ISO 27001 Gap Assessment
Understand clearly where there may be holes or gaps in your organisation’s security mechanism based on the ISO27001 standard.
ISO27001 Gap Assessment
The purpose of the ISO27001 gap assessment is to identify any areas where current security practices do not align with the ISO/IEC 27001 standard, and to provide recommendations for improving overall security posture. All organisations that deal with confidential information or maintain critical systems should uplift their information security policies. This includes small, medium, and large enterprises, government departments, non-profit organisations, and any other type of organisation.
How it Works
Holocron Cyber employs experienced security consultants to facilitate the delivery of the ISO27001 gap assessment. The methodology involves several phases, as outlined below:
Phase 1: Engage & Discuss
Holocron Cyber consultants focus on identifying the key components of the customer’s systems that are involved with processing and handling information or data. The team engage key stakeholders to understand the objectives, needs, and challenges.
Phase 2: Gather Evidence
Using existing documentation and subject matter expert interviews, Holocron Cyber gather evidence of compliance with the ISO27001 standard. This phase may involve several interviews with members of the organisation in order to gain a comprehensive understanding of the organisation.
Phase 3: Analyse & Assess
The evidence collected during the previous phase is compiled and examined. Analysis of this evidence is conducted to measure the compliance level to the ISO27001 standard. A formal set of criteria must be met for each level of maturity. Areas of non-compliance are assessed, and the results are placed into a formalised report, providing guidance on areas that require attention.
Timeframes
The 3-phase approach can be customised to suit your timeframe and requirements, however, it will typically be a 4-week timeframe with the following breakdown of tasks:
Week 1:
Engage & Discuss
A Holocron consultant will engage stakeholders in your organisation to understand the business, infrastructure, and its information security needs. Then will meet with the stakeholders in the organisation to discuss any objectives, needs, and challenges the organisation may be facing.
The aim is to gather information and contact details of any key stakeholders, third party companies, or platforms.
Week 2-3:
Gather Evidence
The consultant will conduct a thorough review of the organisation’s information security systems and practices, review documentation, observe processes, and test systems and controls.
In addition, the consultant will gather data and evidence to help evaluate the effectiveness of the organisation’s information security measures and conduct workshops with key stakeholders to understand the organisation’s information security.
Weeks 3-4:
Analyse & Assess
The consultant will then begin to compile a report detailing the findings of the gap assessment. This report will entail an itemised list of ISO27001 controls, what is required to meet the control, and what state your organisation is in meeting each particular ISO27001 control item. An internal peer review will then follow, where fellow senior consultants will review the report to ensure accuracy of findings.
Week 4:
Presentation and Consultation
The consultant will then meet with key stakeholders in your organisation to discuss the gaps found and recommendations in the report. The final report will be presented and provide recommendations for improving the organisation’s information security systems and practices to align with ISO27001.
What is ISO27001?
ISO27001 is an international standard that outlines how to effectively manage information security. The standard was originally published jointly by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in 2005 and revised in 2013.
By achieving certification, your organisation is proving that a mature and comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) is in place and managed. This can improve existing relations with clients by demonstrating that you value information security.
The Benefits for Your Organisation
Improved Security
The ISO27001 standard provides a comprehensive framework for managing information security, and helps organisations to ensure that they have adequate controls in place to protect their data.
Enhanced Reputation
Becoming certified will demonstrate commitment to information security and can enhance reputation among customers, suppliers, and other stakeholders.
Compliance
Many organisations are required by law to comply with information security regulations. The ISO27001 certification can ensure an organisation meets these requirements.
Improved Processes
Implementing an ISMS in accordance with ISO27001 can help an organisation to improve their overall business processes, as well as to identify and eliminate inefficiencies.
Risk Management
The risk management approach emphasisede by ISO27001 ensures that organisations identify and prioritize potential threats to information security, and take steps to mitigate those risks.
Competitive Advantage
Organisations that are ISO27001 certified can gain a competitive advantage over those that are not, as they can demonstrate that they have reached a high level of information security.
The Risks of Not Becoming ISO27001 Certified
Information Security Breaches
Without a comprehensive ISMS in place, organisations are more vulnerable to security breachs, which can lead to loss of sensitive information, reputational damage, and legal and financial consequences.
Compliance Issues
Many organisations are required by law to comply with information security regulations. Failing to meet these requirements can result in legal and financial repercussions.
Loss of Business
Organisations that are unable to demonstrate a commitment to information security may find it difficult to secure new business and retain existing customers, particularly in industries where security is a high priority.
Increased Costs
Without an effective ISMS, organisations may incur additional costs due to the need to respond to information security breaches, investigate potential compliance issues, and engage in legal and financial settlements.
Inefficient Use of Resources
An ISMS will dictate how an organisation’s resources are used. Without this in place, organisations may find they are using resources inefficiently, as they may be addressing information security risks on an ad-hoc basic, rather than using a systematic and proactive approach.
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