How to Obtain ISO 27001 Certification

If your business handles sensitive information, ISO 27001 certification is a key step in proving your commitment to security.

With growing regulatory requirements and customer expectations, you need to show that you have strong security controls in place to protect data from breaches, cyber threats, and operational risks. However, achieving certification isn’t a simple process.

To meet ISO 27001 requirements, you’ll need to implement a structured Information Security Management System (ISMS), conduct risk assessments, develop security policies, and maintain continuous monitoring and compliance.

Each step requires careful planning, documentation, and technical expertise. Without the right guidance, the process can feel overwhelming, leading to delays and unnecessary challenges.

This guide walks you through each phase of the certification process, helping you obtain ISO 27001 efficiently while avoiding common pitfalls.

Key Takeaways

• ISO 27001 certification confirms that your business has implemented a compliant ISMS and meets international security standards.
• Achieving certification requires management commitment, structured risk assessments, and clearly defined security policies.
• A well-defined ISMS scope ensures that critical assets, locations, and processes are protected.
• Regular internal audits and management reviews help maintain compliance and identify areas for improvement.
• Certification involves a two-stage external audit conducted by an accredited certification body.
• Ongoing compliance requires continuous monitoring, risk assessments, and annual surveillance audits.

Table of Contents:

• What Is ISO 27001 Certification?

• Why Pursue ISO 27001 Certification?

• How to Obtain ISO 27001 Certification

• Why Partner With BEMO for Your Iso 27001 Certification

What Is ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO 27001 is a globally recognized information security standard that defines the requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It provides a structured framework to help businesses establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, and continuously improve their security practices.

While ISO 27001 sets the standard, ISO 27001 certification is the official recognition that your business has successfully implemented its requirements and passed an external audit conducted by an accredited certification body.

This certification verifies that your organization follows internationally accepted security best practices and maintains strong risk management processes.

By obtaining ISO 27001 certification, you demonstrate compliance with a globally recognized security framework, which helps build trust with customers, business partners, and regulatory bodies. It also ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive data, reinforcing your organization’s security posture.

Why Pursue ISO 27001 Certification?

Protecting sensitive information has never been more important. Cyberattacks, data breaches, and increasing regulatory scrutiny put businesses of all sizes at risk. ISO 27001 certification provides a structured framework for managing information security, ensuring that your business follows best practices to safeguard data.

Improving Security Through an ISMS

Implementing an ISO 27001-compliant Information Security Management System (ISMS) allows you to systematically identify, assess, and mitigate risks that could compromise your data. This proactive approach helps prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and operational disruptions while keeping security controls effective.

Building Customer Trust

ISO 27001 certification strengthens credibility and trust with customers, business partners, and stakeholders. Many companies, especially those handling sensitive client data, prefer to work with vendors that have a formal commitment to security compliance. Certification reassures your clients that their data is protected.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements

Achieving ISO 27001 certification helps you meet regulatory and legal requirements, including GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. Compliance with these regulations reduces the risk of penalties and ensures that your security practices align with industry standards.

Gaining an Advantage Over the Competition

In today’s security-conscious marketplace, ISO 27001 certification provides a competitive edge. Many organizations require their vendors and suppliers to be ISO 27001 certified, meaning certification can open new business opportunities while setting you apart from competitors who lack recognized security credentials.

How to Obtain ISO 27001 Certification

Getting ISO 27001 certified is a significant step that demonstrates your commitment to information security. While some businesses attempt certification on their own, many find greater success by working with experienced consultants like BEMO, who can guide them through the process.

Below is a detailed breakdown of how to achieve ISO 27001 certification efficiently.

1. Gain Management Buy-In and Support

ISO 27001 certification requires full commitment from top management to implement and maintain an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Without leadership support, securing the necessary resources, funding, and cross-departmental cooperation can be challenging.

