Last year, the average total cost of a data breach in the United States rose well above $9 million. These breaches exposed the personal data of millions of individuals, disrupted business operations, and continue to threaten information integrity. In this dangerous digital wilderness, the principles behind ISO 27001 provide an essential framework for managing sensitive data.
ISO 27001 refers to an international standard outlining requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). Rather than merely a technology initiative, the ISMS involves a business-led approach to keeping a company’s information safe and effectively managing risk.
Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification strengthen their defense against cyber threats and demonstrate a firm commitment to security and privacy. In addition, the ISMS eases the path to compliance with other regulations such as CRPA and GDPR. It also helps to ensure business continuity and bolsters business reputation.
3 Fundamental Principles Behind ISO 27001
Three core principles form the cornerstone of information security under ISO 27001:
- Confidentiality – Sensitive information should only be accessible to those with the authority to view it.
- Integrity – To keep data reliable and trustworthy, ensure that data cannot be altered in unauthorized ways.
- Availability – Information must remain accessible and usable by authorized users when they need it.
To support these fundamental principles, ISO 27001 includes four categories of controls, or practices, that organizations should implement to reduce risk. Organizational controls, for instance, refer to the policies and rules that define expected behavior from users, software, and systems. This includes access control policies, compliance monitoring, and so forth.
People controls, on the other hand, involve ensuring that employees have the knowledge and skills they need to allow them to perform their duties securely. And physical controls such as CCTV monitoring and visitor logs help to monitor and safeguard physical spaces.
Finally, technological controls refer to steps implemented in information systems. For example, antivirus software and data backups represent technological controls that organizations must have in place.
Steps to ISO 27001 Certification
Conforming to the ISO 27001 standard involves a multi-step process. First, you must understand the requirements and how they apply to your organization. With nearly 100 controls mandated by the standard, this will take some time and research.
Second, conduct a gap analysis to assess your current ISMS against the ISO 27001 standard to identify information security risks and areas for improvement. Based on the gap analysis, implement practices such as access controls and encryption to address the risks identified.
Third, develop or update an ISMS informed by ISO 27001 requirements. This will include defining and documenting policies and procedures. It will also include implementing controls to protect data from loss or unauthorized access.
Fourth, ensure that employees receive effective training about changes to processes and practices, as well as the requirements involved with ISO 27001.
Finally, with the controls and documentation in place, conduct an internal audit to measure your ISO 27001 compliance. Correct any issues. Then, to achieve ISO 27001 certification, select an accredited certification body to conduct an official audit of your ISMS against the ISO 27001 standard.
Importance of Continuous Improvement
The ISO 27001 standard also emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement. That is, organizations should regularly review and update the ISMS as changes occur in business operations, technology, and the threat landscape. Like any standard, ISO 27001 is not a “once and done” process. Regular security audits and compliance monitoring prove essential.
Access the Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification
Building an ISMS that meets ISO 27001 standards represents a significant undertaking that will affect the entire organization. But this proactive stance on information security can protect your business, build customer trust, and ensure business resilience.
The information governance and compliance experts at Messaging Architects stand ready to help. With extensive expertise and the right tools, they will assist you with navigating the complexities of the certification process.
