%20Large.jpeg)
ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security. It describes how companies can systematically protect their sensitive information. This includes, for example, customer data, contract documents, access rights, and internal processes. At the core of the standard is an information security management system (ISMS): a clearly defined procedure for identifying risks, implementing appropriate protective measures, and reviewing them regularly.
The requirements are particularly high in Germany: the Federal Data Protection Act (BDSG) and the GDPR specify how personal data may be processed (fairly and lawfully, only for clear purposes, correctly, and up to date). For many companies, practical implementation is a challenge. ISO 27001 provides a proven framework for organizing data protection and information security in a structured manner.
Important: ISO 27001 certification does not just mean "we pay attention to security," but that the ISMS has been audited by an independent body. This allows a company to demonstrate that information security and compliance are not left to chance, but are firmly anchored in everyday life.
The costs of ISO 27001 certification can vary greatly depending on the size of the company and the complexity of its existing structures. The certification process consists of several phases, each of which incurs costs. The costs listed below are therefore indicative values:
The certification is valid for three years. The certification itself is carried out in the first year, followed by surveillance audits in the second and third years. Recertification after the three years have expired then incurs further costs. Overall, a company should therefore factor in not only the one-off costs, but also the follow-up costs.
ISO 27001 certificates may only be issued by independent, external certification bodies. These bodies conduct an audit to check whether the company meets the requirements of the standard and issue the certificate if the audit is successful.
Important: The certification body itself must be accredited. This accreditation is proof that it works in a professionally competent, independent, and credible manner and ensures that the certificate is recognized by customers and authorities. In Germany, the DAkkS (German Accreditation Body) is particularly relevant in this regard.
Many companies know that ISO 27001 makes sense, but still postpone certification. Yet it is often a clear lever for greater security, less risk, and more trust, and is therefore frequently required in practice.
The most important goals and benefits at a glance:
ISO 27001 is particularly important for companies that operate critical infrastructure (KRITIS)—i.e., organizations whose failure would have serious consequences for the community. These include areas such as energy, health, transportation/traffic, finance, telecommunications, and other central utility services.
For KRITIS operators, proof of adequate IT security in accordance with Section 8a BSIG is also relevant. An ISO/IEC 27001 certificate can be used as part of this proof, provided that the framework conditions specified by the BSI are met.
But even outside of KRITIS, information security is a management issue: management teams must adequately manage risks such as IT and cyber risks and avoid damage or legal violations. Although ISO 27001 certification is not always required by law, it is often used as a recognized, verifiable standard to demonstrate security levels and due diligence.
The certification serves as an important indicator that a company organizes and manages its information security practices according to internationally recognized standards. With an ISO 27001-certified organization, it can be assumed that:
1. A robust information security management system (ISMS) is in place and continuously reviewed for effectiveness. This system includes policies, processes, and procedures designed to protect all information, from customer data to trade secrets.
2. Regular risk analyses are conducted to identify and close security gaps. The organization has developed mechanisms to systematically assess risks and take appropriate measures to address current and future threats at an early stage.
3. Promote a strong awareness of security and provide appropriate training for all employees, ensuring that staff understand the importance of information security and implement it in their daily work.
4. Security measures are implemented at all organizational levels, including technical, organizational, and physical measures that demonstrate a comprehensive commitment to protecting sensitive data and systems.
5. Compliance with external regulations and legal requirements is ensured, which is of great importance in regulated industries. Certification helps organizations to effectively meet compliance requirements such as the GDPR.
The certification process can be divided into three phases. The duration depends on the size of the company and the measures already implemented. Small companies can achieve certification within six months, while large companies may need more than a year. Therefore, the values mentioned are only guidelines:
The first question is: What exactly needs to be certified? To answer this, you need to define the scope of your ISMS—i.e., which locations, teams, systems, and processes are included. This scope will be reviewed later in the audit and must be clearly defined.
This is followed by a gap and risk analysis: you check which requirements you already meet and where there are still gaps. This results in a realistic project plan with roles, schedule, and priorities.
Typical steps:
Now the ISMS becomes "tangible": guidelines, processes, and controls are documented and implemented in everyday life. A good comparison is a security manual that shows how your company handles information, from access rights to emergency plans.
Important components include:
Before it goes public, there is a dress rehearsal:
This is followed by the external audit in two stages:
If both stages are successful, the certificate will be issued.
The duration depends heavily on how well your structures are already in place. Many companies need several months, and even longer for complex structures. However, companies with existing security processes or an already established ISMS are usually much faster.
As a rough guide:
It is important to note that ISO 27001 is not a "one-time" task, but rather a system that is continuously improved (plan, implement, review, improve).
