Table of Contents
ISO 27001 Implementation Guide: Checklist of Steps, Timing, and Costs Involved
Starting to implement ISO 27001:2022 can seem daunting. But fear not! Here’s a straightforward 16-step guide to make your journey smoother. This checklist covers everything from getting management buy-in to monitoring and improving your Information Security Management System (ISMS). Follow these steps, and you’ll be on your way to ISO 27001 certification.
1) Obtain Management Support
This step may seem obvious but is often overlooked. Management must provide enough people and resources to ensure the project’s success. Lack of support is a common reason for project failure.
2) Treat it as a Project
Implementing an ISMS is complex, involving various activities and many people. It can last from a few months to over a year. Define what needs to be done, who will do it, and the timeline.
3) Define the Scope
For larger organizations, it might make sense to implement ISO 27001 in just one part of the company to lower project risk. Smaller companies (under 50 employees) might find it easier to include the entire organization.
4) Write an Information Security Policy
This high-level document defines basic information security requirements. It shouldn’t be too detailed but should outline management’s goals and how to achieve them.
5) Define the Risk Assessment Methodology
Risk assessment is crucial. This methodology defines the rules for identifying risks, impacts, likelihood, and acceptable risk levels.
6) Perform the Risk Assessment & Risk Treatment
Implement the risk assessment. This may take days or months, depending on the organization’s size. The goal is to understand internal and external data threats. The risk treatment process aims to reduce unacceptable risks, often using controls from Annex A.
7) Write the Statement of Applicability
After risk assessment, you’ll know which controls from Annex A are needed. The Statement of Applicability lists these controls, their applicability, and how they are implemented.
8) Write the Risk Treatment Plan
This plan details how to implement controls, including who will do it, when, and with what budget. It’s essential for coordinating further steps in the project.
9) Define How to Measure the Effectiveness of Controls
Measurement is vital. Define how you will measure the effectiveness of your objectives, security processes, and controls.
10) Implement the Security Controls
Implement the required documents, technology, and security processes. This often requires new policies and procedures, which can be challenging due to resistance to change.
11) Implement Training and Awareness Programs
Explain why new policies and procedures are necessary and train personnel accordingly. Lack of training and awareness is a common reason for project failure.
12) Operate the ISMS
ISO 27001 should become part of everyday operations. Records are crucial to prove that activities are performed as required. They also help monitor compliance.
13) Monitor and Measure the ISMS
Check the effectiveness of controls through monitoring and measurement. Are your objectives being met? If not, corrective and preventive actions are needed.
14) Internal Audit
Perform internal audits to identify issues. The goal is to take corrective actions, not to punish employees. This helps prevent future problems.
15) Management Review
Top management must understand ISMS performance. They need to ensure duties are performed, and objectives are met. Based on this, they make critical decisions like budget approval and strategic alignment.
16) Corrective Actions
Ensure non-conformities are corrected or prevented. ISO 27001:2022 requires systematic corrective actions to identify, resolve, and verify the root causes of non-conformities.
Time, Effort, and Roles Needed to Implement ISO 27001
How Long Will It Take?
One of the most common questions about ISO 27001 is, “How long will it take?” The answer is not very encouraging – implementation takes longer than most expect. It ranges from a couple of months for smaller companies to more than a year for larger organizations.
Producing documents in a matter of days might make it seem like you’re compliant, but meaningful implementation that yields results takes time.
Time Needed for Initial Implementation
The main effort will be spent on the “Plan” and “Do” phases, involving risk assessment and implementing security controls. The duration depends on the organization’s size:
Companies with up to 20 employees: Up to 3 months
20 to 50 employees: 3 to 5 months
50 to 200 employees: 5 to 8 months
More than 200 employees: 8 to 20 months
These times assume you use a consultant or an online tool; without help, it will take longer. Lack of support from top management or an inexperienced project manager can also extend the timeline.
Roles in the Implementation Project
In smaller companies, the project manager may also act as the security officer. Larger companies usually separate these roles. A professional project manager runs the project, while a security officer oversees overall security.
For companies with 200 or more employees, a project team including department heads (e.g., IT, legal, HR, marketing & sales, operations) is recommended. This ensures high-level security decisions and commitment.
