ISO 27001
Information Security Management
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What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for an Information Security Management System published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). It is NOT an IT document/problem, in fact if you’ve pushed compliance with this standard onto your IT department then that’s probably your first mistake, but it can be collected.
Earning ISO 27001 certification is far more than a tick-box exercise or a plaque on the wall. It demonstrates a clear and proactive commitment to safeguarding not only your own data, but also the sensitive information entrusted to you by your customers.
In today’s climate, data breaches and information leaks are no longer rare events—they occur with increasing frequency, are widely publicised, and often result in substantial financial penalties. The reputational damage alone can be significant.
That’s where ISO 27001 comes in. Rather than imposing rigid or complex procedures, the standard encourages the integration of straightforward, everyday practices that align with your existing business operations. Whether you’re a small enterprise or a large organisation, and regardless of your industry, ISO 27001 helps to embed a culture of information security at every level—ensuring your data remains protected and your business resilient.
Avoid Fines
You can avoid fines by implementing simple but effective controls over the data you hold, and where you hold it.
Keep Your Customers Happy
If you allow your customers data to enter the public domain, or be stolen by a hacker, they are unlikely to remain your customers, and a very expensive legal case could follow.
Reduce Costs
Decrease operational costs by improved data handling and understanding exactly where “in the cloud” your information is held* and what risks that involves.
Commitment to Secure Handling
Shows a commitment to protecting your customers, and suppliers’ data, reducing risks and helping to ensure that their businesses are protected while working with yours.
*Despite statements by some IT related experts, “the cloud” does have physical locations, the servers which hold your data CAN be anywhere, including in countries where there are no laws to protect the data they contain.
Securing Business with ISO 27001
Secure a competitive advantage in tenders and supplier assessments through tight control of information and data helps improve your customer’s performance and shows they are showing effective control of their supply chain. This in turn improves their performance as seen by their customers.
Achieving ISO 27001 certification brings more than just peace of mind—it introduces a structured, risk-based approach to managing data and information across your organisation. By assessing the value and sensitivity of different types of data, the standard allows you to apply the right level of control where it’s needed most.
In practice, this means that highly sensitive data is properly secured, while less critical information can be handled with greater flexibility. As a result, your teams can work more efficiently without being hindered by overly rigid protocols—helping to avoid the all-too-common “computer says no” scenario.
Moreover, ISO 27001 supports your organisation in systematically addressing data security risks, improving legal and regulatory compliance, and making better use of existing resources. Over time, this leads to stronger overall security performance and a more resilient business operation.
Beyond internal benefits, certification also enhances your external reputation. It signals to clients, partners, and stakeholders that you take information security seriously—opening the door to new opportunities, greater trust, and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
By embracing continual improvement and aligning with international best practices, ISO 27001 positions your business as a forward-thinking, responsible leader in secure data management.
How long would it take to become approved?
The timeframe for approval depends on your business activities and current compliance with legislation. But, we typically craft a tailored Information Security Management System for an SME, conduct audits to verify ISO 27001 compliance, and facilitate UKAS-approved certification with 10 days of our support, typically spread over 6-8 weeks.
How much is it to get ISO 27001 certification?
Our charges are determined by a daily rate, which is based on your activities. Typically, a small business engagement requires 10-14 days. Certification from a UKAS-approved body is estimated at £1500 to £5,000 for a three-year certificate.
Our approach involves crafting effective management systems tailored to your unique business needs. We formalize your existing best practices, ensuring compliance in crucial areas with legal implications. For further details and guidance on obtaining the necessary certifications, please drop us a line.
What do I need to do?
Put simply, the first step is to identify the areas of your operations where information security risks are most significant. Once these have been pinpointed, the next move is to implement effective controls that reduce the potential impact of those risks to an acceptable level.
While schemes like Cyber Essentials offer a useful foundation, ISO 27001 goes further. The certification process requires a broader and more tailored approach—introducing additional controls that are specifically aligned to the nature and sensitivity of the data you handle.
In essence, it’s not just about having security measures in place—it’s about having the right measures, based on a thorough risk assessment of your information assets. This ensures that your approach to information security is both proportionate and robust, giving you confidence that your data is protected across all areas of the business.