What is ISO 27001 and why is it important?

Following the Cambridge Analytica scandal, the conversation has naturally turned to data security, making it a hot topic for organisations in every industry. ISO 27001 focuses on improving and validating your cyber security standards and, with GDPR being the word on everybody’s lips, ensures your information and digital protection levels are ahead of the game.

We break down what ISO 27001 is and why it’s so important for every business to comply to.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard which guides you on your way to establishing an ultra-safe data security management system. It details best practice in information security in an actionable context for your organisation.

Although you may initially think that cyber security isn’t relevant for you, your business or your clients, it’s actually applicable to all organisations, no matter the size or complexity. ISO 27001 helps you become compliant with data law and a variety of contractual requirements you may be obliged to fulfill.

By becoming ISO 27001 certified, you’ll implement systems and processes into the core of your organisation which will protect you from vulnerability against data misuse and security breaches that occur around the globe every day. As with other ISO certifications, it’ll also kick-start best practices in your workplace, requiring you to document your daily operating procedures and assist your work in accordance with these systems in a world that is becoming increasingly reliant on technology.

Why is ISO 27001 important?

There’s no question about it: data is valuable. Many aspects of modern business rely on information systems and, despite all the benefits this brings, it also means we are at higher risk of threats like hacking and data leaks – and we’ve all seen examples of how damaging this can be to any organisation or individual. For example, the supermarket giant Morrison’s are currently being sued after sensitive payroll information was published online in 2014.

ISO 27001 helps you protect your clients, employees and suppliers by covering your data – whether that is bank details, passwords or sensitive information. By becoming certified, you allow people to instill a certain level of trust in your business as the standard relays to those inside and outside your organisation that you’re keeping their data safe and secure.

Threats of fraud and theft are kept at bay as the effects of these devastating actions can cause long-lasting damage to the reputation of your business; it can even lead to prosecution! As ISO 27001 is interested in maintaining the longevity of high standards, it continually assesses your compliance so you remain up-to-date with the latest improvements in technology.

Already have ISO 9001?

ISO 9001 users will be pleased to know that obtaining this certification smoothens the process of becoming ISO 27001 certified. This is because data security is a component of quality management. It’s easier than ever to incorporate cybersecurity into the key cogs of your business as ISO 27001 was the first standard to have been developed using the Annex SL framework.