Top Mistakes Companies Make During ISO 27001 Implementation

Securing your company’s sensitive data should be taken very seriously.  43% of cyber attacks target small businesses, and 60% of those businesses close their doors within six months of the attack.

ISO  27001 is an information security standard that provides a framework for an organization to manage and protect its sensitive information. If you are considering implementing ISO 27001, you are already on the right track. By following ISO 27001 guidelines, you can improve your organization’s security posture and strengthen your defenses against cyber threats.

However, companies often struggle with what to do when implementing  ISO 27001. The mistakes made during the implementation process can lead to failure in achieving compliance. To implement ISO 27001 successfully, we have compiled a list of the top 9  common mistakes to avoid.

9 Top Mistakes Companies Make During ISO 27001 Implementation

The nine most common mistakes companies make during ISO 27001 implementation are here.

Mistake #1: The scope of implementation is not clearly defined

The scope of ISO 27001 implementation refers to the boundaries and limitations of the information security management system (ISMS).

You can ask  questions like:

1. Which processes and assets require protection?
2. What are the boundaries of the ISMS?
3. Which departments and functions are included?
4. What are the geographical boundaries of the ISMS?
5. Are all information assets, including physical and digital, within the scope?
6. Do the security policies and procedures cover all employees, contractors, and third-party vendors?

When companies implement an ISMS, they often define its scope and boundaries. These boundaries can be clarified by considering the processes, assets, and departments that require protection. The scope of an ISMS can vary depending on the company’s size, industry, and specific needs.

Mistake #2: Lack of commitment from top management

ISMS implementation requires strong commitment and support from top management. Without this, it isn’t easy to ensure that the necessary resources and support will be allocated to the implementation process.

Top management is responsible for setting the organization’s vision and direction. A culture of information security starts from the top, and without the buy-in from top management, it is challenging to establish this culture within the organization.  Top management is also responsible for providing the necessary resources, such as budget and human resources, to support the implementation process.

Mistake #3: Neglecting risk assessment and treatment

Risk assessment is all about identifying potential threats, vulnerabilities, and the likelihood of a security incident occurring. Without conducting a proper risk assessment, an organization may not be aware of its most significant risks, leaving it vulnerable to attacks.

It is essential to regularly review and update the risk assessment process to account for new threats and changes in the organization’s environment.  This will help identify and prioritize potential risks that could lead to security breaches.

Once the risks have been identified, they should be analyzed and evaluated based on their likelihood of occurring.  This will help determine the level of risk each poses to the organization and assist in developing appropriate mitigation strategies.

The next step is to implement control measures to reduce the likelihood of risks occurring and minimize their impact. Technical controls such as firewalls and intrusion detection systems can be put in place to protect against external threats.

Mistake #4: Not involving all relevant departments and employees

The departments and employees involved in a business’s daily operations are often the most aware of potential risks. Failing to involve them in risk management processes can result in critical oversights and gaps in mitigation strategies.

To avoid this mistake, all relevant departments and employees should be involved in implementing ISO 27001 and risk management processes. IT, legal, HR, finance, operations, and any other department that handles sensitive data should be consulted. Employees at all levels should also be included, as they are often the first line of defense in detecting and reporting potential risks.

If any department or employee is left out of the implementation process, it can lead to blind spots and weaknesses.  Additionally, proper training and education should also be provided to all employees on data protection and security measures.

Mistake #5: Failure to document and maintain records

One common mistake organizations make is improperly documenting and keeping records of their data protection processes. The policies,  procedures, and protocols that are put in place to protect sensitive information must be well-documented and easily accessible.

Proper documentation can help identify the root cause of an incident and prevent it from happening again. In addition, maintaining records allows organizations to track any changes made to their data protection measures over time.

Organizations should have a system for documenting and updating their data protection processes to avoid this mistake. The SOPs and protocols should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in technology, regulations, or company policies. More importantly, all employees should be trained on these updates to ensure they are following the most up-to-date procedures.

