Data breaches and critical cyber security threats are disrupting the operations and reputations of businesses around the world. Over half of consumers report falling victim to cybercrime, and research says that people spend more than four billion hours resolving these issues each year.
Data and information security is an essential element of modern business, but what can businesses around the world do to improve their own internal operations and give customers confidence in their policies surrounding these liabilities? Enter ISO frameworks. These certifications provide a path for businesses to strengthen their operations, enhance their credibility, and streamline processes for growth.
Our team at Decrypt Compliance offers certification for many of these frameworks, including ISO 27001 which is the globally recognized standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). ISO 27001 certification helps businesses establish, maintain, and improve their approach to information security. With increasing expectations around data privacy and protection, achieving this certification can open doors to new markets, reduce risks, and improve operational efficiency.
Misconceptions surrounding these certifications have convinced many professionals that these are merely a checkbox and a badge to put up on your website, but we can assure you these are actually valuable tools to help businesses operate more efficiently and securely. We want to break down the ISO framework and its advantages, especially the benefits of the updated ISO 27001 standard.
What is an ISO Certification?
An ISO certification shows that your business meets the competitive standards set by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), a global, independent group working with industry leaders to create standards across a number of quality, safety, and sustainability disciplines. These standards offer a reliable way for businesses to operate with consistency and efficiency and strengthen their reputation across industries and international markets.
When your business achieves ISO certification, it’s a verification that your company is committed to using established best practices that go beyond the ground-level compliance standards many of your competitors are meeting. The certification process involves documenting key processes, training staff thoroughly, and regularly refining systems to keep up with evolving standards.
It’s important to note that many ISO standards, including the ISO 27001, are based in the fundamental concept of quality management known as the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle. This means you’re implementing systematic standards for continuous improvement of information security rather than receiving certification and standing pat. You are committing to the ongoing improvement of the internal standards you’ve established through this certification process.
What Does an ISO 27001 Certification Cover?
ISO 27001 is specifically for “Information Security Management Systems.” The certification centers on information security and establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS. This framework helps businesses protect their critical data from ever-evolving security threats. By following the 27001 standards, you have access to the tools that allow you to evaluate risks properly and implement security measures that prevent breaches.
For any business with international clients or partners, certification under the ISO 27001 standard establishes a level of trust across borders, regardless of the industry or geographic region.
Is the 2013 ISO 27001 Standard Enough?
The latest update to ISO 27001 was released in 2022, with improvements that address the challenges of today’s digital age. While some businesses are certified under the 2013 version, moving to the updated 2022 standard is strongly recommended before the October 31, 2025, deadline so your organization can meet the latest security requirements and avoid losing certification. Structural updates in the framework make aligning with emerging global security demands easier, providing you and your team with a more effective path to compliance and protection.
Implementing the latest ISO 27001 framework positions your business at the top of modern expectations for information security. Certification demonstrates to clients that you’ve done the legwork to reasonably prevent breaches, not just for compliance but because protecting vulnerable information is essential to modern business operations. Additionally, in the event of a lawsuit, the certification serves as an additional resource to demonstrate your company has taken due care and taken reasonable measures to protect customer data.
Get ISO 27001 Certified with Decrypt Compliance
At Decrypt Compliance, we specialize in working with businesses through the ISO 27001 certification process. Our technology-first, client-focused approach simplifies your certification journey. We certify B2B SaaS startups to revenue-generating security, privacy, and AI frameworks through precise planning, audit consolidation, and automation.Partner with our team today to better understand the steps, benefits, and ongoing value ISO certification can bring your organization. Contact Decrypt Compliance today to learn more about ISO 27001 and other ways to strengthen your business and position you for growth. To stay in touch with topics like this that impact your business, sign up for the Decrypt Compliance monthly e-newsletter today.