the Certification Body will conduct surveillance audits to verify the ongoing maintenance of your ISMS.
Surveillance audits usually happen once a year. However, they can happen more frequently.
Key points to note:
- Surveillance Audits are much shorter than Certification Audits, about 70% shorter.
- It is your responsibility to contact the Certification Body and schedule the Surveillance Audit
- Sadly, Surveillance Audits do still come at a cost (more on that later.)
- The method of audit is still the same as a Certification Audit (document review, audit, findings)
- The approach to Audit Findings is still the same (Major Non-Conformity, Minor Non-Conformity, Opportunity for Improvement)
#ProTip - Create a 3-year plan and schedule your Surveillance Audits in advance. This ensures that you are ready and prepared and you have resources aligned to support. The last thing you want is a mad rush the week before your Surveillance Audit.
How to Prepare for ISO 27001 Certification Audits
Before diving into the certification process, there are some steps you need to take to prepare:
- Gain management buy-in: Secure support from top management and ensure they understand the benefits of certification.
- Assign roles and responsibilities: Clearly define who will be responsible for different aspects of the certification process.
- Perform a gap analysis: Identify gaps in your current information security practices compared to the requirements of ISO 27001.
- Establish an implementation plan: Develop a roadmap with deadlines and milestones for implementing necessary controls and measures.
- Get organised: Gather your documentation and supporting evidence in a central location so that it's ready to share with the auditor.
Navigating Your ISO 27001 Audits
Preparing for and successfully navigating ISO 27001 audits is crucial for obtaining and maintaining certification. Here's what you need to know:
Understanding the ISO 27001 Audit Process
The ISO 27001 audit process involves a comprehensive evaluation of your information security management system.
This assessment checks that the controls and measures meet ISO 27001 requirements. It also ensures they effectively protect sensitive information.
Preparing for Your ISO 27001 Audit
Proper preparation is key to a successful ISO 27001 audit. Here are some tips to help you get ready:
- Check your documents: Make sure all needed papers, like policies, procedures, and guidelines, are complete and current.
- Conduct internal audits: Perform regular internal audits to identify any gaps and address them before the external audit.
- Train your staff: Offer training and awareness programs to help your employees understand their roles in keeping information secure.
What Questions Will The ISO 27001 Auditor Ask?
During the audit, the ISO 27001 auditor will ask many questions. These questions help check if your organisation follows ISO 27001.
At its most basic level, these questions revolve around some common themes:
- Do you meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 Standard?
- How do you meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 Standard?
- Can you provide evidence of how you meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 Standard?
- Does the auditor have sufficient assurances that you meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 Standard?
Remember - ISO 27001 Auditors are not trying to catch you out. They are trying to get assurance that you are doing what you say you do to satisfy the requirements of the standards.
What you will find is that they will ask a combination of open questions.
These questions may include:
- How are risks identified and assessed within your organisation?
- How are employees trained on information security policies and procedures?
- What measures are in place to monitor and track security incidents?
Addressing Common Audit Concerns
It's natural to have concerns and questions about the audit process.
Here, we address some common concerns:
- What if my organisation fails the audit? Failing an audit is not the end of the world. It allows you to identify areas for improvement and take necessary actions to strengthen your information security practices.
- How frequently are audits conducted? Audits occur annually or as required by the certification body.
- Can we receive feedback after the audit? Yes, you will receive a detailed report highlighting strengths and areas for improvement.
Common Challenges Faced With ISO 27001 Certification
While ISO 27001 certification offers numerous benefits, there are some common challenges organisations face during the process:
- Lack of support from top management makes it hard to create and keep an effective ISMS.
- Limited resources, like budget and skilled staff, can make it hard to implement ISO 27001.
- Organisations often deal with employees who resist adopting new information security practices.
How Long Is An ISO 27001 Certificate Valid For?
An ISO 27001 certification remains valid for three years from the date it’s issued.
However, this doesn’t mean you can simply rest easy during that time. To maintain your certification, you’ll need to complete annual surveillance audits as well as a recertification audit.
