ISO27001 | What is it and when to start?
You’ve probably heard other founders talk about ISO27001 certification - usually with a mix of respect and dread. Yes, it’s that security standard that prospects keep asking about in sales calls. And yes, it involves some work to get there. But here’s the thing: putting it off might actually be costing you more time and effort than tackling it head-on.
So, what is this standard about, and when is the right time to go for it?
Information security
At its heart, information security is built on three simple ideas: keeping information private, accurate, and available when needed. Picture it as a well-organized home – you have locks on your doors (privacy), everything is in its right place (accuracy), and you can find what you need when you need it (availability).
As companies becomes more digitised, the focus of information security has shifted from the physical world (such as file cabinets) to the digital world (such as the Cloud). But it’s important to realise that at its core, information security applies to any information in whatever shape or form.
The ISO27001 standard
Let’s get the lingo out of the way first. The ‘ISO’ part simply means it’s an international standard - like metric measurements, but for keeping information safe. The ‘27001’ is just its reference number (and there are many more, if you choose to dig deeper into the rabbit hole).
What’s more important is that the standard offers you a blueprint for information security, and a way that gets you recognised for it. An ISO27001 certification is like having a trusted mutual friend vouch for you when meeting important new business partners: it gives them peace of mind.
So, when should you consider getting certified?
Pay attention to these moments in your business journey:
- Enterprise customers are starting to knock on your door, or the other way around. These larger companies often see ISO27001 as a must-have, similar to checking reviews before trying a new restaurant. Having this certification helps them say ‘yes’ to working with you much faster.
- You’re handling important information that needs extra care. Whether it’s personal details, financial records, or valuable business secrets, showing you have a solid system for protecting this information builds trust with your stakeholders.
- You’ve got your sights set on international markets. ISO27001 is like a universal language for security – it tells potential partners worldwide that you mean business when it comes to protecting data.
Why it’s better to start early
Information security is about building habits. And while it can be educational to try and figure out security practices as you go along, ISO27001 gives you a clear blueprint to get it right the first time (often avoiding redoing things multiple times).
It’s the difference between building a house with or without an architect’s plan - both can work, but one path tends to be more efficient in the long run, as habits are difficult to change.
The good news: modern technology makes it a lot easier
Now, getting certified does take work as I mentioned before. You’ll need to put some systems in place, get your team on board, and have regular check-ups to make sure everything’s running smoothly. But here’s the good news: modern technology has made this process much easier than it used to be.
Think of automation tools like Tidal Control as your personal assistant in this journey. They handle the repetitive tasks, keep track of important deadlines, and make sure nothing falls through the cracks. It’s like having a GPS system for your certification journey – helping you navigate the route without having to memorise every turn.
Concluding
ISO27001 isn’t just another box to tick off your list. It’s an investment in your business’s future – like laying a strong foundation before building a house. It shows potential partners you’re serious about protecting their interests and ready to play in the big leagues.
Ready to make your ISO27001 journey smoother?
Visit our help center to learn more about implementing ISO27001. Or,
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