Our Definitive Guide to Implementing ISO® 27001

Information security is one of the most important aspects of any business. 

Implementing ISO® 27001 certification shows that a company is compliant with the highest international standards for managing information security, ensuring data privacy and integrity. But implementing this complex, multifaceted standard isn't easy.

At ISMS Connect, we’ve helped hundreds of businesses implement ISO® 27001 and achieve certification without relying on expensive consultants. This easy-to-follow guide outlines the ten steps you need to take for a quick and relatively painless ISO® 27001 implementation.

Let’s get started!

What Is ISO® 27001?

ISO® 27001 is an international standard that provides a structured and comprehensive framework for best practices in the area of information security management. It outlines the processes, policies, and procedures that organizations need to follow to protect their data from external threats.

ISO® 27001 certification is usually the end goal of ISO® 27001 compliance. It’s a widely accepted indicator of an organization’s commitment to data protection and security—but achieving it isn’t easy without guidance. Many companies turn to consultants, but we have a better way.

ISMS Connect is an ISMS toolkit that offers businesses a range of DIY and supported solutions to help them achieve ISO® 27001 certification. Template, guides, how-tos, and on-demand expert support lead to faster implementation times and quicker certification without shelling out for expensive consultants.

The process is simple.

First, choose the ISMS Connect plan that aligns perfectly with your organization’s information security management requirements. Next, once you’re onboard, you can unlock templates, guides, and resources carefully crafted to simplify the ISO® 27001 framework. 

Lastly, with expert support from our dedicated team, you're now set to sail toward ISO® 27001 certification.

ISO® 27001 Implementation Success Stories

1. Gerdes AG

Jennifer Gerdes, the COO of Gerdes AG, can't stress enough how invaluable ISMS Connect was in their ISO® 27001 certification journey. Thanks to the amazing support from ISMS Connect, Gerdes AG achieved certification with remarkable efficiency.

Jennifer highlights, “With the help of ISMS Connect, we were able to prepare for the certification independently. The preparations were particularly fast thanks to the templates, and we passed the ISO® 27001 exam directly—super.”

2. Elona Health 

Magnus Schukes, the Managing Director of Elona Health, credits ISMS Connect for its swift and successful journey toward ISO® 27001 certification. With the support of ISMS Connect, Elona Health achieved this milestone efficiently and with a deeper understanding of information security.

Elona Health simplified the certification process using the templates offered by ISMS Connect. These templates provided a solid foundation, making it easier to establish important processes and gain the necessary knowledge for ISO® 27001 certification.

Magnus emphasizes, “the clear structure, intuitive templates, and tools helped us to integrate the knowledge around information security in our own company.”

Why Is Implementing ISO® 27001 Important?

Here are some of the reasons why your organization should comply with the ISO® 27001:

Gain a Competitive Advantage

Compared to ISO® 27002, ISO® 27001 isn't just about ticking boxes—it's a competitive advantage. By showcasing a commitment to robust information security, organizations signal to clients and partners that they take data protection training seriously, setting them apart in a competitive landscape.

Protect Your Reputation

Your organization's reputation is a delicate ecosystem, influenced by the trust placed in your ability to safeguard sensitive information. ISO® 27001 becomes your armor, shielding your reputation from the fallout of data breaches.

It's not just a certification—it's a testament to your dedication to maintaining the highest standards of data protection.

Avoid Regulatory Fines

By complying with ISO® 27001 certification, your organization has preemptively fortified its financial and legal standing, steering clear of regulatory pitfalls. So when you think about it, ISO® 27001 isn't just about compliance, it also acts as a proactive defense against potential fines. 

Improve Structure and Focus

By implementing this framework, you're not only fortifying security, but also bringing clarity and focus to your day-to-day operations. The structured approach outlined in ISO® 27001 helps to organize and streamline processes related to information security, bringing a clear sense of order to the overall operations.

ISO® 27001 encourages a strategic approach to information security, ensuring that resources are allocated efficiently and that every aspect of data management aligns with industry best practices. 

How to Implement ISO® 27001

Step 1: Assemble an ISO® 27001 Implementation Team

Embarking on the ISO® 27001 implementation journey starts with assembling a dedicated team. Appoint a project leader who will play a central role in steering the project. 

The project leader collaborates with other team members to formulate a project mandate that answers important questions like:

• Goals: Clearly define the objectives and goals of the ISO® 27001 implementation. Identify the scope of the project and what success looks like for your organization.

• Duration: Estimate the timeline for the implementation project. Understand the time required for each phase, ensuring a realistic and manageable schedule.

• Cost: Develop a budget that encompasses all necessary resources, from training to technology. Consider both direct and indirect costs associated with the implementation.

• Support: Make sure that top-level management is fully on board and supportive of the ISO® 27001 implementation.

Step 2: Develop the ISO® 27001 Implementation Plan

With your project mandate in hand, the next important step is to craft a comprehensive ISO® 27001 implementation plan. This plan serves as the roadmap for achieving your information security objectives. 

Here's how to go about it:

• Define the objectives you aim to achieve through ISO® 27001 Implementation. You established goals in the first step, now match those goals to actionable objectives.

• Establish project milestones that will serve as checkpoints during the ISO® 27001 implementation process.

