Information Security for Business – Implementing ISO27001

Information Security for Business is more important than ever. Data protection is constantly in the media and more businesses are reaching out for help and support when it comes to implementing ISO 27001.

As ISO Consultants, our team can help you understand and implement the required steps to successfully meet the compliance standards and gain your certification. If you have questions about implementing ISO 27001 or want to discuss your business, contact us today.

Information Security – A Step-by-Step Guide to Implementing ISO27001

Effective information security is crucial in today’s changing world. Information is being held and transferred in increasingly different and complex ways. Organisations need to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this information to comply with relevant laws, contractual obligations and to mitigate identified threats and vulnerabilities.

In this insight, we’ll give you more information on:

1. The context around the need for information security in your organisation.
2. How to successfully build support to implement improved information security controls.
3. How alignment of ISO27001:2022 can complement and enhance your existing quality management system.
4. Hints and tips for Quality professionals who may be considering implementing ISO27001.

If you want to know more about ISO 27001 or have questions about our ISO consultancy service, please contact our team today.

Implementing ISO 27001 – Why and How

At Blackmores, we have several resources that can give you more information on ISO 27001, the implementation process and what it means for your business. Listen to our podcast episodes for a deep dive into the steps you need to complete to ensure compliance.

But why is ISO 27001 so important? and how can we ensure your team are invested for success? 

1. The Need for Information Security for your Organisation

In today’s digital economy, the need for robust information security for businesses is no longer optional—it’s critical. Across all industries, organisations are increasingly reliant on digital systems, cloud storage, and remote collaboration tools and these elements can all lead to vulnerabilities that they need to be protected from.

Clients and partners are also asking organisations to demonstrate that they are managing data responsibly. Implementing a structured Information Security Management System (ISMS) such as ISO 27001 provides the assurance that information risks are understood and controlled in a systematic way.

Clients and partners are also asking organisations to demonstrate that they are managing data responsibly. Implementing a structured Information Security Management System (ISMS) such as ISO 27001 provides the assurance that information risks are understood and controlled in a systematic way.

2. How to Successfully Build Support to Implement Improved Information Security Controls for your Business

Building organisational support for enhanced information security for your business requires a clear approach, we would recommend the following steps:

Executive Buy-In: it’s important that support comes from the top. The best way to do this is to ensure you’re aligning the ISMS with corporate objectives, not just IT goals.

Risk-Based Justification: Use tangible risk scenarios relevant to your business and your industry. Highlight how ISO 27001 provides a risk-based framework to manage and mitigate these risks.

Cross-Functional Engagement: Information security isn’t just IT’s responsibility. Engage HR, Legal, Operations, and Quality teams early. Clarify roles and responsibilities and promote a culture of shared ownership.

Quick Wins: Identify and implement the quick wins early on (e.g., password policies, awareness training, access controls). These visible improvements help build confidence and momentum and they are things you can implement quickly.

Communicate Continuously: Keep staff informed of the ‘why’ behind the IT changes. Transparency builds trust and reduces resistance.

3. How Alignment of ISO 27001:2022 Can Complement and Enhance Your Existing Quality Management System

If your organisation already has a Quality Management System (e.g., ISO 9001), integrating ISO 27001 offers multiple synergies. If you choose to work with Blackmores as your ISO consultant, we can help you manage the synergies for the smoothest implementation.

Shared Structure: Both ISO 9001 and ISO 27001 follow the Annex SL structure. This allows for streamlined integration of management systems and processes.

Continuous Improvement Culture: Quality systems already promote Plan-Do-Check-Act cycles. ISO 27001 extends this mindset to information security.

Risk-Based Thinking: ISO 9001 introduces a risk-based approach, ISO 27001 builds on this by providing a detailed methodology for information security risk assessment.

Efficiency and Consistency: Unified internal audits, documentation control, and training programs reduce duplication and improve governance across the organisation.

Enhanced Reputation: Demonstrating that your organisation meets both quality and information security standards enhances stakeholder trust and can open new business opportunities. It can be particularly useful for tendering applications.

If you have any questions on the integration between ISO 9001 and ISO 27001, speak to one of our ISO consultants today.

4. Hints and Tips for Quality Professionals Who May Be Considering Implementing ISO 27001

Quality professionals are often placed to lead or support an ISO 27001 implementation. Here are some tips for implementing ISO 27001 from our consultancy experience:

Leverage Your Existing Knowledge: You already understand systems thinking, audit techniques, process management, and continual improvement, these skills are directly transferable to ISO 27001.

Understand the Scope: ISO 27001 allows for a defined scope. Start small if needed (e.g., a specific department or function) and scale up over time.

Involve IT Early: IT will be a critical partner, but remind them ISO 27001 is about management of information risks, including physical risks, not just cybersecurity tools.

Use a Gap Analysis: Conduct a formal gap assessment against ISO 27001 requirements to identify current strengths, weaknesses, and compliance gaps.

Train and Communicate: Awareness is key. Information security policies must be understood and applied by all staff. When you work with Blackmores, we give you access to our isologyhub [link]  – the online training and resource platform for you and your team.

Work with a Consultant: Working with an experienced ISO consultancy firm like Blackmores can accelerate implementation, avoid common pitfalls, and ensure certification readiness.

If the list above sounds overwhelming for you and your organisation, please contact our team. Our ISO consultants are experts in their field and can support you in any way necessary.

Work with Blackmores

If you are considering implementing ISO 27001 and are not sure where to start, then contact our team. We work with organisations all over the UK and overseas to help them with their implementation processes. Find out more about what we do and contact our team today.