In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, information security has become a top priority for businesses worldwide. As a result, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed the ISO 27001 standard, which provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their Information Security Management System (ISMS).

In Australia, such a certification is becoming increasingly important as businesses seek to demonstrate their commitment to information security and gain a competitive edge. And if you’re looking to certify your organisation with the ISO 27001 standard, here’s what to do:

Step 1. Understand the ISO 27001 Standard and Its Requirements

The first step in preparing for the ISO 27001 certification audit is to thoroughly understand the standard and its requirements. Familiarise yourself with the main clauses and controls listed in Annex A, which provides a comprehensive list of security controls that organisations can choose to implement based on their specific risks and business needs. It’s also a good idea to download a copy of the ISO 27001 standard and review it thoroughly.

Step 2. Conduct a Gap Analysis

A gap analysis is an essential step in determining the current state of your organisation’s information security practices and how they align with the ISO 27001 requirements. This process involves comparing your existing ISMS against the ISO 27001 standard and identifying areas that need improvement. We recommend working with a consultant in this step.

Step 3. Develop an ISMS Implementation Plan 

Once you have identified the gaps in your current ISMS, the next step is to develop a plan to address these gaps and meet the ISO 27001 requirements. This plan should outline the steps and resources required to implement the necessary controls, processes, and policies. It should also include a timeline for implementation and designate responsibilities for various tasks to ensure steady progress towards certification.

Step 4. Implement the ISMS

With a solid implementation plan in place, the next step is to put the plan into action. This involves implementing the required controls, processes, and policies to strengthen your organisation’s information security. Ensure that all employees are aware of their roles and responsibilities within the ISMS and provide appropriate training where necessary, and regularly update and review your ISMS when needed.

Step 5. Conduct an Internal Audit

Before undergoing the external ISO 27001 certification audit, it’s crucial to conduct an internal audit to evaluate the effectiveness of your ISMS. This involves assessing whether your organisation has successfully implemented the required controls and processes and whether these measures effectively address the identified risks.

Step 6. Conduct a Management Review

Following the internal audit, a management review should be conducted to evaluate the ISMS’s overall effectiveness and ensure that it is achieving its intended objectives. This review should include input from top management and should consider the results of the internal audit, the status of corrective actions, and any changes in the organisation’s risk profile.

Step 7. Select a Certification Body

In Australia, ISO 27001 certification audits must be conducted by an accredited certification body. When selecting a certification body, ensure that they are accredited by the Joint Accreditation System of Australia and New Zealand (JAS-ANZ), as this is a requirement for Australian businesses. Research and compare various certification bodies to find one that best suits your organisation’s needs and budget.

Step 8. Prepare for the External Audit

Once you have selected a certification body, it’s time to prepare for the external audit. Ensure that all required documentation is up-to-date and readily available for the auditors, and conduct a thorough review of your ISMS to ensure that all non-conformities identified during the internal audit have been addressed. On top of that, provide any necessary training for your employees to ensure that they are prepared for the audit and can effectively demonstrate their understanding of the ISMS and their roles within it.

Conclusion

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant milestone for any organisation, demonstrating a commitment to information security and instilling confidence in your customers and business partners. By following the steps outlined in this guide, Australian businesses can effectively prepare for ISO certification, ensuring their business meets current standards and succeeds.

The ISO Council is a specialised consulting firm based in Australia, comprised of a team of experts with experience in top industry organisations. We offer comprehensive ISO certification services, focusing on creating, implementing, and maintaining ISO 9001, ISO 14001, and various other industry standards. If you are looking for ISO certification services, don’t hesitate to work with us today!