Why Organisations Should Use an ISO 27001 Consultant to Achieve Certification

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS) and is used to prove the security standards by a range of organisations. An ISMS is a systemic approach including personnel, practices, processes and strategies to handle the security of information that any company can have. To create, enforce and enhance internal and external security, ISO 27001 uses a standard and proven model.

As more companies need to evidence that they have conducted their due diligence on their suppliers and have assessed the level of risk their suppliers introduce, whether a supplier has ISO 27001 is usually the first question they ask.  Government contracts now make it a prerequisite.

Without it, will you be able to demonstrate to your customers that the security of your data is as protected and well maintained as it should be?

As ISO 27001 consultants we help our customers implement a strong set of bespoke security policies that protect their business and are managed by an ISMS that complies with ISO 27001. We will direct you through the whole certification process, unlike DIY alternatives, allowing you to continually review and refine the way you manage information security, not only for the present but for the future.

Along the way, we also introduce our customers to additional controls, processes and practical security advice that they can consider outside of the certification process to strengthen their security resilience.

 

So why do organisations need ISO 27001 certification?

 

For those organisations wishing to demonstrate an aptitude for information security, ISO 27001 certification is required. Organisations across a wide variety of sectors, such as public sector, banking, healthcare, telecommunications and many more, are pursuing ISO 27001 certification in order to enhance and verify the strength of their information security. In the case of third parties and supply chains, getting ISO 27001 certification is a reassuring indication that you are a knowledgeable, responsible and trustworthy organisation with which your customers can confidently do business.

ISO 27001 certification offers a competitive advantage by meeting certain contractual criteria and by communicating to customers that the security of their information is paramount. It is also a framework for best practice in the area of information and cyber security. Any company will benefit from the thorough evaluation and analysis that comes with the ISO 27001 process. This is where there is an excellent opportunity to expand and refine the information security policies and procedures and where an ISO 27001, or an information security consultant, can add value by transferring knowledge and experience where an online DIY solution cannot.

ISO 27001 certification provides independent verification of the internal controls and meets the standards of corporate governance and business continuity based on your own risk thresholds. It can remove the need for customer security audits and ensures that the company’s risks are correctly defined, evaluated and controlled on their own terms. It also helps executive management to show and demonstrate its dedication to information security.

 

So what are the benefits of using an ISO 27001 consultant?

 

ISO 27001 consultants have the skills and experience required to direct companies through ISO 27001 certification and renewal every year – achieving the highest standards in cyber security in the process. This enhances both the company’s reputation, its resilience and its peace of mind in the future. Your company may need to hand over the entire certification process, or you may only need assistance in certain areas – the advantage of an ISO 27001 consultant is the flexibility to provide the level of help you need, complementing your in-house expertise. At Aston, our Information Security Consultants may be engaged for special or multi-stage ISO 27001 consulting services, depending on the organisation.

As ISO 27001 includes looking closely at the current IT frameworks and finding possible threats, performing the process under the supervision of an experienced information security consultant will result in improved documentation and overall action and will provide all staff members with specific guidance and guidance to follow in order to reach the highest standards of cyber security.

The type of activity that should be conducted by an ISO 27001 consultant is as follows:

• Conduct a Gap Analysis to examine the degree of compliance of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) with the criteria of ISO 27001 and to include a roadmap to achieve compliance and/or certification.
• Conducting ISO 27001 audits.
• Risk Management and Analysis to establish an asset register and security risk assessment, including the development of the Statement of Applicability (SoA) – a key requirement of ISO 27001.
• Advising on a solid governance and compliance framework.
• Implement incident management systems to identify – and respond effectively to issues that arise.
• Reviewing, advising and designing policies and procedures and assessing their efficacy and maturity.
• Deliver security awareness materials and courses, as well as customised training for security roles.
• Interpreting the external auditors questions to evidence control compliance.

 

Contact us today to discuss how our ISO 27001 consultants can help you achieve not just ISO 27001 certification and ongoing renewals, but effective, compliant company-wide information security policies and procedures.