Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification

The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is a global standard managing various standards across different fields and industries. The ISO 27001 standard is designed to function as a framework for an organization’s information security management system (ISMS). There are many benefits to acquiring ISO 27001 . Let us dive in and learn all about the Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard created to serve as a framework to strengthen an organization’s Information Security Management System. This standard covers all policies and processes related to how data is controlled and used by an organization. The standard was originally published in 2005 and then revised in 2013.

The ISO 27001 standard does not mandate specific tools but instead functions as a compliance checklist for an organization to follow. If you want to learn more about ISO 27001 you can read our guide covering everything you need to know about the standard here. This article is geared towards recognizing the key benefits of acquiring ISO 27001 certification and an edge over its competitors.

Why is an ISO 27001 Standard required and to whom is it applicable?

ISO 27001 is a requirement in certain industries where organizations handle highly-sensitive data. An ISO 27001 certification proves to customers, stakeholders, governments, and regulatory bodies that your organization is secure and trustworthy. ISO 27001 certification is an indispensable asset for all ie; organization dealing with sensitive data, be it profit or non-profit, a small business, a large business, a state-owned business or a private sector company, of them.

The certification adds value to your business and enhances your reputation in the marketplace by serving as an official document that is a testament to your high compliance standards and solid security systems. It also helps avoid financial damages or penalties incurred due to data breaches or security incidents. Organizations looking to work in an environment where data is securely processed will always seek and favor organizations that are ISO 27001 Certified as it becomes a prerequisite instead of an added advantage.

Benefits of ISO 27001 certification

1.Helps Retain Customers and Win New Business

The risks involved in Cyber Security and data breaches are constantly on the rise. A large number of stakeholders are primarily concerned with how your organization handles and protects their valuable information. Demonstrating an ISO 27001 certification proves your commitment to meeting the highest standards of Information Security to customers and stakeholders This is a guaranteed way to help build trust and retain customers. When your organization obtains the internationally accredited ISO 27001 certification, new clients recognize your proven information security management process and trust you with their data and business.

2.Improves Information Security Processes and Strategies

ISO 27001 is a standard that puts Cyber Security at the forefront. Firstly, Highly qualified Information Security experts (preferably external consultants) auditors will observe your organization’s security practices. Secondly, they will seek to reinforce or replace them with industry best practices to mitigate security breaches.

They will help map out goals and objectives, thus providing your organization with actionable information that will define data security measures and responsibilities across the board. Going through the certification process will help you compile professional reports and documents that will improve your information security strategies and serve as a trusty guide for years to come.

3.Ensures Implementation of Best Practices

ISO 27001 certification provides a clear framework for Information Security management processes and key operational elements like.

• Keeping IT systems up to date,

• Anti-virus protection

• Data storage and back-ups

• IT Change Management

• Event logging

The processes required to meet the ISO 27001 standard result in improved documentation and clear guidelines to follow for all personnel, this further keeps the organization secure and resilient from cyber attacks. Some of the policies introduced in organizations are clear instructions concerning the use of external drives, safe internet browsing, and strong passwords.

Cyber-attacks and data breaches will always remain a possibilit. The forward planning involved with ISO 27001 demonstrates that you have evaluated the risks and taken into account business continuity. Similarly, if things were to go wrong for breach reporting it would allow your organization to stay functional with minimal damage.

4.Promotes Compliance with Commercial, Contractual and Legal requirements

Annex A.18 of ISO 27001 specifically addresses the topic of compliance with legal and contractual requirements. The objective of this annex is to avoid breaches of legal, statutory, regulatory or contractual obligations related to information security. In simple terms, the organization must ensure that they are up-to-date with any documentation, legislation and regulation that affects the achievement of its business objectives while staying compliant.

Since most of these requirements already come under the scope of ISO 27001 as an outcome of the Risk Management process, organizations do not  require putting in place secondary processes to be compliant with these requirements.

5.Continuously Monitor and Prevent Risk

The process of implementing an ISO-compliant ISMS will help create strong, tested processes and policies for information protection. This occurs no matter how or where your organization stores and shares information. As you develop a policy or process for each identified risk, you will explore all communication channels and information storage areas within the organization.

The assessment clearly shows the company’s current standing and security processes, and outlines what the company must do to meet functional, legal, regulatory, and customer requirements. You can use these findings to create action items necessary for compliance with new scenarios.Consistent monitoring of these processes is what ensures that they function as intended.

Leadership meetings aimed towards checking the functioning of the ISMS and making adjustments to it is vital. This systematic approach requires consistency above all else. Continuously monitoring systems make it easier to detect potential weak spots and stop breaches before they affect your business.

6.Prepares your Organization for Long-term Success

Your ability to grow and excel in a changing business environment will exhibit the long-term benefits of ISO 27001.This new environment is one where Information Security is quickly becoming one of the most essential aspects of any business. With an ISO 27001 certification in place you are essentially future-proofing your business against these constantly-increasing security threats.

With the above-mentioned benefits and the systems you will have in place for careful monitoring, planning, and quick breach realization, you will significantly reduce the cost and damage caused by information breaches. You may not be able to predict when they’ll happen, but you will stay ready to respond the moment it becomes necessary.. ISO 27001 sets companies up with an Information Management System that automates and defines each step of the process. By capitalizing the structure, your company can seize growth opportunities and confidently serve your existing customers.

Conclusion

The true success of ISO 27001 lies in its alignment with business objectives and its effectiveness in realizing those objectives. With the benefits of ISO 27001 laid out, you might be wondering how to get your own company a certification. Contact VISTA InfoSec so that we can help you at every step of the way for ISO27001 Service. You can count on us to take care of all your compliance needs.