ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS). While not mandatory for every organisation, it demonstrates a commitment to protecting sensitive information and can be a competitive differentiator. Achieving certification requires management buy‑in, risk assessment, and the implementation of a set of information security controls.
The standard is structured around the Plan‑Do‑Check‑Act (PDCA) cycle. In the planning phase, organisations define the scope of their ISMS, identify information assets, conduct risk assessments, and establish objectives. The Do phase involves implementing controls to address identified risks; Annex A of ISO 27001 contains a catalogue of controls that map to domains such as access control, physical security, and cryptography. The Check phase requires ongoing monitoring and internal audits to ensure controls are effective. Finally, the Act phase focuses on continual improvement, implementing corrective actions to address nonconformities and adjusting the ISMS as the business evolves.
The he framework aligns with many principles we’ve already discussed, such as privacy and mainly in NIST CSF: limiting access to only those who need it, maintaining network security controls, and training employees. Companies seeking ISO 27001 certification, as well as others, can streamline the process using platforms such as Scrut Automation, which simplifies risk assessment, policy documentation, and audit workflows. Choosing a platform can save time and ensure alignment with both ISO 27001:2022 requirements and any upcoming updates.