To build a case for ISO 27001, highlight key benefits such as:

• Strengthening data security and reducing cyber risks.
• Building trust with customers and business partners.
• Meeting regulatory and contractual security requirements.
• Gaining a competitive advantage in security-conscious industries.

Once leadership is on board, assign clear roles and responsibilities for implementation. Designate an ISMS owner, typically a senior executive, to oversee the project and align it with business objectives. 

Form a cross-functional team with representatives from IT, HR, legal, compliance, and operations to ensure security is addressed across all departments.

2. Define ISMS Scope and Boundaries

Clearly defining the scope of your ISMS is critical. A well-defined scope ensures that certification efforts focus on the most critical assets and operations while remaining manageable. To determine your ISMS scope, consider:

• Information Assets: Identify all sensitive business data, including customer information, financial records, and proprietary data.
• Locations: Include all physical and cloud-based environments where data is stored, processed, or transmitted.
• Technology Infrastructure: Define the hardware, software, networks, and mobile devices that interact with business data.
• Departments & Business Functions: Identify all departments that handle sensitive data, such as IT, HR, finance, customer service, and legal.

Document your ISMS scope statement, have it approved by leadership, and communicate it across your organization. The scope should be reviewed regularly to reflect business changes, new risks, or regulatory updates.

3. Perform a Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment

To ensure your security controls align with ISO 27001 requirements, you need to assess your current security measures and identify areas that need improvement. This step involves two key processes: a gap analysis and a risk assessment.

A gap analysis helps you determine which controls are already in place and which need to be implemented or improved to meet ISO 27001 standards.

A risk assessment is a mandatory part of compliance, requiring you to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities that could impact sensitive information. Risks can come from people, processes, or technology, so it’s essential to take a structured approach.

To conduct an effective risk assessment:

• Evaluate Risks Objectively: Use a consistent methodology to assess risks based on their likelihood and potential impact on business operations.
• Engage Key Stakeholders: Involve representatives from IT, legal, HR, and compliance to gain insights into organization-wide security risks.
• Document Findings Thoroughly: Maintain a formal risk assessment report outlining identified threats, vulnerabilities, and potential impacts. This report will serve as the foundation for your risk treatment plan.
• Define Risk Tolerance: Establish risk acceptance criteria to determine what level of risk your organization is willing to tolerate and what actions must be taken for mitigation.
• Review and Update Regularly: Update your risk assessment as new threats emerge and business needs evolve to ensure an accurate understanding of security challenges.

A well-structured gap analysis and risk assessment provide a clear roadmap for improving security controls and maintaining ISO 27001 compliance.

4. Develop a Risk Treatment Plan

Once you’ve identified security risks, the next step is to decide how to mitigate or manage them effectively. A risk treatment plan outlines the actions required to address threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring that your security measures meet ISO 27001 standards.

For each identified risk, you can apply one of four treatment options:

• Risk Modification: Implement controls to reduce the risk’s likelihood or impact.
• Risk Retention: Accept the risk if mitigation costs outweigh potential consequences.
• Risk Avoidance: Eliminate the risk entirely by altering business processes or technology.
• Risk Sharing: Transfer some or all of the risk to a third party, such as an insurer or external service provider.

After selecting a treatment method, you must:

• Map Risk Treatments to Annex A Controls: Annex A of ISO 27001 provides 114 security controls across 14 domains, including access control, asset management, and incident response. Review the controls and determine which apply to your ISMS. Choose the ones that effectively mitigate your identified risks and align with your business objectives.
• Document the Risk Treatment Plan: Clearly outline each risk, the treatment strategy, assigned responsibilities, and implementation timelines to ensure accountability.
• Obtain Management Approval: Senior leadership must review and approve the plan to ensure alignment with business goals and compliance requirements.
• Monitor and Update Regularly: Risks evolve over time, so your treatment plan should be regularly reviewed and updated. Implement additional security measures as needed.

By effectively managing risks, you strengthen your information security management system (ISMS), improve regulatory compliance, and reduce the likelihood of security incidents.

