We’re delighted to announce that totality services has been recognised for Exemplary Information Security Practices with ISO 27001 Certification for 2021, which demonstrates the level of hard work we have put into achieving this accolade.
As an award-winning IT Support Company in London, we use our expertise to assist clients in various areas of information technology, particularly in cybersecurity. We offer guidance on how organisations can protect their brand, data, IT infrastructure, reputation, and relationships at all stages of growth.
By having ISO 27001, we show our clients that totality services will:
- Protect information from getting into unauthorised hands
- Ensure information is accurate and can only be modified by authorised users
- Assess the risks and mitigate the impact of a breach
- Have been independently assessed to an international standard based on industry best practices
The benefits of this include:
- Increased reliability and security of systems and information
- Improved customer and business partner confidence
- Increased business resilience
- Alignment with customer requirements
- Improved management processes and integration with corporate risk strategies
Our familiarity with this certification, coupled with extensive technological know-how, creates an ideal opportunity to discuss the certification and advise on its adoption. Let’s begin by understanding what this management system means to your company.
What is ISO 27001?
The information security standard known as ISO 27001 was first published in 1995 by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and was last revised in 2013. It’s widely regarded as the go-to standard for information security. Any business that handles confidential data has reason to acquire the certification, including:
- Startups
- Law firms
- Technology vendors
- Software service providers
- Companies in highly-regulated industries
In order to become eligible for this standard, your business needs to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that meets key criteria. We’ll explore this later in the guide.
After acquiring your ISO certification, you’ll need to continually maintain and improve your management system. This namely includes undertaking internal reviews to ensure preparedness for an (annual) re-accreditation.
Protecting Your Organisation
While ISO 27001 may not entirely eradicate all risk of data breaches, it can go a long way in keeping your technological resources secure. And if you ever happen to suffer a cyberattack, you will be able to show regulators that you did what you could to prevent one.
This reduces the likelihood of facing enforcement action or the penalties associated with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and any authorities in your industry.
When your business invests in ISO 27001, you take on the task of assessing your security practices and protocols. Also, you commit to monitoring and improving your ISMS to solidify your defences. You’ll make an effort to identify threats, determine their potential effects, and take measures to mitigate them.
In doing so, your business can reap numerous benefits. Aside from protecting your company from cyberattacks and decreasing the risk of costly data loss, ISO may also help you:
- Create continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Comply with regulatory requirements
- Gain a competitive edge
- Instil confidence in stakeholders
- Establish defined staff roles and policies
- Reduce time spent on tenders
- Retain existing customers
These advantages make it clear that the value of the international standard extends far beyond data security and into areas such as your reputation, relationships, and operational efficiency.
This globally recognised standard conveys an improved sense of trust to your clients, customers, and suppliers. It reassures staff and stakeholders that you’re capable of preserving the confidentiality and integrity of their information. Needless to say, the investment is worth making. Read on to learn what exactly that entails.
What Does an ISO 27001 Certification Audit Involve?
The first step is to familiarise yourself with ISO 27001 and its requirements. You can do this by:
- Purchasing a copy of the standard
- Reading a free white paper
- Researching through online resources
Most companies will benefit from finding a reputable consultant or team with experience in helping businesses achieve ISMS compliance. It’s also wise to document the scope and objectives of the undertaking.
From here, you can begin establishing a management framework. This details the criteria for meeting the goals of your implementation process. For example, it can outline an activity schedule, specify internal roles, and detail an auditing cycle for re-accreditation.
You will then conduct a risk assessment before implementing the appropriate mitigation strategies. ISO 27001 also necessitates the initiation of an employee awareness training program. A popular solution is to compile an e-learning course that details what staff need to do to ensure compliance.
After reviewing and updating your documentation, you can move on to the registration audit. Here, an independent party will assess your security policies and reveal any non-compliance. The second and final audit will determine your eligibility for ISO 27001 certification.
How ISO 27001 Assists With GDPR Compliance
Both ISO 27001 and the GDPR comprise a set of guidelines for managing sensitive data, but they’re not the same.
The standard actually helps you gain GDPR compliance in several ways. This includes determining and strengthening your cybersecurity measures. ISO 27001 also involves regularly reviewing and improving your security status, which is conducive to meeting GDPR requirements.
With ample preparation, most small to medium-sized businesses can expect to receive their ISO 27001 certification within 6-12 months. Having an expert handle the process can speed up implementation.
Our Commitment to Security
The renowned accolade confirms that our organisation is securing information and staying ahead of new threats. We ensure that we are consistently providing exceptional service to our clients – if you’re looking for a reliable IT Support partner that that puts your security at the heart of its business, please get in touch for a no obligation chat with us today.