Have Questions? (678) 257-2242
What Is the ISO 27001 Benefit to Business? Understanding Security Compliance

What Is the ISO 27001 Benefit to Business? Understanding Security Compliance

ISO/IEC 27001

Businesses considering implementing this standard have to answer the question of what the ISO 27001 benefit to business is. The British Assessment Bureau informs us that ISO 27001 helps companies achieve an information security management system (ISMS) that allows the company to minimize or remove the chance of a data breach.

Data security isn’t a new concern for companies. The BBC mentions that cybersecurity is of the utmost importance to any business in the twenty-first century. However, while we are aware of how important data security is, how does this tie into the ISO 27001 benefit to business?

Data Integrity and Restoration

Data corruption can be a plague that can cause an entire company’s databases to buckle and collapse. Ensuring that individual records maintain their integrity is crucial to ensuring that the company can meet its mandate to clients and suppliers alike.

With integrated databases, minor corruption could cost a company quite a lot. There’s no way to isolate and repair the corrupted data. By implementing data security systems under the ISO 27001 standard, a business sets up a framework. This framework deals with data integrity and can help with compromised datasets.
Data organization, access control, and a specific backup protocol ensure that datasets remain viable and avoid corruption. Comparing the latest backup with the current version can help a company restore the damaged data without too much hassle.

Privacy of User Data

Another crucial ISO 27001 benefit to the business is increased privacy for the company’s data. An ISMS helps businesses avoid problems that arise if they fail to secure data appropriately. Access control, group management policies, and destruction of data no longer in use are crucial parts of an ISMS. They ensure that user information doesn’t leave the company’s servers or fall into the wrong hands.

ISO 27001 regulations keep businesses secure in knowing that the data they have on their systems are protected. It also helps to avoid messy legal battles associated with data leaks.

Intellectual Property Protection

Businesses all have their own intellectual property generated within the company. Protecting a business’s intellectual property (IP) ensures that it maintains its competitive edge. Risk management techniques can help spot issues with how the company currently deals with its IPs.

Once more, access controls per ISO 27001 are crucial in ensuring that the company keeps ahold of its intellectual property rights. Secure systems stop external access to the company’s IP records. This practice helps to create an impenetrable digital barrier to anyone who would seek to appropriate the company’s IPs.

Peace of Mind to Customers

Digital security is now a hot topic for many consumers. Data breaches have become commonplace, and most users have had account information from one or more large companies compromised in the past. The incidence of these occurrences makes them less likely to trust businesses with their data.

An ISO 27001 benefit to business that is often overlooked is increased confidence in the company’s data management. This certification allows clients to be aware of how the business manages data. Customers understand the steps that the firm undertakes to ensure that all data collected by the company is stored securely. They can also rest assured that the data is destroyed when no longer in use. These steps can go a long way towards convincing a client that they can trust their user data with the business.

ISO 27001 Benefit to Business – The Never-Ending Arms Race

Business security is always about staying one step ahead of malicious actors. By implementing the guidelines set forward under ISO 27001, a company can apply industry best practices that may help them avoid problems with their data security. If you’re looking at implementing a new ISMS, we’ve got you covered. Maybe you need to audit the ISMS the business already has with the aim of certification? Contact Sync Resource today. We’d be glad to help you make your business data management a more secure process.

Book A Call With An Expert Now
What is the Simple Differences Between an ISO Technical Specification and an ISO Standard?

What is the Simple Differences Between an ISO Technical Specification and an ISO Standard?

General

We all know about ISO standards, and this very blog has covered several certifications, but we haven’t uncovered ISO technical specifications.

The International Standards Organization (ISO) has dedicated a lot of resources into setting up the standards needed so that companies can achieve certification. Standardized approaches such as using ISO 9001 for developing a quality management service (QMS) are ideal for businesses that need guidance in instituting this particular element of their company. However, standards, such as ISO 9001, aren’t the only documentation that the ISO produces. There is also the issue of ISO technical specifications, which this article will intend to shed some light on.

Defining an ISO Technical Specification (TS)

In a previous post, we covered what defines a standard, namely, a series of requirements for standardization and quality assurance. ISO technical specifications are distinct from this definition because they relate to areas that the ISO hasn’t fully developed complete standards on just yet. The ISO mentions that a TS addresses work that hasn’t completed the entire range of technical development.

In the future, the specification may form the basis of an International Standard. Unfortunately, unlike the rigorous feedback system that established ISO standards puts in place, technical specifications have no means of delivering feedback to know how well the system works.

Why Do ISO Technical Specifications Exist?

Even though they lack feedback mechanisms, technical specifications are still useful in providing a guideline for companies engaged in work within an industry that doesn’t have a current international standard. They are published to be used as-is, while the final instructions are going through the process of industry consensus.

