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What are the benefits of having an ISO 27001 consultant?
The SRM Blog

What are the benefits of having an ISO 27001 consultant?

Claire Greathead

Written by Claire Greathead

12th October 2020

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what are the benefits of having an ISO 27001 consultant

ISO 27001 accreditation is a big plus for any organisation, and a qualified consultant can help you achieve it.

No one likes a show-off. In fact, in the UK there’s a tendency towards understatement in everything we do. Being brash, confident and sure of ourselves is, in many situations, looked upon with a touch of scepticism. However, there is a time and a place for showcasing expertise and prowess in business. Whether it is shouting about your organisation’s market-leading skillset or crowing about your team’s work ethic, self-promotion has a place.

Of course, there are ways in which businesses can promote their qualities without incessantly blowing their own trumpet. And a prime example of this would be the ISO certifications that have become the hallmark of any sector-leading company. For those businesses looking to demonstrate an aptitude for information security, one accreditation stands out above the rest – ISO 27001.

Companies across all manner of industries seek to achieve ISO 27001 certification in order to improve and validate the strength of their information security. For partner organisations and supply chains, having ISO 27001 certification is a reassuring sign that you are a responsible and reputable company they can confidently do business with.

But while ISO 27001 accreditation does provide a competitive edge for businesses, it is also a framework for best practice in information security. Whether you are looking to secure a new contract or not, every business can benefit from the rigorous assessment and scrutiny that’s part and parcel of the ISO 27001 framework.

What is ISO 27001 and why is it so important?

ISO 27001 is the only security standard that sets out specific requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). This makes it one of the most sought-after certifications for organisations wanting to adhere to the leading guidelines.

In today’s age of data breaches and cybercrime, businesses are increasingly feeling the pressure to show they can be trusted for information security and privacy management. Achieving ISO 27001 certification shows that an organisation has identified and dealt with any risks to their security.

Understanding certification bodies

While ISO develops these international standards, it does not issue the certificates themselves. UK organisations should seek out certification from a United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) certification body that can independently audit your organisation and provide you with ISO 27001 certification.

Here at SRM, our consultants provide the necessary skill and expertise to guide businesses through ISO 27001 – reaching the highest standards of cybersecurity in the process. This improves both your reputation, resilience and your peace of mind in the long run.

Accreditation can help you win and retain customers

Customers and stakeholders alike are becoming increasingly interested in how their data and details are kept safe by the businesses they trust. The risks involved in poor cybersecurity are regularly made clear by headline breaches and business closures, so a promise alone isn’t going to cut it.

Achieving ISO 27001 certification sends a clear message that your business makes data protection a priority, making your brand more attractive to potential customers in the process. ISO 27001 certification demonstrates robust processes and procedures, which helps to improve both client relationships and client retention.

Preventing fines and losses

Under current GDPR laws, the Information Commissioner’s Office can now issue fines of up to 4% of a company’s annual turnover – or €20 million, whichever is greater – to businesses that commit the worst data offenses.

Big names like British Airways have suffered huge and very public fines in recent years. Not only does this cost a business a lot in terms of finances, but it can also damage your reputation in the long run. Meeting ISO 27001 standards is important for ensuring you also align yourself with GDPR, which means you will be in a better place to mitigate some of the hefty fines associated with poor data management.

Improving strategies and processes

Meeting ISO 27001 guidelines isn’t all about how your business is viewed by others. It also helps to improve your organisation’s internal systems and processes, providing you with a clear framework to follow in order to meet best practice in your day to day roles.

ISO 27001 involves looking closely at your business’s current IT structures and establishing any potential risks. The process for meeting ISO 27001 standards results in better documentation overall, and provides all members of staff with clear guidelines and instructions to follow in order to uphold the very highest standards of cybersecurity.

So, what are the benefits of having an ISO 27001 consultant? With the guidance of a highly qualified information security expert like the team here at SRM, you can act proactively and improve your data protection vulnerabilities before an incident occurs.