Is ISO 27001 the right path for your SME and is it expensive? Let’s explore the nuances and considerations and how you can start working towards accreditation without spending money on consultants.

What Is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing information security risks and ensuring confidentiality, integrity and availability of critical data. Achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates your commitment to protecting sensitive information.

The Reassurance Factor

When you hold an ISO 27001 certificate, it sends a powerful message to your stakeholders—customers, partners and investors. It says, “We take information risks seriously.” Here’s how ISO 27001 provides reassurance:

1. Customer Confidence: ISO 27001 certification assures your customers that their data is in safe hands. It builds trust and enhances your reputation.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Many industries require compliance with information security standards. ISO 27001 helps you meet legal obligations and industry-specific regulations.

3. Competitive Edge: In a crowded marketplace, ISO 27001 sets you apart. It becomes a differentiator, especially when bidding for contracts or partnerships in the public sector and other sectors where large amounts of sensitive data are handled.

The Rigorous Journey

However, let’s be candid: ISO 27001 is not easy. It demands commitment, resources and persistence. Here’s why:

1. Comprehensive: ISO 27001 covers the entire operating environment of the scope being addressed; from policies and procedures to risk assessments and incident response.

2. Risk Management: You’ll delve into risk assessments, threat modelling and vulnerability management.

3. Continuous Improvement: ISO 27001 isn’t a one-time achievement. It’s about continuous improvement. Regular audits, reviews and updates are part of the journey. You need to be prepared to commit ongoing resources and keep compliance a priority at the top management level.

Where to Begin?

You don't have to buy in any resources to start working towards the accreditation, but you do need top down buy and commitment.
Things you can do yourself to start working towards accreditation:

Formalise your objectives: Start by agreeing your objectives for an information management system and then determine the scope. This should be discussed with all stakeholders but documented and agreed by top management.

Self-Assessment: Improve your risk management and information processes internally. Identify gaps, strengthen controls and create a solid foundation.

Documentation: Ensure you have all your processes, standard operating procedures and policies, around information handling and security, documented and that your organisation is trained on them.

Gradual Commitment: When you’re ready, move towards accreditation. Allocate resources, train your team, and align with ISO 27001 requirements.

No Effort Is Wasted: Even if you don’t pursue certification immediately, the groundwork you’ve laid won’t go to waste. ISO 27001 is flexible—it doesn’t prescribe how you should manage information; it guides you.

Conclusion

ISO 27001 certification is a strategic decision. It requires full support and resources as a project and then on an ongoing basis. But if you're committed to information security and management and work gradually towards improving these, you might find you are 80% there when you come to implementing the ISO 27001 standard and going for accreditation.