Before the TS becomes publishable, however, two-thirds of the participating members of an IEC technical committee or subcommittee must first approve a technical specification. The final approval is similar to that of a complete standard with the exception that the final vote for approval takes place at the Draft Technical Specification stage as opposed to the Committee Draft phase.

The Difference Between Requirements and Guidance

At its heart, the difference between an ISO standard and a technical specification can boil down to the question of guidance or requirement. Standards have a list of requirements that the companies that intend to seek certification must conform to. Among these include well-designed feedback mechanisms and audits to ensure that the company maintains the standards they previously achieved.

On the other end of the spectrum is the technical specification. The TS doesn’t come with any rules that a business needs to follow. Instead, they offer a valuable guide to developing systems that may achieve certification if the specification evolves to become a full ISO standard.

The major difference, therefore, between the standard and the specification are twofold. The standard states requirements for certification and is fully fleshed out to offer critical feedback for improvement. The specification, on the other hand, lacks feedback mechanisms, and offer suggestions as opposed to hard requirements.

Are ISO Technical Specifications Useful to a Company Seeking ISO Certification?

If a company is seeking certification for an established ISO standard, they can rely on the published requirements to help streamline their processes. However, if a business is investigating an area that hasn’t yet had an ISO standard defined, then the only publication they can rely on would be the technical specification. Sometimes it may take a while for a technical specification to become a standard because consensus hasn’t yet been reached or because standardization may be viewed as immature.

Even so, the technical specifications can rival compete ISO standards in terms of completeness. They can provide a useful roadmap to companies that don’t yet have a finalized list of requirements to work with to gain certification. Are you interested in following the guidelines set up for your industry by the ISO, but don’t know how to implement the suggestions of a technical specification? Give us a call today to learn more about how these technical specifications can improve your competitiveness and how Sync Resource can help you meet the high bar for international standards.

Book A Call With An Expert Now
What is ISO Certification?

What is ISO Certification?

General

What is ISO Certification? The International Standards Organization (ISO) has outlined a series of requirements for standardization and quality assurance. The ISO is an internationally recognized body that is responsible for developing standards of quality assurance. The ISO itself doesn’t grant certification. Instead, the certification comes from a third-party organization that is responsible for ensuring that companies who want to be certified adhere to the ISO’s requirements. Certification is usually a requirement for bidding on individual contracts.

What is ISO Certification for?

Businesses that want to increase their marketability should think about certification. The International Standards Organization is recognized worldwide as an organization that focuses on maintaining quality. As a result, certification makes a business more likely to be chosen as a contract awardee.

Where Can a Business Get Certified?

Several third-party organizations exist that allow for certification. The process for accreditation differs for each organization. The cost for smaller businesses will be less than for larger firms. At its core, the ISO certification process deals with ensuring that a company documents its processes extensively. In addition to the initial assessment, companies that are certified will need to undergo periodic audits to retain the certification. The certification process has several steps, including:

Preparation: The company decides whether it wants to hire a consultant or undertake the certification process themselves. Consultants can help the business because of their knowledge of the certification process, saving the business time. If you’re interested in getting professional advice with your ISO application, contact us today.

Documentation: Businesses should document their quality management systems. Ideally, a business should spend time documenting every detail of its management systems. More documentation is better than less.

Implement the System: After outlining the system, it’s up to the business to ensure they apply the processes. The aim is to incorporate the [process improvements into the daily function of employees.

Internal Audits: Certification requires both internal and external audits. the internal audits happen first, usually conducted by the company’s lead ISO certification personnel. The audit helps the business to understand where it needs improvement to conform to the requirements of the ISO.

External Audits and Certification: the final part of the process relies on third-party auditors that are part of an ISO registrar. These businesses audit a company to ensure that it conforms to the guidelines set out by the ISO. If they do, then the company is granted certification.

What is ISO Certification Process?

While the best-case scenario runs between six to eight weeks, typically, there is no set period for a company to attain certification. On starting the process, a business usually gets a letter that they can include with any tender submissions to show that they are in the process of obtaining ISO certification. After the company attains certification, they will receive an announcement letter that states their compliance.

Why Should a Business Get ISO Certification?

Aside from making the business more marketable, there are a few essential points that certification addresses. Certified companies will demand greater respect within their industry. Their business processes will demonstrate a higher level of consistency and control as long as they conform to the requirements. Customers particularly will have the peace of mind that the business is certified to follow best-practices. Additionally, companies that maintain ISO standards have to keep employee training in line with those requirements. Its employees, therefore, have a firmer grasp of the organization’s goals and procedures. This translates into better employee performance.

What is ISO Certification Time Frame?

