If you know you need to prioritise your information security, but getting ISO 27001 certified feels like a mammoth task, this article will be a gamechanger for you.

Implementing ISO 27001 is a time-hoovering, laborious process, but it doesn't have to be…

ISO 27001 truth bombs

1. Hiring a consultant or an online ISMS platform to get you certified will cost you a fortune.

2. Trying to fumble through the certification process yourself, without any guidance will take you months, or even years.

What is ISO 27001?

If you're reading this, I'm sure you're well aware of what ISO 27001 is. But, just to clarify, it's the leading international standard for information security. Simply, it's a set of guidelines and best practices required to create, maintain, and continually develop an effective information security management system (ISMS).

An ISMS is a structure of policies, procedures and controls designed to monitor and protect your organisation's sensitive information via effective risk management.

An ISMS guarantees the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by identifying and mitigating security risks within organisations.

What is ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification is an independent verification that confirms that your organisation's ISMS meets the standard.

Do you need ISO 27001 certification?

Does your organisation handle personal information, financial data or intellectual property? Then hell YES you do! Especially if you want to show existing and potential clients that you mean business when it comes to information security.

Most organisations expect suppliers to be certified these days, so, if you're not, it could be game over for your business.

Can you really DIY your ISO 27001 certification?

Yes. You. Can.

There are some money-grabbing consultants and ISMS portals out there who will try and tell you otherwise just to get your business, but it's perfectly possible to do it yourself, and there's two ways to do it.

The hard way to DIY your certificate

To achieve accreditation, there's a strict process to follow. You'll need to demonstrate to the auditors that your ISMS is in great shape and fully complies with the standard.

Here's what you'll need to do to DIY your certification without help or guidance:

1. Identify the information assets that need protection and the processes that need to be included in the Information Security Management System (ISMS).

2. Identify the risks to the information assets and evaluate their impact. This helps to prioritise which risks to address first and what controls to implement.

3.Once the controls have been identified, your organisation needs to implement them.

4. Conduct internal audits to make sure that your ISMS is operating properly and meets the standard.

5. Conduct a management review of the ISMS to make sure it's meeting your organisation's goals and objectives.

6. An external certification body will perform an audit to determine whether your ISMS meets the ISO27001 standard. If it does, certificate granted.

Eyes glazing over? You'll love the next part.

The easy way to DIY your certificate

Follow an ISO 27001 document toolkit.

What is an ISO 27001 document toolkit?

An ISO 27001 toolkit is a collection of resources and templates that help businesses implement and manage an information security management system (ISMS) in line with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard. It contains documents, policies, procedures, and checklists that can be customised to fit individual business needs.

Toolkits aims to simplify the process of meeting requirements and achieving compliance, preparing you for certification.

What are the benefits of an ISO 27001 document toolkit?

Time-saving

Implementing an ISMS and writing policies and other ISO 27001 documents from scratch is a lengthy process. ISO 27001 toolkits include pre-populated templates, saving you months of intense work.

Customisable

All documents and resources can be tailored to your individual business needs.

An easier implementation process

Toolkits provide easy-to-follow, step-by-step instructions on how to meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard, helping businesses to stay on track when preparing for certification.

Guaranteed compliance

Toolkits are designed to comply with the standard to ensure that businesses install an ISMS that meets the requirements.

Best Practice

An ISO 27001 toolkit is likely to follow industry best practices for information security management, giving your business the tools to implement a strong and effective ISMS.

Access to the experts

Some toolkits include support from experienced information security consultants or practitioners who can offer invaluable advice on all things ISO 27001.

Conclusion

And that's how you can DIY your ISO 27001 certification, with minimal effort. When you use a toolkit to help achieve accreditation, most of the work's done for you. Who doesn't love a shortcut to success?

Author

Stuart Barker | Stuart is a cyber security expert known as the ISO 27001 Ninja, and author of the best-selling ISO 27001 Toolkit. He is Director at High Table, the ISO 27001 Company: https://hightable.io