Why Should SMBS Care About ISO 27001 Certification?

Picture your business as a fearless globetrotting adventurer setting out to explore uncharted territories beyond your homeland. Your goal: to win over the hearts of customers worldwide. But here's the catch – you can't just toss a few things in a suitcase and head off into the unknown without proper security preparation or the documentation that will allow you to go through customs. 

Running a small business with big dreams? Whether you're aiming to go global or you’re struggling with ISO 27001 compliance, we've got you covered! We're here to help you pack for success and adventure. With the right guidance, your ISO 27001 expedition will be a smooth journey. 

In this blog post we will cover the following topics, so that you can have all the tools to prepare for ISO 27001 accordingly: 

• What is ISO 27001? 
• What are the Benefits of ISO 27001? 
• Who Needs ISO 27001? 
• How to Get ISO 27001 Certified with BEMO 

What is ISO 27001? 

ISO 27001 compliance may sound like a complex formality meant only for large enterprises, but that's a myth! Any business, no matter how small, will benefit from this certification. This framework is like the adventurer's backpack, filled with tools and knowledge to help you conquer the world, or in this case, the global market. Officially, ISO 27001 is an internationally recognized information security management system (ISMS) standard. But let's break that down. 

An ISMS is an outline of requirements and controls that your business should follow to certify that you manage your information confidentially and securely. ISO 27001 evaluates over 146 controls to make sure your system is in line with international standards. 

Like we said, it's not just for big corporations; it's for businesses of any size or industry that deal with sensitive data or provide services beyond the U.S. borders. If you have aspirations to grow your customer base, boost your trustworthiness, and outpace your competitors, ISO 27001 compliance is your ticket to ride. 
 
Navigating the landscape of compliance standards might make you ponder: why delve into ISO 27001 when SOC 2 compliance seems like a sufficient choice? Well, the truth is, they're not mutually exclusive; but they are definitely not the same. It all depends on your business goals. 

While there's an impressive 80% overlap in criteria, SOC 2 is geared towards the US industry, whereas ISO 27001 boasts international recognition. There’s nothing wrong with achieving SOC 2 at first and then pursuing ISO 27001 as your business expands and your customer’s demands increase. 

In this scenario, ISO 27001 becomes the passport or visa for your SMB's journey of a lifetime. Without it, you're confined to local travels—still valuable, but limited. Obtaining ISO 27001 is like getting your passport -- essential for venturing into diverse cultures and markets. Some potential partners or clients may even insist on seeing your ISO 27001 certification before sealing the deal, making it a crucial ticket to entry – just like a visa. 

What are the Benefits of ISO 27001? 

Achieving ISO 27001 certification involves a meticulous process: evaluating current security practices, pinpointing vulnerabilities, and crafting a robust action plan to bolster defenses. Though it demands time and resources, the rewards far outweigh the investment. Think of it this way: why settle for local excursions when the world awaits your exploration? 

Who Needs ISO 27001? 

Still wondering if ISO 27001 certification is the right next step for your business? In essence, ISO 27001 is for any company, regardless of size or sector. However, if your business embodies the following characteristics, ISO 27001 is non-negotiable:  

• You handle data for customers and partners located outside the U.S. 
• You crave success on the global stage and want to outshine the competition. 
• You rely on cloud-based data processing. 
• You work in IT, healthcare, telecommunications, finance, or government and want to demonstrate your commitment to security and privacy. 
• You're determined to reduce the risk of data breaches and fortify your security posture. 

• You're a vital link in a supply chain that demands current ISO 27001 certification proof. 

How to Get ISO 27001 Certified with BEMO 

Now that we've unraveled the significance of ISO 27001 for SMBs, it's time to embark on your journey towards a more secure and globally competitive future. If you're ready to take the next step and ensure your business is not just compliant but thriving in the digital age, our compliance experts at BEMO are here to guide you.

Schedule a meeting with us, and let's discuss how ISO 27001 certification can be tailored to your unique needs, propelling your business to new heights. 

And if you want to delve deeper into how BEMO takes care of the entire ISO 27001 certification process, we've prepared a comprehensive brief for you. Download it now to gain insights into the seamless journey we offer—from beginning to end. 

Your passport to success is waiting—don't miss the chance to make your mark on the global stage. Bon voyage!