As mentioned before, companies that are certified need to undergo periodic audits to ensure they retain the certification. These occur yearly. In these audits, the auditing body examines the company’s quality management system to ensure that it conforms to the ISO’s standards. After three years, a re-certification audit happens. A company has the chance to lose its certification because of severe violations. Occasionally, auditors might allow for some leeway to businesses that are in danger of losing their ISO certification to make changes.

Book A Call With An Expert Now
Critical ISO Certification Advertising Rules

Critical ISO Certification Advertising Rules

General

ISO Certification Advertising Rules

A bunch of congratulation for achieving ISO certification!

You have just finished your ISO audit and have been handed over a brand new ISO certificate.

Reward your internal audit on special notes by offering them monetary bonuses  as token of appreciation, customized mugs, shirts, calendars and diaries with your company’s logo on is another smart marketing technique. The first thing you should do is to celebrate the achievement with your team, shoot out an email of admiration to everyone, you can hold a press conference and prepare a press release, display banner of announcement on your website but what to do afterwards. Below you will find guidelines in order to understand how to market yourself.

What are the ISO Certification Advertising Rules?

Having ISO certification can give you competitive edge among your competitors. Here are few effective enlisted ways to use your ISO certification as a lethal marketing weapon.

ISO Certification Advertising Rules – How to Display ISO Certificate?

Displaying a hanging copy of ISO certificate on your reception desk or your entrance is also not a bad idea but more effective ways to display such strong marketing weapons are to display on corporate events, on your workers’ uniform or on exhibition standees.

ISO Certification Advertising Rules – Using the ISO Logo  Offline

You can have the certification mark on your company’s letterhead, documents, business cards, flyers, handouts or stationary.

Using the Logo On Online Basis

Include the certification mark on the home page of your website and at your social media digital banners so that online audience should get to know about the improvement that you have accomplished in your business. There are few ISO Certification Advertising Rules that you need to know before placing ISO logos anywhere. These are:

(a). Using the complete name of your certification is mandatory.

(b). Sometimes in certain cases, you need to include your certification number also.

(c). please keep in consideration that ISO certification have been granted on your management system not the products itself.

(d). Do not claim certification outside the scope of your business.

About Your Organization

While writing a description of your company’s profile, it is advisable to write few lines about ISO  certification that you have so far succeeded to achieve along with the list of potential clients that you have worked for in your past and are satisfied with your products’ and services quality.

Inclusion In Email Signature

Do include a statement about ISO certification achievement in your email signature as the statement written in the end of your email will definitely be read by your clients, customers or your vendors/suppliers leading to enhanced credibility of your company in marketplace.

Target Print Media

Prepare an effective, short and crisp press release and send it to local and international newspapers agency and business magazines so that your message can reach to your target market.

Marketing Via Blog

A blog post regarding your ISO certification and your journey to all the way of achieving it can be posted accompanied with your celebration pictures with your team can really boost confidence of your peers working under you, your present customers and other potential clients of yours.

Email Marketing

Design a beautiful newsletter with catchy headlines explaining your ISO certification success so that readers can know how you are able to offer everyone improved services. Remember, spamming can take you into deep troubles so avoid it by all means!

Making the Most Of Social Media Platform

A tweet or a post can connect you to the right audience in few blinks. Make yourself socially active on social media by regularly engaging your audience and by boosting your posts and social media activity on paid basis.

Healthy Networking With Past, Present and Future Clients

The power of human touch cannot be ignored. You can host an open day session, an orientation day or a simple networking event can help to connect you with people who are interested in your business, your products and your services. Furthermore, you will get to find many suppliers who will be seeking someone like you to supply their products and services to you so that their portfolio can come in better competitive shape.   

Don’ts of ISO certification Marketing

There are few rules and regulations by which an organization has to abide by them. Enlisted below are some safe ISO marketing tips and tricks that will sink you into hot waters.

Claim and ISO Certification Advertising Rules

If you are owner of more than one companies and any one of your company has got ISO certification successfully then you can only market ISO certification of that company who has got ISO certification successfully and not for the other one that has not got ISO certification. Wrong advertisement can result in legal actions against your organization.

Usage of ISO logo

One cannot really use ISO logo nor can you alter the logo in any way for using it any of your endorsements. One cannot put logo on the products or package of the product.

Mention Complete Name of the ISO standard

ISO Certification Advertising Rules state you must always mention complete name and version of the ISO standard. Delivering half knowledge is one of the bad practice of ISO certification marketing.

ISO Accreditation

Please remember that there is no such thing as ISO accreditation and you cannot claim it so. Legal action can be taken against your organization on wrong public claims.

 

Book A Call With An Expert Now
How to Maintain your ISO Certification

How to Maintain your ISO Certification

Quality Management Standards (QMS)

Getting ISO Certification is not a problem but maintaining it is not an easy task and requires both the time and money investment with a proper channel and team. To keep the company in compliance with ISO standards and implementation of the standards in true sense is mind scratching task and cannot be done without the commitment of top management and involvement of the workers. Ostensibly after obtaining or getting the certification it is thought that main part of the job is done. In fact the real job starts after it and that is to maintain and implement it.

