We’re delighted to announce that totality services has been recognised for Exemplary Information Security Practices with the ISO 27001 Certification in 2021. Our team put in a huge amount of hard work this year, so we are extremely proud of this achievement.
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 certification 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 the ISO 27001 certification, coupled with extensive technological know-how, creates an ideal opportunity for us to discuss the certification and advise on it. We’ll begin by understanding what this management system means and how it relates to your company.
What is the ISO 27001 certification?
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
To become eligible for this standard, your business needs to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS) which meets key criteria. We’ll explore this later on in the guide.
After acquiring your ISO certification, you’ll need to continually maintain and improve your management system. This will include 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. As a result, it 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. This also means you must commit to monitoring and improving your ISMS to solidify your defences. Your tasks will include trying 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 to:
- 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 highlight that the value of the ISO 27001 certification extends far beyond data security. Evidently it will affect many more significant areas of your business such as 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. Without a doubt, the investment is worth making. Read on to learn what 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 requires 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 the 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. However, they’re not the same set of rules.
The ISO 27001 certification will help you gain GDPR compliance in several ways. First and foremost, the standard 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. As always, having an expert handle the process can speed up implementation.
Our Commitment to Security
The globally renowned accolade confirms that our organisation is safely securing information and staying ahead of new threats. Our compliance ensures we are confident and can provide a consistently exceptional service to our clients. So, if you’re looking for a reliable IT support partner that puts your security at the heart of its business, please get in touch for a no obligation chat with us today.