We’re on the journey to ISO 27001 certification!

Over the past few months we have been undergoing preparation in anticipation of our first ISO audit: ISO 27001. This certification focuses on information security, cybersecurity and privacy protection. 

It is a valuable addition to any company’s arsenal, and we are committed to making our systems safer – for both Annertech and our clients.

What does it entail?

The International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) is an independent organisation that develops and publishes international standards.

Being "ISO certified" signifies that a company has successfully demonstrated that its systems, processes and procedures meet the requirements of a specific ISO standard, with ISO 27001 setting the standards for information security.

Annertech requires information security to protect information assets from security threats.

It is critical to protect the system environment to maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace, to ensure profitability, and to secure and maintain client and partner trust and confidence.

ISO certification will give our clients the confidence that Annertech can keep their data and systems safe.

We are quite far along in the process. We have conducted risk assessments, and developed security policies, procedures and risk management processes for implementing controls. Currently, we are in the process of wrapping up employee communication and training.

Now that the policies, procedures and processes are in place, an audit into the effectiveness of the information security management system will get under way.

Advantages

There are many advantages to being ISO 27001 accredited.

Strengthened security

The biggest, and most direct advantage of the certification is that ISO 27001 helps protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of company data.

It not only reduces the risk of data breaches, cyberattacks and unauthorised access but ISO 27001 provides a risk management framework to identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Because the certification requirements are continuously updated to address new cybersecurity threats, it ensures that Annertech stays ahead in an evolving digital landscape.

Data and trust

ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to managing and securing data.

This will help ensure we comply with regulations and data protection laws such as GDPR – and all Annertechies have already completed courses in data protection and cyber security.

Certification assures our clients that their data is handled securely.

A culture of security 

ISO certification sets an important foundation for security and best practices – and this can be continuously improved upon. As employees are more aware of the risks and what is expected of them from a security aspect, the internal security culture becomes more entrenched and streamlined.

We strive to ensure reasonable and appropriate levels of security awareness and protection throughout our organisation and infrastructure. There is no place in our business where security is not a consideration.

The implementation of ISO 27001 doesn’t only impact Annertech, but it also affects suppliers and third-party vendors – who also follow strong security protocols, minimising risk from two sides.

Competitive advantage

Increasingly, ISO 27001 certification is becoming a requirement for the public sector and large organisations.  Businesses that take cybersecurity and data protection seriously are definitely preferred over those that don’t.

A strong security foundation, proactively enabled and maintained, becomes an effective market differentiator for Annertech. Security has a direct impact on our viability within the marketplace and must be treated as a valued commodity.

Conclusion

We believe that any business or service provider who handles, processes or transmits client data should be ISO 27001 compliant.

We know that being certified will stand us in good stead for future projects. We look forward to upping our own standards and displaying the accreditation badge with pride.