Any organisation seeking high protection and security for their information technology infrastructure is often advised to go after ISO 27001 certification. This is because the standard is globally recognised and appreciated for its ability to create vivacious Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). In fact, many organisations consider it as a benchmark to audit their current practices. Achieving ISO 27001 certification showcases that the organisation has a strong framework in place to confidently keep its data confidential, integral and available to those who have the right to access.
Unfortunately, when organisations commit to this standard of excellence, they encounter many obstacles. Out of all the obstacles, ensuring continual compliance is the greatest. This is where ISO 27001 gap analysis comes into play. In the following article, we will discuss what an ISO 27001 analysis is and why it should be an indispensable part of your auditing process.
What is an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis?
An ISO 27001 gap analysis is also called a compliance assessment. Some people also refer to it as a pre-assessment, as it is an evaluation that helps to provide a high-level overview of the current security position of your organisation. It is the final mock drill before the certification audit. This assessment and its consequent report serve as a reference guide that the security team and the management can use to achieve compliance. Essentially, this evaluation compares an organisation’s existing information security controls against the requirements outlined in ISO 27001.
The gap analysis gauges the current state of compliance against the standard. Also, it involves the organisation’s scope and the ISMS parameters spread across the various business operations or functions. As a result of this in-depth evaluation provides companies with the necessary information and recommendations to close “the gaps” or the deficiencies in their current practice. The gap analysis also provides companies with the most convenient method to streamline and improve the internal information security management system to ensure that they meet the requirements of ISO 27001 and emerge as industry leaders.
When is an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis Performed?
This professional assessment is ideally performed between stage one and stage two of the ISO 27001 audit process. This assessment aims to bridge the gap or cover the deficiencies between stage one and stage two of the audit. The goal is to ensure that any gaps identified during the first stage of the audit are addressed appropriately. More importantly, this audit helps the company prepare for the upcoming stage two audit, which is more strict and holds much more value. Without clearing the stage two audit, there is no chance of acquiring the ISO 27001 certificate. It is important to note that a mandatory requirement of ISO 27001 is to conduct a gap analysis; however, the condition is that this assessment should only be performed after the organisation has crafted its Statement of Applicability (SoA).
Remember that 114 information security controls are listed in Annex A of ISO 27001; however, the SoA highlights and justifies why specific controls and others were included. Therefore, the gap analysis should only be performed for the controls implemented in the organisation to gain a perspective on the current standing of the organisation and the magnitude of work involved.
ISO 27001 certification cost is different in each company; because the process and the steps they should take through the achieving path is not the same.
What to Expect from an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis?
Managements who know what is ISO 27001, will definitely try to obtain this beneficial certificate. Many companies choose to hire ISO 27001 consultants to perform the gap analysis. These individuals have extensive knowledge about information security processes and the recommendations of ISO 27001. During ISO 27001 analysis, auditors evaluate the existing security processes, documentation of the procedures, and the knowledge of the personnel, going on to compare them against ISO 27001 requirements. The assessment aims to explain which areas must be replaced and which must be improved. The findings of the gap analysis report will include the following:
- The maturity and current state of the security processes and procedures.
- Compliance gaps against ISO 27001 requirements.
- Relevance of the ISMS and its scope.
- Details about the resources needed to achieve compliance.
- Step-by-step plan of action highlighting the effort needed to achieve full ISO 27001 compliance.
- Tentative timeline when the organisation is ready to achieve the certificate.
By ISO gap analysis reports organisations can solve the problems and use the benefits of ISO 27001 2013 to improve their company.
What are the Benefits of ISO 27001 Gap Analysis?
Just as ISO 27001 audit, there are many benefits of ISO 27001 gap analysis, including:
- Getting an overview of the organisation’s current security posture.
- Getting a guide on how the organisation can achieve ISO 27001 certification.
- Clarity on what needs to be included in the ISMS scope and what controls need to be implemented.
- An estimate of the budgetary requirements and resources needed for ISO 27001 compliance.
One of the other benefits of ISO gap analysis is that it makes the ISO 27001 process so clear and effortless for organisations.
ISO 27001 Gap Analysis Checklist
It is very easy to get confused by the numerous steps of the gap analysis; therefore, utilising an ISO 27001 gap analysis checklist can help remove the confusion from it. The checklist is provided in an easy-to-follow questionnaire format, helping business owners organise how they conduct the evaluation. Hiring an ISO 27001 consultant will help you with understanding the steps included in the ISO gap analysis checklist.
Edara Systems; Best ISO 27001 Consultant Team in Australia
In this article we have said that ISO 27001 gap analysis is essential for any organisation looking forward to achieving ISO 27001 compliance and strengthening its current security posture.
If you are willing to get ISO 27001 certified, just fill the pop-up form on this page and contact Edara Systems professional consultants.
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