Most of the companies follow the standards just to get ISO certification and after that stop working according to the defined standard operating procedures (SOP’s). Standards must be followed in any way to achieve the long term benefits of the standards. Most of the companies do not know what to do before the (Surveillance, internal or external) audits? There is no need of any extra preparation before the audit if the defined standards are followed all the way. Following are steps that are important for maintaining the ISO Standards:

  • Defining Standard Operating Procedures(SOP’s):

In this phase, firstly the operating procedures are defined and procedures are the activities that are workers performing and a little modification is done in ISO certification, the working methods to improve performance and satisfaction of both the workers and customers. Most of the time, the activities, that are being performed, conforms the  ISO standards but some new activities are also introduced. New activities will help to implement and to work effectively with standards.

  • Training:

After setting the ISO standards the next task is to train the workers and management staff. This training is related to: how to perform new activities?  Best thing about the ISO standard is that it provides a basic framework on how to identify the needs and plan the training along with the requirements of ISO standards to measure the effectiveness of ISO certification training. Measuring of the effectiveness can be done with the help of Key Performance Indicators(KPI’s) and will give information regarding that how much the people are competent.

  • Control of Documents:

Whether an organization is certified or is starting, the key is to let the processes that are used to meet its goals determine documentation of ISO certification requirements. The ISO standards has many instances where it calls for the specific evidence of conformity. Documents are the evidence of conformity to requirements of ISO certification. Therefore, documentation file of ISO certification must be according to the objectives and must be updated. A complete control system must be established so that documents are identifiable and retrievable when needed in ISO standards. Arrangements for Proper storage and protection must be made.

  • Switching from ‘Plan’ to ‘Do’ phase and Follow up:

Procedures development is easier than the implementation in ISO certification. Ensuring the implementation takes more time than writing them. This is the phase of real importance in which the written ISO standards are implemented on floor. A complete follow up system is established which shows and indicates ISO certification whether the things are aligned with the said statements or not and what type of actions are required to improve them.

  • Monitoring and measuring:

Monitoring and measuring system help to collect data required for analysis and evaluation in ISO certification. Through this statistics are generated which are then used to convince and to show the results of the implemented standards. A proper analysis of the data will help to make decisions based on the facts rather than assumptions.

  • Checks and Acts:

Evidence based decision making will definitely lead to continual improvement of the system. During the decision-making process some checks and acts are set. These checks and acts will help to eliminate the poor practice to rush to improve standards just before the annual compliance check. Because just working on the standards before the annual checks, is a quick fix method and will not come with benefits of implementing standards. These checks and acts are also documented and are used in management review meetings to check the effectiveness of the standards implemented.

  • Management Review Meetings:

A structured review meeting that is arranged periodically to discuss the functioning of management standards and to take actions to correct or prevent it when necessary. Management review meetings are conducted to ensure that all the activities are in accordance with the standards. Activities are reviewed at all possible level and all the staff is given awareness related to any update and any change in trend. Revision and verification are done and actions are taken either to improve them or to eliminate the disturbing activity. In other words, corrective or preventive actions are taken to maintain the standards and to get the related benefits. It is not mandatory to document the management reviews procedure but it will help in conducting the next meetings. Revision of previous minutes of meetings and actions taken to counter problems will help to measure the effectiveness of the meetings. Management review meetings can be conducted after a specific period of time when management feels comfortable. It may be conducted once in a year or more frequently.  Frequently conducted review meetings will result in better results.

  • Internal Audits:

With all the activities mentioned above, a complete and thorough internal audit is necessary. It will provide additional information not only about the level of compliance but will also help to identify the potential failure areas and also provides the suggestions to correct/remove them. This will give a real scenario to fairly judge the condition of the system. Together with other information gathered along the way, top management will be able to conduct a more comprehensive and value-added management review and will make evidence based decisions that will lead to continual improvement of the system.

  • External Audits:

An external audit (system audit) conducted on a management system is a documented process performed to verify, by examination and evaluation of objective evidence, that applicable elements of the system are appropriate and effective and have been developed, documented, and implemented in accordance and in conjunction with specified requirements. This audit is performed by an audit organization independent of the customer-supplier relationship. Audits are done to verify compliance, conformance, or performance.

Having all the above elements covered means having a complete compliance with the management standards. All these elements are the first place where the auditors will be looking, so having this covered will prepare for a better and stress free audit.

If you need help with Ongoing Maiantaince or Internal Audits feel free to contact us, Sync Resource is a premium ISO consulting Serivce provider.

Book A Call With An Expert Now