ISO 27001-Compliance – Fast, Simple and Hassle-Free

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It describes a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information and ensures its confidentiality, integrity and availability by implementing risk management processes and security controls. The standard consists of several main elements:

• Context of the organization: understanding the internal and external issues that affect the ISMS.
• Leadership and commitment: requirements for management involvement and defining the scope of the ISMS.
• Risk assessment and treatment: identifying, assessing and treating security risks.
• Objectives for information security: setting goals to maintain and improve security.
• Implementation of controls: Application of specific security measures to protect information.
• Performance evaluation and continuous improvement: Monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement of the ISMS.

ISO 27001 provides companies with a framework for identifying, assessing and managing information security risks. The benefits include:

• Increased security and reduced risk: Protecting sensitive data from threats such as cyber-attacks, data leaks, and unauthorized access.
• Comply with legal and regulatory requirements: Demonstrate compliance with GDPR and other security regulations.
• Increase customer trust: Certification gives customers and partners confidence in the company's commitment to security.
• Improve processes and efficiency: Standardize processes, making them more efficient and aligned with best practices.
• Competitive advantage: Certified companies often have an advantage over competitors without formal security practices.

The certification audit consists of two phases:

• Phase 1: A preliminary audit to identify gaps that allow the company to make adjustments.
• Phase 2: The formal audit, which usually takes place a few weeks after Phase 1 and can take 4-6 weeks.

When the audit is complete, the auditor provides a report and a recommendation for certification (if all requirements are met). An independent certification body reviews the auditor's findings to decide whether the company should receive certification. If the decision is positive, the company receives the ISO 27001 certificate, which is usually valid for three years.

• Surveillance audits (annually): Surveillance audits ensure that the organization's ISMS remains ISO 27001 compliant during the certification period. These are usually conducted annually by the certification body. Minor nonconformities can be addressed, but significant issues can jeopardize certification if left unresolved.
• Recertification audit (every 3 years): To renew the certification at the end of the three-year cycle. A complete audit similar to the initial certification audit, covering both the documentation and the implementation of the ISMS.

Each phase is thoroughly executed to ensure that the ISMS adequately protects information assets, manages risk, and continuously improves.

heyData offers comprehensive support throughout the entire preparation process, including:
Initial assessment: Analysis of the organization's current ISMS, identification of opportunities for improvement and provision of actionable recommendations.

• Training: Employees can complete the required training directly on the heyData platform.
• Control Implementation Guide: heyData helps organizations implement the necessary security controls and address compliance gaps.
• Internal Audit Services: Conduct an internal audit to ensure compliance prior to the formal certification audit.
• Referral to external auditors: heyData can connect customers with experienced ISO auditors for the external audit phase.
• Ongoing support: Provision of advice on maintenance and ongoing compliance in preparation for annual surveillance audits.

Although heyData services cover preparation for and support during internal audits, customers may incur additional costs for the following items:

• Penetration testing: Often recommended for SaaS products, but not mandatory unless required by the external auditor.
• Certification fees: These are charged by the external certification body that performs the final audit.

Additional third-party services, such as vulnerability assessments, may also be required depending on the organization's infrastructure.

Penetration tests are not mandatory under the ISO 27001 standard. However, they are generally recommended for organizations certifying a SaaS product or handling large amounts of sensitive data. An organization can choose not to conduct a penetration test, but this may affect the outcome of the certification if the auditor identifies significant risks related to untested vulnerabilities.