5. Create Required Documentation

ISO 27001 requires comprehensive documentation to prove compliance and ensure your ISMS functions effectively. Proper documentation not only serves as a reference for security processes but also helps with audit preparation and regulatory transparency.

Key ISO 27001 Documentation Requirements

• ISMS Scope Document: Defines the boundaries of your ISMS, including the assets, locations, technologies, and business functions covered under ISO 27001.
• Information Security Policy: Outlines your organization’s approach to data protection and must be approved by top management and communicated to employees. This document should also include clear security objectives.
• Risk Assessment and Treatment Methodology: Details the process for identifying, analyzing, and addressing risks, including the criteria for risk acceptance.
• Statement of Applicability (SoA): Specifies which Annex A security controls have been implemented and justifies any exclusions. This document is critical for audits and regulatory reviews.
• Operational Security Procedures: Provides step-by-step guidelines for security processes, including incident management, change control, and business continuity planning.
• Compliance and Audit Records: Includes internal audit reports, management review minutes, employee training logs, and records of security incidents.

To ensure documentation remains accurate and relevant, update security policies and ISMS documents regularly. New threats, regulatory updates, and operational changes should be reflected in your documentation to maintain compliance.

It’s also important to maintain version control, approval workflows, and restricted access to prevent unauthorized modifications.

6. Implement Security Controls

With your risk treatment plan finalized and ISO 27001 Annex A controls selected, the next step is to implement security controls that address identified risks.

Assigning Responsibilities

Clearly define roles and responsibilities for each control. Ensure that assigned individuals have the expertise, authority, and resources needed to implement and maintain security measures.

Once roles are established, develop a structured implementation plan.

Developing an Implementation Plan

Your security control implementation plan should outline:

• Which controls need to be implemented
• A timeline for implementation
• Key milestones and checkpoints
• Approval and oversight by senior management

This plan should be communicated to all relevant teams to ensure alignment and accountability.

Documenting Implementation Efforts

Maintaining detailed records is essential for proving compliance during audits. Document all security configurations, procedural updates, and implementation activities. This includes:

• Configuration settings for security tools and infrastructure
• Incident response workflows and reporting procedures
• Access control rules and authentication mechanisms
• Encryption methods and policies used to protect sensitive data

Testing Control Effectiveness

Once controls are implemented, assess their effectiveness through:

• Vulnerability Scans: Identify weaknesses in networks, applications, and systems.
• Penetration Testing: Simulate cyberattacks to test system defenses.
• Scenario-Based Exercises: Validate the effectiveness of incident response plans.

Document test results and address any security weaknesses before finalizing implementation.

Ongoing Monitoring and Performance Tracking

Security controls require continuous monitoring to remain effective. Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) and regularly track:

• Incident response times
• System access logs
• Adherence to security policies
• Overall compliance status

Review and Update Security Controls

As new risks emerge, your security controls must evolve. Regularly review and adjust security measures to align with changing threats, business needs, and regulatory requirements.

By proactively monitoring and improving security controls, your organization ensures long-term compliance with ISO 27001 while maintaining a strong security posture.

7. Conduct Awareness and Training

ISO 27001 mandates ongoing security training to ensure employees understand security policies, recognize threats, and follow best practices. Effective training minimizes human-related security risks and strengthens an organization’s information security posture.

Building a Comprehensive Training Program

A well-structured training program should address key ISMS topics, including data classification, access control, incident response, and secure data handling. Employees must understand how to handle confidential information, follow authentication and authorization protocols, and report security incidents promptly.

Training should be engaging and relevant to each employee’s role. Instead of relying solely on generic security modules, organizations should use various methods, such as online courses, in-person workshops, and real-world case studies. Phishing simulations and security quizzes can help reinforce key concepts and improve long-term retention.

Onboarding and Ongoing Training

Security training should start during onboarding, ensuring that new employees understand company policies and security expectations from day one.

