Information is one of businesses’ most valuable assets, and ensuring its security has become essential for many organizations. One of the most effective ways to demonstrate this commitment is to obtain ISO 27001 certification.
Adequate cybersecurity tools are essential. Kartos, Enthec’s solution for enterprises, is a comprehensive platform that facilitates continuous threat exposure management, allowing organizations to detect and proactively manage vulnerabilities.
Kartos fits perfectly with the philosophy of ISO 27001, helping companies identify risks and implement adequate controls to safeguard information.
What is ISO 27001 certificate?
ISO 27001 is an international standard that sets out the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Its primary purpose is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information within an organization.
By obtaining this certificate, a company demonstrates that it has implemented a set of processes and controls designed to manage and mitigate risks related to information security.
Benefits of obtaining ISO 27001 certification
Obtaining ISO 27001 certification is not just a formality but a process that provides multiple internal and external advantages within the organization. Below, we detail some of the most relevant benefits of having this certification:
Information protection
The main benefit of obtaining the ISO 27001 certificate is protecting sensitive information for the organization, such as confidential data of customers, employees, suppliers, and the company itself.
The standard helps to identify, protect, and manage this information appropriately, preventing unauthorized access, loss, or theft. Implementing a structured risk management and control system provides an additional layer of security against the most common cyber threats.
Reputation enhancement
In an environment where trust is a key part of a company’s success, ISO 27001 certification is a way to demonstrate to customers, suppliers, and partners that the organization is committed to information security.
Transparency in digital security management, backed by an independent certification body, strengthens the company’s reputation and builds confidence in its ability to protect sensitive data.
Legal and regulatory compliance
In many industries, strict regulations and laws govern data protection, such as Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Obtaining ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that the company complies with these legal requirements and helps avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.
In addition, the standard helps organizations keep their processes aligned with international regulations, which is essential in a globalized environment.
If you want to explore this further, access our post→ Regulatory compliance in cybersecurity: Keys to staying current.
Competitive Advantage
Having ISO 27001 certification can be a key differentiator in highly competitive markets. Many companies, especially those that handle sensitive information, prefer to work with certified vendors, as this ensures that their data will be adequately protected.
Continuous improvement
Implementing ISO 27001 is not a static process. The standard promotes continuous improvement in the security management system, ensuring that controls and processes are regularly updated to adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities.
This implies that the company must conduct regular audits, risk analyses, and reviews to keep the ISMS current and effective. A culture of continuous improvement is key to staying ahead of cybercriminals and other threats.
How to get certified in ISO 27001?
Obtaining ISO 27001 certification involves a structured process that can be summarized in the following steps:
- Management commitment. Senior management must be committed to implementing the ISMS and provide the necessary resources.
- Risk analysis. Identifying and assessing risks related to information security is essential. This analysis allows us to prioritize the areas that require attention and establish appropriate controls.
- Development of policies and procedures. Based on the risk analysis, the organization should develop policies and procedures that address identified threats and establish best practices for information security management.
- Implementation of controls. Implement the controls defined in policies and procedures to mitigate risks.
- Training and awareness. All staff must be informed and trained on security policies and understand their role in protecting information.
- Internal audit. An internal audit should be conducted before the certification audit to ensure that the ISMS meets the standard’s requirements and functions effectively.
- Certification audit: An independent certification body will assess the organization’s ISMS. If all requirements are met, ISO 27001 certification will be awarded.
Implementation of ISO 27001
Implementing ISO 27001 can present specific challenges for organizations:
Resistance to change
As with any organizational change, implementing ISO 27001 can lead to resistance, especially if it involves modifying how employees manage and process information.
Overcoming this resistance requires an effective communication strategy and ongoing training to raise awareness at all organizational levels about the importance of information security and the role each plays in it.
Limited resources
Implementing an ISMS according to ISO 27001 can require significant time, personnel, and resources. External consultants and specialized technology may be needed to conduct audits, manage risks, and implement controls.
Risk Management
Risk analysis, one of the key components of ISO 27001, can be complex. Identifying, assessing, and classifying risks can be challenging, especially in large companies or those with complex information systems.
Using specialized tools, such as the one offered by Kartos, can make managing these risks easier by providing an automated, real-time approach to threat and vulnerability detection.
You may be interested in→ 5 tips to improve your company’s access management.
Risk analysis in ISO 27001
Risk analysis is a cornerstone in the implementation of ISO 27001. This process involves:
- Identification of assets. Determine what information and resources are critical to the organization.
- Identification of threats and vulnerabilities. Recognize potential threats that could affect assets and vulnerabilities that could be exploited.
- Risk assessment Analyze the likelihood of the identified threats occurring and their impact on the organization.
- Risk treatment. Decide how to address each risk by mitigating, transferring, accepting, or eliminating it.
This analysis allows the organization to prioritize its efforts and resources in the most critical areas, ensuring adequate information protection.
Kartos: a solution for Continuous Threat Exposure Management (CTEM)
Tools that facilitate risk management and mitigation are vital in the context of information security. Enthec‘s Kartos is a cyber-surveillance solution designed for companies seeking continuous management of their threat exposure.
Implementing this type of solution complements the requirements of ISO 27001 and allows organizations to stay ahead of potential security incidents, reduce risk, and protect their most valuable assets.
Obtaining the ISO 27001 certificate is a fundamental step for any company that values the security of its information. Beyond complying with a standard, becoming certified involves adopting a data protection culture, risk management, and continuous improvement.
However, certification is not the endpoint of the process; security must be maintained proactively and consistently. Kartos makes a difference by providing continuous, automated monitoring bolsters enterprise cybersecurity.
If your organization is on the path to ISO 27001 certification or has already obtained it but wants to improve its security strategy, consider Kartos your ally for adequate and sustained protection over time.