Key Activities for Employees
Risk assessment: Identifying potential risks to information
Risk treatment: Choosing mitigation options to decrease risks
Reviewing policies and procedures: Ensuring security documents align with business processes
Approval of security objectives, documentation, and resources: Ensuring commitment and alignment with company strategy
Effort Needed for Initial Implementation
In companies with up to 200 employees:
Project Manager: 1 day per week
Security Officer: 50% of time
Department Heads: 7 hours per head throughout the project
Top Management: 5 hours in total
For companies with 200 to 2,000 employees:
Project Manager: 50% of time
Security Officer: 100% of time
Department Heads: 15 hours per head throughout the project
Top Management: 10 hours in total
For companies with more than 2,000 employees:
Project Manager: 100% of time
Security Officer: 100% of time
Department Heads: 30 hours per head throughout the project
Top Management: 15 hours in total
Effort Needed for Maintenance
Maintaining the ISMS requires less effort than initial implementation, typically about 25% of the initial effort.
ISO 27001 Implementation Cost
The cost of implementation varies and is influenced by:
Company size (number of employees included in the ISO 27001 scope)
Criticality of information (higher criticality demands more protection)
Technology used (complex systems can increase costs)
Legislation requirements (especially in financial and government sectors)
Types of Costs
Literature and Training
Books and courses (1 to 5 days in duration): $250 to $1,700 per person
ISO 27001 standard: Around $100
External Assistance
Consultant costs vary; in the U.S., it could be around $15,000
ISO 27001 software: About $2,000 annually
Employees’ Time
Time spent on risk assessment, improving procedures, and training
Technology
Most companies don’t need new hardware or software but must use existing technology securely.
Certification
Certification audit cost in the U.S.: Around $7,500 for smaller companies
Three Strategies for ISO 27001 Implementation
When it comes to implementing ISO 27001, you have three strategic options:
a) Do It on Your Own Without External Help
In this option, your employees handle all the work without any help from consultants or tools. This is ideal if you have a tight budget and prefer no external involvement. However, it’s only feasible if you have an employee experienced in ISO 27001.
b) Do It Yourself with External Help
Here, you implement the standard yourself, performing all analyses, interviews, and documentation. You use an ISO 27001 tool and guidance from external experts. This option works well if you have a moderate budget and want your employees to learn how to manage security. An example of such a tool is Conformio.
c) Consultant Does Most of the Work
In this scenario, you hire an ISO 27001 consultant to do the entire job, from documentation to implementation. This is the quickest option but also the most expensive.
Four Key Benefits of ISO 27001:2022 Implementation
Convincing management to fund information security can be challenging. Here are four key benefits of implementing ISO 27001:2022 that can help:
1) Compliance
ISO 27001 enables efficient compliance with regulations regarding data protection, privacy, and IT governance. If an existing customer requires ISO 27001 compliance, you must adhere to retain the client.
2) Marketing Edge
ISO 27001 can differentiate you in a competitive market, especially with clients concerned about data security.
3) Lowering Expenses
Information security can reduce costs associated with incidents like service interruptions or data leaks. Highlighting these potential savings can capture management’s attention.
4) Bringing Order to Your Business
ISO 27001 helps define roles and responsibilities clearly, strengthening your internal organization. This is crucial for companies experiencing rapid growth.
ISO 27001 Project – Key Success Factors
Management Support
Management commitment is crucial. Without it, investing your energy elsewhere might be better. Consistently communicate the benefits and push the message to decision-makers.
Get the Knowledge
ISO 27001 implementation is complex. Consider taking ISO 27001 courses for beginners or advanced users to understand the process.
Run the Implementation as a Project
Clearly define objectives, responsibilities, resources, and deliverables. Structured implementation speeds up the process and increases the chances of success.
Choosing the Right Project Manager
Select a project manager knowledgeable about both business and IT processes. They need enough time and authority to drive the project forward.
How to Choose an ISO 27001 Implementation Tool
Managing an ISO 27001 project without guidance is challenging. Using an ISO 27001 tool can provide structure and ease the process. Look for a tool that:
Provides clear steps for project implementation
Offers easy-to-use wizards for creating documentation
Automates the risk management process
Fills out the Statement of Applicability automatically
Enables collaboration and task management
Supports both initial implementation and ISMS maintenance
The tool should be adapted to your company size, provide expert support, educate users, and have built-in expert logic for proper implementation.
Conclusion
Implementing ISO 27001 is a significant undertaking. Understanding the strategies, benefits, and success factors can help you plan effectively. Choosing the right tools and project manager is crucial for a smooth implementation.