Choosing the right ISO 27001 certification body is a key step in the certification process. This is because it not only affects costs and scheduling, but also how pragmatic and smooth the audit process is. The following overview shows the most important steps.
At first glance, ISO 27001 certification seems complex, but it can be easily planned if the process is broken down into clear steps. The following checklist shows the most important tasks, from ISMS planning to risk analysis and audits to ongoing improvement after certification.
1) Appoint responsible persons
Appoint a small team and define clear responsibilities. Without ownership, ISO 27001 quickly becomes a side project.
2) Define scope
Define which areas, systems, and locations are to be "certified." This framework must be clearly documented.
3) Write down rules and processes (set up ISMS)
Create the most important security rules and procedures: Who has access to what? What happens in the event of a security incident?
4) Assess risks
Take a structured approach: What could happen, how likely is it, and what would be the impact? This will help you set priorities.
5) Implement protective measures
Implement measures that actually reduce the most significant risks (not just "paper security").
6) Collect evidence
ISO 27001 thrives on traceability: you must be able to demonstrate that rules exist and are being implemented.
7) Inform and train employees
Everyone should know the basics, especially regarding data, access, and incidents.
8) Internal testing (internal audit)
Conduct a dress rehearsal: Where are there still issues before the certification body arrives?
9) External audit – Part 1 (Stage 1)
This mainly concerns your documentation: Is everything described completely and coherently?
10) External audit – Part 2 (Stage 2)
Practical application is what counts here: Is the ISMS really being implemented in everyday life?
11) Keep at it
The certificate is valid for three years and is reviewed regularly. Keep your ISMS up to date and improve it continuously.
ISO 27001 is so widespread because the standard works for almost every organization. It covers the entire information security management system (ISMS) and takes into account not only technical but also organizational processes and evidence. The focus is on the question of what risks exist for information and how to control them. Appropriate measures are then derived from this. ISO 27001 is also certifiable: an independent body audits the system and officially certifies it. Many alternatives, on the other hand, are more narrowly tailored or pursue a different goal, such as a minimum technical standard or a report as proof for customers.
Specifically, this "concept" typically includes:
In short, the security concept according to ISO 27001 is the structured approach that a company uses to make information security plannable, measurable, and permanent.
ISO 27001 is primarily a management standard. It describes how a company can organize information security on a permanent basis. Many other standards focus on different areas: some are industry- or country-specific, some are more like test reports for customers, and others are legal requirements.
The GDPR is a legal requirement in the EU. It regulates the protection and confidentiality of personal data and stipulates how it may be processed. ISO 27001 is not a law, but a management standard. It helps to implement information security in a structured manner and thus supports GDPR compliance, but does not replace it.
SOC 2 is often an audit report that shows customers whether certain controls are effective, for example, in terms of security, availability, or data protection. ISO 27001 takes a more comprehensive approach to the issue: it requires a permanently functioning management system that manages risks and continuously improves. SOC 2 is more of a proof of control, while ISO 27001 is more the system behind it.
TISAX® is specifically designed for the requirements of the automotive industry and its supply chains. ISO 27001 can be used across all industries and worldwide. A TISAX® label is not automatically the same as ISO 27001 certification—the standards have different objectives and assessment logics.
Cyber Essentials is a UK scheme with a few clearly defined minimum technical measures against common online threats. ISO 27001 is much more comprehensive: in addition to technology, it also covers organization, processes, risk analysis, and continuous improvement. Cyber Essentials is more of a baseline check, while ISO 27001 is a complete security management system.
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is a guidance framework. It structures cybersecurity work into functions such as Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. ISO 27001 is structured more specifically as a management system and provides a certifiable basis. NIST CSF helps with structure and maturity, while ISO 27001 provides the auditable evidence framework.
BSI IT-Grundschutz and ISO 27001 pursue the same goal (information security), but the approach is often different: Grundschutz works more with predefined building blocks and measures, while ISO 27001 typically uses a risk-based approach.
ISO 27001 regulates information security as a whole. ISO 27701 supplements (or expands) this approach to include data protection, i.e., the structured handling of personally identifiable information (PII) in processes, roles, and documents.
Particularly in contract management, where highly sensitive data is processed, ISO 27001 creates a reliable basis for cooperation and trust. For many companies, choosing an ISO 27001-certified provider can reduce the effort involved in security and compliance audits because essential requirements and evidence are available in a structured form. ContractHero is ISO 27001 certified as both software and a company because data protection and information security are not "extra requirements" for us, but the basis of every collaboration.