One reason ISO 27001 certification is highly regarded by prospective customers is its stringent requirements and frequent renewal process.
The security of your systems and processes from a few years ago isn’t as relevant as their performance now.
By maintaining ongoing compliance and conducting regular internal audits, you show customers, partners, investors, and prospects that strong security practices are a top priority for your organization.
Since ISO 27001 mandates an audit every 12 months, it ensures that your controls are consistently monitored and that your ISMS continues to evolve and improve.
This commitment to continuous improvement makes it easier for customers to trust you with their data and their business.
How To Maintain Your ISO 27001 Certification
Now that we have covered the basics of ISO 27001 audits, let's delve deeper into the importance of maintaining an effective information security management system.
An effective information security management system (ISMS) is crucial for organisations of all sizes and industries.
It provides a security framework for managing information security risk.
By using ISO 27001, you show that you care about protecting important data. This can help you stand out in the market.
Furthermore, an ISMS helps organisations comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to information security.
It ensures that appropriate controls and measures are in place to mitigate risks and prevent data breaches.
This not only safeguards your reputation but also builds trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders.
Implementing and maintaining an ISMS requires ongoing commitment and dedication.
This includes:
- Regular risk assessments.
- Ongoing monitoring of security controls.
- Periodic reviews to see how well the system works.
By regularly reviewing and updating policies, procedures, and guidelines, organisations can adapt to evolving threats and stay ahead of potential security breaches.
In conclusion, ISO 27001 audits play a vital role in assessing your information security management system.
By understanding the audit process, preparing adequately, and addressing common concerns, organisations can navigate these audits successfully.
Maintaining an effective ISMS not only helps protect sensitive information but also demonstrates a commitment to information security best practices.
FAQs about ISO 27001 Certification
How much does ISO 27001 Certification Cost?
The cost of ISO 27001 certification can change based on several factors. These include the size and complexity of the organisation, the scope of certification, and the chosen certification body.
It's best to consult with certification bodies to get accurate cost estimates.
How much does it cost to maintain ISO 27001 Certification?
The cost of maintaining ISO 27001 certification also varies. It mainly includes ongoing expenses related to audits, training, monitoring, and improvement initiatives.
Again, the costs will differ based on the size and complexity of your organisation.
What factors influencing ISO 27001 Certification Costs?
Several factors influence ISO 27001 certification costs, including:
- Size and complexity of the organization
- Number of locations covered
- Industry-specific requirements and regulations
- Level of readiness and existing control
How long does it take to implement ISO 27001?
The time to implement ISO 27001 can vary a lot. It depends on how big and complex your organisation is.
On average, the process can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. It's important to allocate sufficient time and resources for a successful implementation.
How long does ISO 27001 certification take?
The ISO 27001 certification process can take several months to complete.
It involves various stages, including the gap analysis, implementation of controls, and the external audit.
The timeline can vary depending on the readiness of your organisation and the availability of resources.
Conclusion
ISO 27001 certification might seem like a complex process, but it’s a worthwhile investment in your organization's future.
By demonstrating a commitment to information security, you build trust, enhance your reputation, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
Here’s a quick recap of the essentials:
- Understand the process: ISO 27001 certification involves clear steps—implementation, preparation, audits, and ongoing maintenance.
- Prepare thoroughly: From securing leadership buy-in to performing gap analyses and training your team, preparation is the key to success.
- Navigate audits confidently: Stay organized, address auditor findings promptly, and view feedback as a chance to improve.
- Maintain compliance: Certification is an ongoing commitment. Regular reviews, risk assessments, and surveillance audits ensure your ISMS evolves with emerging threats.
Achieving and maintaining ISO 27001 certification is more than a milestone—it’s a demonstration of your commitment to safeguarding sensitive data and building lasting trust with stakeholders.
Ready to take the next step?
Subscribe to the GRCMana Newsletter for expert tips, actionable insights, and simplified guidance on ISO 27001 and other critical compliance frameworks. Let’s secure your future—together! 🌟