ISO 27001 Certification Process; Easy-to-read explanation about the ISO 27001 certification
ISO 27001 is a complicated standard, and it can be intimidating to understand the process if you’re getting certified for the first time. Understanding the process of getting ISO 27001 certified can help you prepare for a successful audit and remove a lot of the stress along the way. Read more here:
ISO 27001 Certification Process
An information Security Management System (ISMS) is designed to enhance your organisation’s ability to manage information security and privacy appropriately. It will demonstrate your proficiency in identifying, addressing, and removing threats to your valuable data. ISMS shows that you are at the forefront of security and are willing to future-proof your organisation against the constantly evolving threats of the technological world.
The importance of ISMS
To achieve this certification, you must have a fully functioning ISMS that meets best practice standards and requirements.
To achieve GCC ISMS certification, you should work to systematically improve your organisation’s security and overall management and ensure that your ISMS is at the highest level. This will ensure that you’re compliant with the legal obligations surrounding ISMS, while also following best practice for the industry. Effective implementation of these systems ensures that your organisation has a competitive advantage over rival businesses that aren’t certified in the same fashion.
That’s why ISO 27001 certifications are placed in such high regard. It can help bolster your business’s effectiveness, safety, and reputation. In turn, this can make you a more attractive prospect to prospective customers.
What is ISO certification?
So, what is ISO’s meaning? The International Organisation for Standardisation or – ISO– is a non-governmental institution that develops and recognises new professional and best practice standards across more than 160 countries.
ISO certification is essentially proof that your organisation has met a specific internationally recognised standard – 27001 deals explicitly with information security. Generally, ISO covers a broad range of best practice assurance management certifications related to organisations globally. These are not mandatory or legally binding. However, they are crucial in maximising the potential of your business in several ways. An organisation that is ISO certified demonstrates a commitment to ensuring workplace safety, productivity, and legal compliance.
It is important to note that the ISO does not perform certification themselves. Instead, they create the standards — such as ISO 27001 — that are then certificates are issued by reputable companies such as GCC.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security (ISMS) improvement. GCC offers expert gap analysis and ISO 27001 certification to ensure that you are aware of all relevant legislation regarding information security. Maximising the potential of your ISMS is a cost-effective way to protect your business’s most valuable assets — both physical and intellectual. Once you are certified, you will have the confidentiality, integrity, and knowledge to run a smoother operation.
So, what is ISO certification in Australia, and what does it cover? The ISO 27001 certification ensures best practices in various aspects of your organisation.
– Human resources security
– Asset management
– Information security policies
– Asset control
– Cryptography
– Physical security
– Supplier relationship management
– Incident management
– Communications security
– Operational security
By ensuring that your business is certified, you mitigate your risk of cyberattack, guarantee the efficacy of risk management systems, instil stakeholder confidence, comply with regulatory bodies, and reduce any financial impact that system failures can result in.
Getting your business involved in the ISO 27001 certification process
Certification involves GCC assessing your organisation in order to ascertain that management systems meet the requirements of one or more recognised standards. Becoming certified to a nationally or internationally recognised standard is of great benefit to an organization. It improves overall performance, builds confidence within stakeholder groups and broadens the scope of new opportunity.
The amount of time it takes to achieve certification depends on a few factors. Your company’s existing ISMS adherence will be crucial. Once you are confident that you have achieved this — or if you simply need additional help achieving your ISMS goal — get in touch with us to book a quote and begin your certification process.
GCC offers an optional gap analysis to evaluate your existing ISMS and determine how much efforts you need to meet the necessary ISMS requirements for ISO 27001 certification. There are four stages to attaining and maintaining ISO certification with GCC.
- Application
The first step your organisation must take is to fill in the application process for ISO 27001 certification. Once this is complete, GCC will review your form and provide a proposal for the next step. After you agree to the terms, we can work with your organisation to work our dates for an official audit. As an optional step, GCC can conduct a Gap Analysis if necessary.
- Certification audit
The first stage of the audit is to assess your organisation’s documentation and overall preparation, understanding, and implementation of ISMS. At the stage 1 Audit, The Audit team will assess documentation and readiness of management system for Stage 2 Audit.
Then a date will be confirmed with you for Stage 2 (Certification Audit). At the stage 2, audit team will assess implementation of system and will verify any issues outstanding from the Stage 1 Audit. Your organisation will be recommended for Certification after review and positive decision by the independent GCC certification Authority, you’re your ISO 27001 certificate will be issued.
- Maintaining certification
The lifespan of an ISO certificate is three years. Upon completing the previous step, GCC will work with you to create a road map for surveillance auditing. This will include regular audits to establish a continued adherence to the certification specifications. The surveillance audits are required to be conducted once a year.
- Re-certification
Before the expiration date of the ISO 27001 certification, GCC will conduct another full audit and review to ensure that your ISMS requirements continue to meet the best practice standards. We will be with you every step of the way to guarantee that your organisation is never left vulnerable when it comes to information security.
If you are unsure about any of the processes and requirements for ISO 27001 certification, browse our informative step by step guide and stay up to date on certification news to learn how you can become certified today. To find out more about getting ISO 27001 certification, get in touch with the experts at GCC – we’ll be more than happy to talk you through the process.