Short answer: ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security. To comply with it, organisations must establish an Information Security Management System (ISMS), carry out risk assessments, and document controls, processes, and responsibilities. Certification is not mandatory – but it sends a strong signal of responsible data handling and compliance.
What is ISO?
Before discussing ISO27001, let’s review a brief history of the ISO, or International Standardization Organization. The ISO was established after World War II to create international standards that would guarantee the safety, reliability and quality of products and services across national borders. The first standard, ISO/Ra:1951, was published in 1951.
Since its founding, ISO has published over 22,000 standards spanning all facets of business and technology. Among other things, these standards serve as guidelines for the B2B sector when choosing suppliers and partners. After 75 years, ISO has firmly established itself as an influential player that contributes significantly to standardisation and quality assurance across various industries.
Did you know that GDPR violations can result in fines of up to 20 million euros or 4% of the company's global annual turnover, whichever is higher
- European Commision
What is ISO27001?
In short, ISO27001 is an international standard that deals with information security. This standard is an international data legislation that defines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS), which is a systematic and structured framework for protecting companies’ data. The key elements of ISO27001 include:
- Data overview
- Policies
- Risk management
- Security measures
- Audits
- Awareness
- Certification
Overall, implementing ISO27001 demonstrates that you take information security seriously. This can increase trust with customers, partners and stakeholders because it shows that you have established and effective processes to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of their information. You can even be certified in ISO27001 by an authorised certification body. In effect, this serves as a further guarantee that you protect data.
Need help managing personal data?
In our newsletter you get tips and tricks for dealing with privacy management from our founder Sebastian Allerelli.
When you sign up for our newsletter you get a license for one user to ShareSimple, which will give you a secure email in Outlook. This special offer is for new customers only, with a limit of one freebie per company.
ISO27001 and GDPR
ISO27001 and GDPR provide two essential frameworks for information security and personal data protection. While ISO27001 outlines the creation and maintenance of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) to identify and manage threats and vulnerabilities, GDPR focuses on protecting individual privacy rights by establishing rules for how you process personal data. Violations of GDPR can lead to significant fines. Despite the differences, ISO27001 and GDPR complement each other. Implementing ISO27001 can help businesses meet GDPR requirements for data security and risk management, and both frameworks work together to create strong personal data protection and compliance with international standards.
FAQ about ISO 27001
1. What is ISO 27001?
An international standard that sets out requirements for establishing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
2. Is certification required to comply with the standard?
No, certification is not legally required – but it demonstrates that you meet the requirements and strengthens trust with customers, partners, and regulators.
3. What is an ISMS?
A system of policies, procedures, and controls designed to help organisations manage information security and protect personal data.
4. How do we get started with ISO 27001?
Begin by assessing your current security posture, defining the scope, identifying risks, and developing the necessary controls. You may want to use templates or work with consultants to structure the process.
How to comply with ISO27001?
Complying with ISO27001 requires a systematic approach to establish, implement, maintain and improve your Information Security Management System (ISMS). Here are some steps that can help an organisation meet ISO27001 requirements:
1. Data overview
First, identify all information security-related assets and evaluate the associated risks. This includes, for example, assessing threats, vulnerabilities and consequences.
2. Politics
Formulate an information security policy that reflects your commitment to protect information. Then, make sure this policy is communicated and understood across your organisation.
3. Risk management
Next, develop a structured risk management process that includes risk assessment, risk treatment and risk monitoring. This helps identify and manage threats and vulnerabilities.
4. Security measures
Then, implement appropriate security measures based on identified risks and requirements in ISO27001. This can include technical, organisational and physical security measures.
5. Revision
Afterward, put processes in place for regular monitoring and evaluation of the ISMS. This includes internal auditing, management review and data breach management.
6. Awareness
At the same time, ensure employees are trained and aware of information security measures and their role in maintaining data security.
7. Certification
Finally, have an authorised certification body audit your ISMS to assess whether you comply with ISO27001 in order to get ISO’s seal of approval.
Applying ISO27001 in your company is a continuous process and companies must regularly review and update their ISMS to ensure effective protection of information. In essence, the certification is a confirmation that the organisation meets international standards for information security.
Stop the GDPR monster before it gets its hold of your personal data
Need help with ISO27001?
To comply with ISO27001 requirements, it is essential to have a clear understanding of the sensitive data your organisation handles. This insight is crucial for identifying information security assets and assessing risks. Knowing where sensitive data is stored and how it is processed forms the foundation of data security, while also making responsible data handling easier for employees.
At Safe Online, we have developed a GDPR Risk Assessment that gives you the necessary overview of which personal data exists within your systems, how it is exposed, and where your biggest risks lie. This provides a solid basis for working systematically with information security and ensuring compliance with security standards such as ISO27001.
Learn more
Sebastian Allerelli
Founder & COO at Safe Online
Sebastian is the co-founder and COO of Safe Online, where he focuses on automating processes and developing innovative solutions within data protection and compliance. With a background from Copenhagen Business Academy and experience within identity and access management, he has a keen understanding of GDPR and data security. As a writer on Safe Online's Knowledge Hub, Sebastian shares his expertise through practical advice and in-depth analysis that help companies navigate the complex GDPR landscape. His posts combine technical insight with business understanding and provide concrete solutions for effective compliance.
