ISO 27001 certification: it's supposed to be the information security superhero, but is it really as worthy as it claims to be?

If you're a small business wondering whether to take the plunge into the world of ISO 27001 certification, grab a seat, put your feet up, and keep reading as we dive into the details and separate the facts from the fiction.

Let's go!

Decoding ISO 27001 certification

ISO 27001 might sound like something from a sci-fi movie, but in reality, it's an internationally recognised standard for information security that's all about protecting your sensitive information. Getting that ISO 27001 certificate in your hand involves: setting up security measures, figuring out risks, and passing checks from outside auditors. But is it worth the hustle? Let's dig deeper and find out.

The good stuff

1. Bulletproof security: ISO 27001 isn't messing about. It's like getting an upgraded security system for your data: imagine laser beams, guard dogs, the works. It helps you find and fix weak spots in your setup, making sure your valuable data is secure.

2. Getting in line with the law: In a world where data privacy regulations are changing faster than the British weather, ISO 27001 can keep you compliant, avoiding hefty fines and legal entanglements.

3. Trust magnet: When it comes to clients and partners, your ISO 27001 certificate shouts from the rooftops that you mean business when it comes to protecting their information.

4. One-up in the game: You know in a computer game, the ultimate weapon makes you pretty much invincible? That's ISO 27001. It's a leg up against competitors who might not have this kind of firepower.

5. Ready for anything: ISO 27001 isn't just about building defences; it's about having a plan of action. If a cyber attack happens, you've got a framework in place to tackle it head-on, minimising damage and downtime.

6. Always evolving: ISO 27001 isn't a one-time operation; it's a constant commitment to staying ahead of the information security game. Regular audits demand that your security measures are up-to-date, so you'll never be caught off guard by new threats.

The challenges ahead

1. Time and money hoover: Let's not sugarcoat it – getting ISO 27001 certified can take some serious effort. We're talking time, money, and some profuse sweating. From risk assessments to setting up the relevant controls, you've got to be ready to put a shift in.

2. Culture shock: Convincing your team that security isn't just an IT issue can be like herding cats. It's about getting everyone on board with new rules and protocols, which can take time, effort and a real mindset shift.

3. Money talks: If you're a small fish in a big pond, the cost of ISO 27001 certification can be off-putting. The great thing is, with affordable ISO 27001 toolkits on the market now, certification is accessible to small businesses too.

4. Long-term relationship: As we've established, ISO 27001 isn't a one-time process; it's a long-term commitment. Staying compliant, adapting to new threats, and keeping your security measures in tip-top shape requires an ongoing effort.

The final verdict: Is it worth the journey?

Is ISO 27001 certification really the superhero of information security? In my humble opinion, yes. Gaining certification puts you in front when it comes to winning new business, gaining trust from clients, building a good reputation and guaranteeing data security. As a supplier, it positions you as a trusted information security expert in a sea of potential risks.

And luckily, financial constraints are no longer a factor when it comes to small businesses getting accredited. Gone are the days where the only way to get your certificate is to pay extortionate fees to a consultant to do the job for you. DIY ISO 27001 certification is becoming increasingly popular, with toolkit options containing editable templates which allow small businesses to get certified quickly, easily and affordably – by doing it themselves!

In the grand scheme of things, working out whether ISO 27001 certification is worth it is like weighing up whether the latest iPhone is worth the splurge. It all depends on your individual business needs, how much risk you're dealing with, and what your business plans are for the future.

If you want be known for superhero levels of information security, you'll need certification as impenetrable as Captain America's shield: ISO 27001.

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