ISO 27001 Overview
ISO/IEC 27001 is an international standard that defines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Developed jointly by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), it provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure.
ISO 27001 serves as the foundation for most global security and compliance programs. It helps organizations identify risks, implement controls, and embed security into business operations while demonstrating to customers and regulators that strong data protection practices are in place.
Purpose of ISO 27001
The purpose of ISO 27001 is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by applying a risk management framework that integrates security into every layer of organizational processes.
Key objectives include:
Establishing governance for information security through policies, leadership, and accountability.
Ensuring systematic identification and treatment of security risks.
Embedding security awareness and responsibilities across teams.
Supporting compliance with legal, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
Providing independent assurance through third-party certification.
ISO 27001 transforms information security from a technical function into a strategic, organization-wide practice.
Scope and Applicability
ISO 27001 applies to organizations of all sizes and sectors that manage information assets, including digital data, intellectual property, financial records, and customer information.
The scope of an ISMS under ISO 27001 can be customized to include specific departments, systems, or the entire organization. It is particularly relevant to:
Technology service providers and SaaS companies handling client data.
Financial and healthcare institutions managing regulated information.
Government agencies and contractors with national security obligations.
Any organization pursuing third-party trust certification for security assurance.
What the Standard Covers
ISO 27001 outlines requirements for implementing an ISMS that is risk-based and integrated into daily operations. It includes controls, which cover technical, physical, and procedural safeguards.
Key components include:
Leadership and Governance: Establishing policies, roles, and oversight responsibilities for the ISMS.
Risk Assessment and Treatment: Identifying information security risks, determining acceptable risk levels, and applying appropriate controls.
Information Security Objectives: Setting measurable goals aligned with the organization’s strategic direction.
Training and Awareness: Ensuring all employees understand their security obligations.
Monitoring and Review: Performing internal audits and management reviews to evaluate effectiveness.
Continuous Improvement: Updating controls and risk assessments to adapt to emerging threats.
Certification and Assessment
Unlike voluntary frameworks, ISO 27001 offers formal certification through accredited third-party certification bodies.
The certification process typically involves:
A Stage 1 audit (document review and readiness assessment).
A Stage 2 audit (comprehensive evaluation of ISMS implementation).
Ongoing surveillance audits every 12 months.
A recertification audit is required every three years.
Certification demonstrates to customers and regulators that the organization meets globally recognized security standards.
Implementation and Continuous Compliance
Maintaining ISO 27001 certification requires a cycle of continuous improvement. Organizations must:
Conduct regular internal audits and management reviews.
Update risk assessments in response to business or technological changes.
Track corrective actions for identified nonconformities.
Maintain version-controlled documentation and evidence of control effectiveness.
Ongoing training and awareness help reinforce a security-first culture across all departments.
ISO 27001 in DSALTA
DSALTA enables organizations to operationalize ISO 27001 compliance through an integrated control and evidence management system.
Within DSALTA, users can:
Map ISO 27001 requirements and controls to organizational policies and tests.
Assign ownership for ISMS controls, risk assessments, and audit preparation.
Track corrective actions and evidence renewal cycles.
Monitor readiness scores across departments and frameworks.
Generate audit-ready exports aligned with ISO 27001 certification requirements.
While DSALTA provides a structured environment for managing ISMS controls and documentation, organizations should engage accredited auditors for certification and maintain alignment with ISO/IEC 27002 for best practices.