Benefits of Implementing ISO 27001

What Are the Advantages of Implementing ISO 27001? In a previous discussion, we explored the essence of 'ISO 27001 - What Is It?' Now, we aim to delve deeper into the advantages that stem from implementing this standard and attaining certification.

Rather than crafting a hypothetical list of benefits, we believe it's more valuable to impart the insights gained from our collaborative efforts with ISO 27001 organizations over the past decade, as they worked towards certification.

We've curated a collection of client case studies spotlighting the real-world experiences of organizations, encompassing challenges, issues, and successes. These organizations vary in size and span across a diverse array of industry sectors.

In this context, we will examine the principal recurring benefits that have been genuinely realized, categorizing them broadly into external and internal categories.

Winning New Business

When attempting to persuade senior management about the merits of the business's investment in ISO 27001, any evident connection between certification attainment and securing new business opportunities will be warmly welcomed.

Many of the organizations featured in our case studies highlighted the advantages of gaining access to tender lists and being viewed as a "more appealing supplier." Some even went beyond this, asserting that they have unequivocally secured new business directly attributable to their ISO 27001 certification, indicating a clear and undeniable correlation.

Gaining Competitive Advantage

A frequently observed advantage was ISO 27001 serving as a notable distinguishing factor in the market, especially during tender processes.

“Holding an ISO 27001 certificate has been beneficial to our sales team in converting prospective clients, as well as completing tenders.”

Providing Reassurance and Instilling Trust

Upon attaining ISO 27001 certification, nearly every organization featured in the case studies noted an increase in trust and a heightened sense of reassurance.

Clients commonly conveyed that ISO 27001 certification proved to be the most potent method for showcasing their organization's dedication to top-tier information security practices and ongoing enhancement, both to their clients and other stakeholders.

“For those potential customers who need tangible evidence of a supplier’s commitment to information security, there is nothing to compare with ISO 27001”.

Improvement in Security-Related Working Practices

Every client featured in our case studies discussed the influence of ISO 27001 implementation on their internal systems and procedures. Naturally, these outcomes differed among organizations based on their identified risks, yet there were recurring themes, such as:

1. Formalizing and documenting critical operational procedures.

2. Enhanced management of information security incidents.

3. Improved information classification practices.

4. Reinforcement of physical security measures.

5. Heightened awareness regarding the likelihood and impact of threats.

Changes in Culture and Awareness

This aspect carries significant weight, as numerous participants noted that ISO 27001 had instigated a noticeable transition towards a more transparent and blame-free culture where information security became an integral part of the organization. For many, ISO 27001 certification proved to be more extensive in its impact than initially anticipated, extending its influence to all areas, including support functions like HR, IT, and Finance.

Furthermore, one response highlighted the establishment of an information security forum, which has already yielded improvements in teamwork, communication, and local accountability.

Others emphasized the development of a heightened awareness culture, resulting in the organization gaining greater visibility into events, incidents, and emerging trends.

Improvement in Morale and Sense of Pride

This particular advantage is often overlooked. For many respondents, achieving ISO 27001 certification was a matter of immense pride and accomplishment, especially for some of the SMEs (Small and Medium-sized Enterprises).

This achievement was frequently regarded as a morale booster and offered employees reassurance that the company was dedicated to investing in quality and safeguarding information, including their personal data.

The sense of pride underscores the idea that this standard has an impact on every individual within the organization. Through their actions, such as keeping a clear desk, reporting incidents, classifying information, and scrutinizing visitors, they actively contribute to the continual improvement of information security.

Cost-Saving and Improved Efficiencies

An important operational advantage of obtaining certification is the diminished time and resources required for tender submissions and pre-qualification questionnaires. Several respondents noted a decrease in the time spent preparing for an ISO 27001 audit and in the amount of face-to-face interaction with auditors.

Another cost-effective outcome was the pinpointing of precise controls to implement, guided by the risk assessment, rather than the haphazard and reactive implementation of controls, which is a common practice in many organizations.

Supplier Management

By obtaining ISO 27001 certification, the organizations featured in the case studies not only determined the internal controls they needed to implement but also elucidated the security-related requirements for services rendered by critical suppliers. For instance, this clarification extended to aspects like information encryption, transmission, and backup.

Investment in Protecting Reputation

Although it's challenging to pinpoint precisely, the primary advantage of ISO 27001 certification, as cited by organizations in the case studies, was safeguarding the company's reputation.

Whether through the implementation of staff awareness programs or enhanced supplier management, the overarching aim was to reduce the likelihood or impact of risks materializing. All these efforts collectively contribute to cost savings, including the avoidance of financial penalties and fines, and the preservation of the organization's brand and standing.