Business

ISO 27001 Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2022

The ISO/IEC 27001, popularly known as the ISO 27001 certificate is a globally recognized information security standard. It is created by the International Organization for Standardization.

Being ISO 27001 certified means that an organization is following top-notch, internationally-approved security standards. Thus, clients are able to easily trust such an organization because they know that the organization will take good care of their data. It gives the organization a competitive edge and helps it stand out from the crowd.

Applying for the ISO 27001 certification can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. But don’t worry because we are here to help you out.

This beginner’s guide will help you understand the basics of the ISO 27001 certificate and why is it important for your organization.

So, let’s get started!

The main purpose of the ISO 27001 certificate

The main purpose of this certificate is to provide a robust model for building, implementing, operating, reviewing, and monitoring an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS).

ISO 27001 provides a complete framework for organizations that will help them protect their data and maintain security in a cost-effective way. The ISO 27001 framework applies to organizations of all sizes and belonging to all kinds of industries.

Benefits of ISO 27001 certification

As we mentioned above, being ISO 27001-compliant has numerous benefits for an organization. Let’s have a quick look at some of them:

1. Increases customers’ trust

One of the biggest benefits of having the ISO 27001 certificate is that it helps you gain customers’ trust more easily. When you are handling a large amount of customer data and sensitive information, having the complete trust of your clients is vital.

Owning the ISO 27001 certificate demonstrates that you are capable of handling your customers’ data responsibly and securely. It also implies that you are adhering to the globally-recognized ISO standards.

2. Offers quality assurance

The ISO 27001 certificate follows a strict framework and quality checks. So, it assures your customers that you are following high standards of IT security quality. This goes a long way in helping you secure better and more profitable contracts with large businesses.

3. Strengthens your internal security

Along with giving a quality assistance to your customers, having an ISO 27001 certificate is also helpful to your organization’s internal security. While preparing for this certificate, you will have to strengthen your internal data security practices and conduct internal audits. It helps you in spotting several security loopholes in your infrastructure and remedy them effectively.

Continuous risk assessments also help you in ensuring that your business is operating as per the ISO standards. It also prevents any serious data breaches or other security issues in the future.

What is the process to be ISO 27001 compliant?

Acquiring the ISO 27001 certificate isn’t easy for any organization. It is a rigorous process designed to ensure that only the deserving organizations get it.

Here is a quick breakdown of the ISO 27001 certification process:

1. Determination of scope

To become ISO 27001-certified, an organization needs to prepare its ISMS (Information Security Management System). And for preparing a robust ISMS, the determination of its scope is essential. Businesses need to find out what type of information and assets they need to protect.

2. Analyzing your current security controls and finding gaps

Once you are clear with your scope, you need to analyze your existing security control measures. Evaluate how well your current information security measures are performing and the ways you can improve them.

You can do this by analyzing your internal policies and interviewing your IT security staff. Make sure to document all your findings for the external auditing process.

3. Risk assessment and formation of a Risk Treatment Plan

The next step is the assessment of risk. It is a basic requirement for ISO 27001 compliance and you will have to document everything you discover during the risk assessment.

Along with a thorough risk assessment, organizations also need to come up with a fool-proof Risk Treatment Plan. Devising a Risk Treatment Plan is also a necessary step for becoming ISO 27001 compliant. Such a plan acts as your roadmap and helps you mitigate all future risks effectively.

4. Collection of evidence and documentation

Collection and documentation of evidence is an important part of the ISO 27001 certification process. You will need to present all these documents during the external ISO 27001 certification audit.

How long does it take to become ISO 27001 certified?

As it is an extensive process, it can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months to become ISO 27001-certified. From starting the process to completing the ISO 27001 certification audit, the entire process can easily take one year to be completed.

Summing up

So there you go! That was our ISO 27001 beginners’ guide.

We hope you found the information presented here helpful and that we were able to offer you some useful knowledge. Having an ISO 27001 certificate can help your organization in more ways than one. So, even though the process is a bit complicated, obtaining this certificate is a wise choice.

Business

Michella Filipowitz: Shaping a Future of Inclusion for Children with Disabilities

Published

5 hours ago

September 15, 2024

Rosario Farell

Michella Filipowitz, a prominent model, business leader, and philanthropist, has dedicated her life to advocating for children with disabilities. Her personal story, shaped by her experiences as the mother of a child with autism, has driven her passion to build a more inclusive world where differences are not just accepted but celebrated.

Michella’s journey took a transformative turn when she became a single mother at the age of 23. Shortly after, her son, Benjamin, was diagnosed with autism at the age of three. “It was an unexpected and overwhelming moment,” Michella recalls. “No one in my family had dealt with anything like this before, but with my mother’s guidance, I was able to see Benjamin’s diagnosis not as a burden, but as a new way of understanding the world.”

Benjamin’s condition is categorized as a hidden disability. Though it’s not always obvious to others, his challenges—such as delayed speech—affect his everyday experiences. “It was difficult to watch him struggle while other kids seemed to develop so naturally,” Michella shares. “It made me realize how often children with disabilities are left out or misunderstood.”

This realization sparked a new mission for Michella: to create a world where children like Benjamin are given the same opportunities as their peers. “I knew I had to be part of the solution,” she says. “Our differences are what make us unique, and we should be embracing that, not hiding from it.”

Michella is also keenly aware of how quickly people judge others based on outward appearances. “We live in a time where everything is so public and visible, but that doesn’t mean we know the whole story,” she explains. “It’s important to have empathy and not make assumptions.”

Her advocacy work has centered on changing how schools and communities treat children with disabilities. Too often, children like Benjamin are segregated in special schools, which can further isolate them. Michella believes this approach is flawed. “Children with disabilities need to learn alongside their peers,” she says. “Only then can they grow up understanding that differences are normal, not something to be avoided.”

Her vision is clear: an education system where children of all abilities are taught together, learning to respect one another from an early age. “If we can instill the values of acceptance and understanding in kids while they’re young, we’ll build a much more inclusive society,” she says.

Michella’s commitment to helping families of children with disabilities goes beyond advocacy. She co-founded the DR Family Foundation with her fiancé to provide critical support to families who are struggling with the high costs of therapies, treatments, and education. “As a single mother, I know firsthand how overwhelming it can be,” she explains. “That’s why I wanted to help other families get the resources they need.”

The DR Family Foundation has already made a significant difference, helping families cover school expenses and other essential costs. The foundation’s next big initiative is creating a home for children from difficult backgrounds, offering them a safe and nurturing space where they can thrive. “It’s not just about providing shelter,” Michella says. “It’s about building a community where these children feel loved and supported.”

Reflecting on her journey with Benjamin, Michella speaks with gratitude. “He’s shown me that what others might see as a challenge is actually his strength,” she says. “His resilience and uniqueness are what make him so special, and I want to make sure other children have the opportunity to shine in their own way.”

Through her work, Michella envisions a world where children with disabilities are fully included in every aspect of life. She hopes that by advocating for inclusion and providing support through the DR Family Foundation, she can help create a brighter future for these children. “I want parents to know that they’re not alone,” she says. “With the right support, we can give our children the chance to live fulfilling, happy lives.”

Stay connected with Michella Filipowitz and her mission to create a more inclusive society for children with disabilities by following her on Instagram @princessmichella.