How long does it take to implement ISO 27001 for Organisations?
How long does it take to implement ISO 27001 for Organisations?
This is a question we get asked a lot and while there are no hard and fast rules on implementation time, we will try and break it down for you so you can make a calculated guess on the amount of time it takes to implement ISO 27001 and obtain certification (Note: certification isn’t mandatory, but it is helpful to get an impartial assessment on where you stand).
The timeline for implementing ISO 27001 for SMEs can vary depending on several factors, such as the size of the organization, the scope of the project, and the availability of resources. However, with proper planning and execution, organisations can typically implement ISO 27001 anywhere between 2-12 months.
We have seen it done on either side of this timeframe, it really depends on the scope, level of controls and resources.
Chances are if you have focused your time ensuring that the organisation is legally compliant with GDPR laws and the likes, currently maintains information asset registers, risk assessments and implemented security controls - then you are already well on your way.
Getting started with implementation will look something like this:
Step 1 – Understanding the scope of your ISMS (Information Security Management System)
This involves identifying which information assets need to be protected and the level of risk associated with them. For SMEs for example, the scope may be relatively small, as they may have fewer information assets than larger organisations. The scope may also be limited to specific areas of the organisation, such as a particular department or process. Depending on the size and complexity of the scope, this step can take anywhere from hours to several weeks.
Hint: Scope may only need to cover a small portion of your organisation. Start with the department/process that is considered the highest risk. You can add processes as you go.
Step 2 – Complete an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis
Identify where you are, where you want to be and how you are going to get there. Depending on complexity – days to months
Hint: Your organisation is probably not as far away from this as you think!
Step 3 – Risk Assessment
The next step is to conduct a risk assessment. This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities to the information assets identified in the previous step. The risk assessment process can take a few days to several weeks, depending on the size of the scope and the complexity of the organization's operations.
Hint: Can the risk be eliminated?
Step 4 – Implement information security controls
Once the risk assessment is completed, the next step is to implement the controls required by ISO 27001. This involves selecting and implementing specific security measures to protect the organisation's information assets. The controls can include technical measures, such as firewalls, MFA (multi-factor authentication), password management, SSO (single sign-on), penetration testing, and encryption, as well as non-technical measures, such as employee training and awareness programs. Depending on the size and complexity of the organization, this step can take several weeks to several months – this is the part that usually takes the longest.
A simple way of looking at it is, the higher the risk of exposure = then the more controls that are needed to ensure information is protected.
Step 5 – Audit
Make sure that what you have in place is working and periodically test via internal audits, third-party certification audits or both. This comes down to the availability of auditors and certification bodies. This will most likely be weeks/months.
The goal is to implement, maintain and continually improve your processes to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of information.
With Armour, every step is broken down, simplified and supplemented with all the templates and explanatory notes you need to get your business to ISO standard. Explore the Armour platform today or Contact Us to learn more.