If your company wants to make sure its information security management system (ISMS) follows the standards set out by ISO/IEC 27001:2013, it can submit to an ISO 27001 audit. In order to achieve and maintain ISO 27001 certification, businesses must undergo a string of rigorous internal and external audits on a regular basis. 

ISO 27001-certified ISMSs demonstrate a company’s data security. Businesses having ISO 27001 accreditation get a competitive edge by showing that their security measures exceed international standards.

Before certifying an organisation, a third-party auditing business or ISO 27001 auditor must verify that its procedures and systems meet ISO/IEC 27001:2013 standards.

ISO 27001 audits prove a company’s security procedures work. These audits prove ISO compliance. Businesses can assess their information security risk by regularly auditing. ISO 27001 IT audits hISO 2ISO 27001 audits7001 auditselp increase ISMS controls and standards. 

The Importance of ISO 27001 Audits

ISO 27001 certification relies on audits. These audits are required to claim conformity with global information security management best practices. 

Businesses may need help to work with clients or partners who require ISO 27001 before signing or renewing a contract. Thus, organisations seeking new or existing customers in their area may need to pass an ISO 27001 audit.

ISO 27001 accreditation requires periodic audits to ensure compliance. Routine audits can identify areas for improvement. These audits reveal data management and IT security improvements.

What are ISO 27001 Audit Types

ISO 27001 compliance requires internal and external system audits. All ISO 27001-certified firms must regularly produce internal audit reports and undertake external audits.

Businesses must comply with these internal and external audit criteria.

Internal Audit

ISO 27001 internal audits are performed by independent, trained staff or external contractors. The audit is still internal if the auditor is not ISO 27001-certified.

ISO 27001 Clause 9.2 requires a persistent audit process to maintain compliance. An accredited ISO 27001 audit plan specifies internal audit frequency, scope, and who performs and reports them. Most firms should have an ISO 27001 audit once a year, but the certifying body decides. 

External Audit

IT professionals question, “how do you prepare for an ISO 27001 audit” to signify an external audit. Certified certifying authority can audit ISO 27001 compliance. 

Your organisation must appoint a national certification authority auditor to complete the ISMS Design Review. This external ISO 27001 audit analyses your ISMS’s controls and design for compliance by analysing pertinent documents, processes, and procedures.

If the ISMS Design Review passes, your organisation will be recommended for certification and continue to the Certification Audit. 

The Certification Audit will evaluate your company’s business processes and controls to determine compliance with ISO 27001 and Annexe A. If you can check all of these boxes, your organisation is ready to apply for ISO 27001 certification.

Surveillance Audits by a certification organisation ensure you’re following the rules in your documentation to maintain certification. ISMS audits before recertification often focus on specific topics.