Mistake #6: Inadequate training and awareness programs

Even with well-defined protocols and procedures, the data protection measures will be ineffective if employees are not adequately trained. People are often the weakest link in data security, as they may unknowingly or carelessly expose sensitive information.

Organizations should implement comprehensive training and awareness programs for all employees to address this issue. These programs should cover data protection, common cyber threats, and best practices for handling sensitive information.

Moreover, regular training sessions should keep employees updated on the latest threats and security protocols. Organizations can also conduct simulated phishing attacks to test their employees’ awareness and response to potential cyber threats. The results of these tests can help organizations identify areas for improvement and reinforce the importance of cybersecurity to their employees.

Mistake #7: Ignoring third-party requirements

Third-party vendors and partners often have access to sensitive information in an organization. However, many organizations fail to properly assess the security measures of these third parties before sharing sensitive information with them.

To avoid this mistake, organizations should have a thorough vetting process for third-party vendors and partners and ensure that third parties have adequate security measures to protect sensitive information.

Here are the steps organizations should follow when vetting third-party vendors and partners.

1. Create a comprehensive list of all current and potential third-party vendors and partners.
2. Develop criteria for evaluating the security measures of these third parties, including data encryption, employee training, and incident response plans.
3. Request information on their security policies and procedures from each third party.
4. Conduct background checks on the reputation and track record of the third parties.
5. Schedule meetings or calls with representatives from the third parties to discuss their security measures in detail.
6. Ask for references from other organizations that have worked with the same third party.
7. Review contracts carefully to ensure they include specific language regarding data security and breach notification procedures.

Mistake #8: Not performing regular internal audits

Audits help organizations identify and correct weaknesses in their security systems and ensure compliance with industry regulations and standards. However, many organizations neglect regular internal audits, leaving them vulnerable to cyberattacks. Regular audits can help detect and address potential vulnerabilities before hackers exploit them.

Organizations can establish a regular audit schedule and assign trained personnel to conduct the audits. The scope of the audits should cover all areas of the organization’s security infrastructure, including networks, systems, applications, and physical security. The audit team should also review policies and procedures to align with industry standards and regulatory requirements.

During an audit, the team should perform vulnerability assessments to identify any weaknesses in the system. These can include outdated software, misconfigured firewalls, weak passwords, or unpatched vulnerabilities. The team should also conduct penetration testing to simulate real-life attacks and determine the effectiveness of the organization’s security controls.

Based on the audit findings, the team should provide recommendations for remediation and improvements.

Mistake #9: Overlooking continual improvement

Implementing security measures and conducting assessments is not enough. Organizations should also focus on continuously improving their cybersecurity practices.

Companies should regularly review and update their security policies, procedures, and technologies to adapt to evolving threats. Furthermore, organizations can conduct regular assessments to identify potential vulnerabilities that may have been overlooked or newly emerged.

One way to achieve continual improvement is following the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle, also known as the Deming cycle.  This model involves four steps: planning, executing, checking, and acting. This process allows organizations to plan and implement improvements systematically while continuously monitoring and evaluating their effectiveness.

What Companies Can Do to Avoid These Mistakes?

ISO 27001 implementation minimizes the risk of cybersecurity breaches. However, during the implementation process, companies may still make mistakes that can hinder their progress or even lead to failure.

Taking a proactive approach can avoid the mistakes we mentioned earlier. Here are some actions companies can take to prevent these mistakes from happening.

1. Engage top management
2. Develop a holistic plan
3. Invest in employee training
4. Regularly review and update processes
5. Conduct risk assessments
6. Monitor performance metrics

You can also hire a consultant to help you implement ISO 27001. They can provide valuable expertise and guidance throughout the process, ensuring your company is on the right track towards successful certification.

Sync Resource is a consulting firm specializing in information security and can assist your company in obtaining ISO 27001 certification. We offer services such as gap analysis, risk assessments, policy development, and employee training to help organizations meet the requirements of ISO 27001.

Contact us to learn how we can help your company achieve ISO 27001 certification.