Beyond initial training, regular refresher courses are necessary to keep employees updated on:

• New security threats and attack techniques.
• Policy changes or regulatory updates.
• Best practices for preventing cyber incidents.

Internal audits can help identify knowledge gaps, allowing you to tailor training sessions to real security risks your organization faces.

Measuring Training Effectiveness

To ensure your training program is effective:

• Track participation to confirm all employees complete required training.
• Conduct post-training assessments to gauge retention of security concepts.
• Gather employee feedback to identify areas where training can be improved.

If security incidents continue to occur despite training efforts, adjust the content or delivery method to better address knowledge gaps.

8. Perform Internal Audits and Reviews

Regular internal audits and management reviews ensure your ISMS remains effective and compliant while identifying areas for improvement. These evaluations help assess control effectiveness, uncover security gaps, and maintain ISO 27001 compliance.

Conducting Internal Audits

ISO 27001 requires planned internal audits to verify that security processes meet both the standard’s requirements and your organization’s security policies. Auditors will review documentation, observe security procedures, and interview employees to assess compliance. 

These audits should be conducted by trained personnel who are independent of the areas being reviewed, ensuring an objective assessment of security controls, risk management strategies, and overall ISMS performance.

Addressing Audit Findings

After completing an internal audit, findings should be documented in a report outlining any nonconformities, areas for improvement, and required corrective actions. Management must review these findings, allocate resources, and implement necessary changes to address security weaknesses.

Management Reviews

Beyond internal audits, top management should conduct periodic ISMS reviews to evaluate how well the system aligns with business goals and evolving security threats. 

These reviews should consider structural changes within the organization, feedback from stakeholders, and progress on corrective actions from previous audits. A well-executed management review should result in documented action plans for policy updates, process improvements, and resource allocations.

By making security a priority at the leadership level and continuously monitoring ISMS effectiveness, your organization can ensure long-term compliance and proactively adapt to emerging security risks.

9. Undergo Certification Audit

Once internal audits are complete and any identified nonconformities have been addressed, your organization is ready for the external certification audit. This audit is conducted by an accredited third-party certification body and consists of two stages.

Stage 1: Documentation Review

The first stage focuses on evaluating the completeness and adequacy of your ISMS documentation. Auditors review your security policies, procedures, and other mandatory documents to ensure they align with ISO 27001 requirements. 

This stage also determines whether your organization is prepared for the more detailed Stage 2 audit.

If the auditors find any gaps or nonconformities, you must resolve these issues before moving forward. Addressing these findings promptly will prevent delays in the certification process.

Stage 2: Implementation and Effectiveness Review

Stage 2 is a comprehensive evaluation of how well your ISMS is implemented and whether it effectively mitigates security risks. Auditors will:

• Verify that security controls are in place and functioning as intended.
• Interview employees to assess their understanding of security policies and procedures.
• Observe security processes to confirm compliance with ISO 27001 standards.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of risk assessment and treatment strategies.

At the end of Stage 2, the auditor will issue a report detailing any findings. If no major nonconformities are found, the certification body will issue your ISO 27001 certificate, which is valid for three years.

Post-Certification Compliance

Earning ISO 27001 certification is a major milestone, but compliance doesn’t stop there. To maintain your certification, you must continuously review, improve, and adapt your ISMS through regular internal audits, risk assessments, and management reviews.

10. Maintain and Continually Improve

ISO 27001 certification is not a one-time achievement—it requires ongoing commitment to security and continuous improvement. Your organization must proactively monitor security controls, update risk management strategies, and respond to emerging threats.

Ongoing Monitoring and Improvement

Long-term compliance depends on regular internal audits, management reviews, and risk assessments. To ensure continued effectiveness, you should:

• Conduct internal audits to identify weaknesses before external audits.
• Hold management reviews to assess the ISMS’s effectiveness.
• Perform risk assessments to address new security threats as they emerge.
• Establish Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to measure security performance, such as incident resolution times and employee compliance rates.

