Your Guide to ISO 27001 Certification
Organizations in nearly every industry handle sensitive information every day. Protecting personally identifiable information (PII) and other confidential data – including protected health information (PHI) and financial details – is of paramount importance. Data leaks harm consumers and professional partners and can have severe consequences that can ruin a business’s credibility and trustworthiness and hamstring operations.
If your organization is searching for ways to shore up its defenses against cyber-crimes and data leaks and theft, ISO 27001 certification is a good place to start. The globally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS) helps safeguard sensitive information and fortifies organizations against attacks.
Here’s what you need to know about the widely adopted standard.
What Is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 provides guidelines for creating, maintaining and continually improving information security management systems. The standard doesn’t just focus on technology – it takes a holistic approach that also considers policy and people.
The standard helps organizations become more risk-aware and identify and address potential weaknesses before they become major issues. It helps organizations prioritize risk management, resilience against cyber-attacks, and operational excellence – and ensures information security is the foundation upon which all processes and workflows are built.
Who Is ISO 27001 for?
The information technology industry holds the largest percentage of ISO 27001 certifications, but the standard has become increasingly relevant for all industries, including private, public, and non-profit organizations. Data breaches make headlines daily; data theft and the threat of leaks are risks that organizations from all sectors – from finance to healthcare and manufacturing to higher education and beyond – must be cognizant of.
What Are the Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification?
ISO 27001-certified organizations are less vulnerable to the growing threat of cyber-attacks. Because of this, they can more reliably protect assets like financial statements, intellectual property, and employee and third-party data. This not only strengthens an organization’s internal defenses – it can also help them win new business. Customers and stakeholders are more likely to trust an organization that has intentionally built data protection into its processes and workflows.
Further, large, forward-thinking companies increasingly require their vendors to demonstrate their commitment to protecting sensitive data. ISO 27001 certification provides that verification and proves that the business takes information security seriously. As a result, ISO 27001 certification can give organizations a competitive edge.
Additional benefits of ISO 27001 certification include reduced insurance premiums and improved operational efficiency – two advantages that allow businesses to increase productivity while lowering overhead.
How to Get Started
Industries from manufacturing to professional services, and healthcare to IT, are increasingly adopting ISO standards. If your organization wants to protect sensitive data while attracting new business, you should consider earning ISO 27001 certification.
If you aren’t sure which standard (or standards) are most appropriate for your organization’s needs, ISO 9001, 14001 and 45001 consulting and internal auditing services can help. ISO and R2 recycling certification consultants can help you navigate the complex certification process and implement standards that enable you to demonstrate your commitment to information security.