• Allocate resources to complete each task or milestone within a specified timeframe. Make sure you have an estimate of the budget and personnel time required and that you can get commitment from all relevant stakeholders.

• Develop a timeline for completion of tasks within each milestone, considering any external factors that might affect progress, like holidays or changes in leadership.

• Develop a risk register that identifies potential threats to your information security.

• Set out high-level policies for your ISMS.

• Clearly define the roles and responsibilities of team members involved in the implementation process.

• Lay down guidelines for the continuous enhancement of your ISMS.

• Develop a communication plan to raise awareness of the ISO® 27001 project internally and externally.

Step 3: Gather the Mandatory Documents

As your ISO® 27001 implementation progresses, the next important step involves gathering the necessary documents, with a primary focus on developing your policies. Here’s your ultimate checklist for ISO® 27001:

• Information Security Policy

• Risk Assessment, plus Risk Treatment Plan and methodologies

• Statement of Applicability

• Definitions of security roles and responsibilities

• An inventory of business assets

• Acceptable Use of Assets Policy

• Access Control Policy     

• IT Management Operating Procedures

• Secure System Engineering Principles

• Supplier Security Policy

• Incident Response and Management Plans

• Business Continuity Plan

• Mandatory compliance requirements

If you don’t have any of these documents, now is the time to create them. You can use ISMS Connects document templates to accelerate this process. All of these documents should be tailored to your business, and kept up to date with any changes in processes or technology.

Step 4: ISMS Initiation

The standard methodology emphasizes a “process approach” for continual improvement, recognizing it as the most effective model. Notably, ISO® 27001 doesn't prescribe a specific methodology, granting organizations the flexibility to choose or continue with their existing models. 

We recommend using a four-tier approach:

1. Start with top-level policies to clearly define your organization’s stance on certain issues.

2. Procedures to enact the policy requirements.

3. Work instructions to guide employees on how they should meet those policies.

4. Records to track the implementation of procedures and work instructions.

Step 5: Management Framework

In this step, the focus is on gaining a comprehensive understanding of the ISMS framework. An important aspect of this step is defining the scope of your ISMS, and determining which parts of your organization will be safeguarded.

If the scope is too narrow, it risks leaving information exposed, jeopardizing overall security. On the other hand, an excessively broad scope can lead to the ISMS becoming overly complex and challenging to manage effectively. 

Step 6: Risk Management

Identifying and prioritizing information security threats is only part of the equation—dealing with them effectively is equally (if not more) important. The ISO® 27001 risk assessment process entails identifying, evaluating, and prioritizing threats, enabling informed decisions on treatment, termination, sharing, or acceptance of risks.

Our guided document templates take the hassle out of building up your ISMS documentation, making the process smooth and straightforward. ISMS Connect understands the intricacies of information security and offers free document samples covering key areas like Patch Management, Document Control, and Risk Management. 

Step 7: Implement the Risk Treatment Plan

To ensure the effectiveness of these controls, it's essential to verify that staff can operate or interact with them and are fully aware of their information security obligations. Establishing a process for determining, reviewing, and maintaining the necessary competencies is integral to achieving ISMS objectives.

This involves conducting a need analysis and defining the desired level of competence.

ISO® 27001 outlines five types of controls for a robust information security program: 

• Technical

• Organizational

• Legal

• Physical

• Human resources

These controls should be applied in accordance with the risk treatment plan and monitored on an ongoing basis. In addition, automated patch management systems can help make sure that devices are kept up-to-date and secure.

Step 8: Training and Awareness

Studies show that human error is by far the leading cause of information security incidents. If training isn’t a par of your ISMS, then it will likely be ineffective.

To combat this, all employees should receive appropriate training on the organization’s security policies and procedures. Additionally, regular awareness sessions should be held to make sure that staff members can stay up-to-date with any changes or updates in information security regulations.

There are a few kinds of training techniques that we find to be effective:

• Live drills testing the organization’s response to cyber incidents

• Interactive workshops that explain various concepts and highlight different attacks

• Quizzes to track knowledge retention and measure employee comprehension

Step 9: Measure, Monitor and Review

Regular reviews, ideally at least annually, allow for tracking the evolution of risks and identifying emerging threats. The primary aim of the review process is to assess whether the ISMS is effectively preventing security incidents. This involves comparing its output to the objectives outlined in the project mandate, which can be measured quantitatively and qualitatively. 

Step 10: Certification

After successfully implementing the Information Security Management System (ISMS), organizations should contemplate seeking certification from an accredited certification body. This certification serves as tangible evidence to stakeholders that the ISMS is effective, underscoring the organization's commitment to information security. 

Looking to fast-track certification without paying for costly consultants?

At ISMS Connect, we help businesses build compliant ISMS and earn certifications quickly. Our platform combines DIY guides, templates, and how-tos with on-demand expert support and an active community to make sure your ISMS is up-to-date and audit-ready.

Conclusion

ISO® 27001 stands as a crucial framework for organizations aiming to fortify their information security practices. The steps outlined above provide a comprehensive guide to achieving ISO® 27001 certification, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach to information security management. 

ISMS Connect understands that getting certified can be a daunting task, especially if you’re a smaller business. Through a user-friendly platform and a wealth of resources, including templates, guides, and consultant support, ISMS Connect demystifies the certification process, making it accessible and achievable for organizations of all sizes.

Get in touch with ISMS Connect today!