These activities should drive continuous improvement, helping you refine security policies and keep your ISMS up to date.

Annual Surveillance Audits

To maintain certification, your organization must pass annual surveillance audits conducted by the certification body. These audits review specific areas of your ISMS to verify that compliance is being maintained. If auditors identify any nonconformities, you will need to address them within a specified timeframe.

Recertification Every Three Years

At the end of the three-year certification cycle, you must undergo a recertification audit. This audit is similar to the initial certification process, assessing whether your ISMS remains compliant and continues to protect information assets effectively. If your organization passes the recertification audit, your ISO 27001 certification will be renewed for another three years.

The Long-Term Value of Compliance

Maintaining ISO 27001 certification requires effort, but the benefits far outweigh the challenges. A well-maintained ISMS helps reduce the risk of security breaches, supports regulatory compliance, and strengthens trust with clients and stakeholders.

By continuously improving your security practices, you can stay ahead of evolving threats and ensure that your ISMS remains fully compliant. However, keeping up with all requirements can be complex. This is where a compliance expert like BEMO can provide the support needed to simplify and streamline the process.

Why Partner With BEMO for Your Iso 27001 Certification

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a complex process, but BEMO simplifies and accelerates compliance so you can focus on running your business. Their automated compliance platform streamlines the certification journey, reducing the manual effort and IT expertise required.

With a single dashboard, you can track progress, identify variances, and ensure alignment with ISO 27001 standards while BEMO handles the technical complexities. 

Their team coordinates penetration testing, works directly with auditors, and ensures that your ISMS meets all certification requirements. Instead of navigating compliance alone, you gain an experienced partner with a track record of securing over 1,200 businesses.

How BEMO Helps:

BEMO’s structured approach makes compliance faster, easier, and more efficient:

• Faster Compliance: Achieve ISO 27001 certification in weeks instead of months.
• Automated Processes: Streamlines onboarding/offboarding, application security, and patch management.
• Centralized Compliance Tracking: Monitor progress, detect security gaps, and maintain compliance from a single platform.
• Expert Support: BEMO works with auditors and coordinates penetration testing to ensure a smooth certification process.
• Simplified IT Management: Reduces complexity with an intuitive, user-friendly compliance platform.
• Continuous Monitoring & Maintenance: Helps manage post-certification compliance through surveillance audit preparation and ongoing security monitoring.

With BEMO, ISO 27001 certification is structured, simplified, and stress-free. Their automation-driven approach ensures that compliance is not only efficient but also scalable to fit your organization’s needs.

How to Get ISO 27001 Certification: Final Thoughts

ISO 27001 certification requires careful planning, structured implementation, and continuous monitoring of an effective ISMS. The process involves securing management buy-in, defining the ISMS scope, conducting risk assessments, and implementing security controls. 

Organizations must also maintain compliance through internal audits, management reviews, and external certification audits.

While the process can be complex, working with an experienced compliance provider like BEMO streamlines certification, reducing the burden on internal teams. Their expertise and automation tools help businesses navigate ISO 27001 requirements efficiently while ensuring long-term compliance.

Maintaining ISO 27001 certification is an ongoing effort, but the benefits, including stronger security, regulatory adherence, and increased customer trust, make it a worthwhile investment. With the right approach and expert support, your business can achieve and sustain ISO 27001 certification with confidence.

Achieve compliance faster—let BEMO handle your ISO 27001 process. Book a Demo!

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Iso 27001 Certification Take?

You can expect the certification process to take between 6 and 12 months, depending on the readiness of your ISMS and the resources allocated to the project.

How Much Does Iso 27001 Certification Cost?

The cost of obtaining ISO 27001 certification varies widely based on organization size and complexity, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 or more.

Can Individuals Get Iso 27001 Certified?

While ISO 27001 certifies organizations, individuals can pursue certifications such as Certified ISO 27001 Lead Implementer or Auditor to gain expertise in the standard.