What is ISO 27001?

It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability while mitigating risks around information security. This information can include policies, assets, operational processes, people, third-party data, and more.

ISO 27001 focuses on preventing security incidents and aligning with the increasing array of laws, regulations, and contractual requirements surrounding information security and technology. Businesses committed to data security submit to an independent audit every year to receive a certificate of compliance. While not mandatory, this certificate reflects a coordinated and ongoing effort to secure critical organizational data within the ISO 27001 framework.

Key aspects of ISO 27001

• Information Security Management System (ISMS): ISO 27001 focuses on establishing and maintaining an ISMS, which is a framework of policies, processes, and procedures that govern information security in an organization. This is a systematic approach that serves to identify, assess, and manage information security risks.

• Risk assessment: Under ISO 27001, businesses are required to conduct comprehensive risk assessments to find and evaluate security risks, and then pursue appropriate treatment measures to mitigate risks, including relevant controls.

• Controls: ISO 27001 lays out a set of control objectives for various security aspects, including access controls, encryption, human resource security, incident management, compliance, and more. Businesses can select and implement controls based on their specific risk surface and requirements.

• Continuous improvement: ISO 27001 promotes a culture of continuous improvement that includes establishing a cycle of planning, monitoring, and improving the ISMS. This can include regular audits, management reviews, and addressing areas of improvement.

• Laws and regulations: ISO 27001 helps organizations comply with applicable laws, regulations, and contractual obligations related to information security.

• Certification: Businesses can choose to undergo a formal certification process to demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001. Conducted by a third-party auditor, this certification provides customers and stakeholders with assurance that a business has implemented a robust system of information security.

ISO 27001 is a comprehensive framework for maintaining effective security practices. Implementing it indicates a commitment to managing security risks and ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Sendbird’s ISO 27001 compliance certificates can be found here.