Would you like your organization to get certified for ISO 27001? Then using dedicated ISO 27001 software might be a good idea. Of course, you are free to choose another kind of ISMS. Still, deploying ISO 27001 software to facilitate the ISO process, offers several important advantages.In this article, we list those advantages and dive deeper into the characteristics of ISO 27001 software. We will also give you some tips if you are ready to compare software vendors.
ISO 27001 software: what's out there?
Before you go in-depth and compare software vendors, it's important to take a moment to consider the different types of systems and names you'll notice when searching for software to support your ISO 27001 certification process.
- GRC software (Governance, Risk & Compliance): this kind of software provides an umbrella solution for managing governance, risk, and compliance. ISO 27001 is often a part of this.
- ISMS software (Information Security Management System): this is specifically designed to set up and manage an (online) ISMS in line with ISO 27001.
- A BCMS (Business Continuity Management System) is a structured approach to identifying potential threats to an organization. It focuses on responding effectively to incidents.
- A CSMS (Cyber Security Management System) is a structured framework that helps to systematically identify, manage, and mitigate cyber security risks.
The choice depends on your situation and needs. Is your organization already working with a broad GRC approach or is a specific ISMS solution a better fit?Also read: Everything you need to know about a CSMS and What is a BCMS and what are the benefits?
Important features of ISO 27001 software
If you specifically choose ISO 27001 software, there are several important features to consider.
1. Overview of ISO 27001 standards
ISO/IEC 27001 is part of the ISO/IEC 27000 series, a family of standards for information security. The main standards in this series are:
- ISO/IEC 27000: Overview and vocabulary
- ISO/IEC 27001: Requirements for the ISMS
- ISO/IEC 27002: Guidelines for implementing controls
- ISO/IEC 27003: Guidelines for implementation of the ISMS
- ISO/IEC 27004: Measuring information security
- ISO/IEC 27005: Risk management for information security
2. Coherence of standards, policies and measures
ISO 27001 software should clearly demonstrate the relationship between the standards, your organization's information security policies and implemented security measures by:
- Showing the relationship between the standards, specific policies and procedures.
- Linking measures to the relevant ISO 27001 controls.
- Providing an overview of the status of implementation of measures.
- Facilitating the evaluation of the effectiveness of the ISMS.
3. Integration with Microsoft 365
Integration of ISO 27001 software with Microsoft 365 (Sharepoint, Outlook, Teams, Dynamics, Azure and Power Bl) as is unique to ISOPlanner, makes you collaborate more efficiently and gain more support among colleagues for your ISO project. It also offers these benefits:
- Synchronization of tasks and responsibilities with Outlook calendars and reminders.
- Secure exchange of sensitive information via Teams, in line with the ISMS.
- Centralized access to relevant ISMS documentation in Sharepoint.
- Ability to report incidents and security issues directly via integrated forms.
Integration with commonly used Microsoft applications makes the ISMS a natural part of daily operations.
4. Support for the PDCA cycle
ISO 27001 follows the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement of the ISMS. ISO 27001 software should support this cycle by providing functionalities for:
Plan
- Risk identification and analysis.
- Determining the scope of the ISMS
- Drafting the information security policy
- Selecting appropriate security measures
Do
- Implement and execute security measures
- Allocate resources and responsibilities
- Train and raise awareness of employees
- Manage documentation and records
Check
- Monitoring and measuring the performance of the ISMS
- Performing internal audits
- Management review of the ISMS
- Identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement
Act
- Implement corrective and preventive measures
- Communicate improvements to stakeholders
- Updating ISMS documentation and processes
- Setting new goals for continuous improvement
By providing functionalities specifically tailored to each stage of the PDCA cycle, ISO 27001 software helps you effectively manage and continuously improve the ISMS.
10 Tips for Selecting ISO 27001 Software
If you have reached the point where you want to compare software vendors, we have some helpful tips for you.
1. Define scope and needs
Which parts of your organization do you want to certify and what requirements must the software meet? Make a clear program of requirements.
2. Involve the right stakeholders
Consider IT, compliance, any external consultants, as well as end users. Gather input from different perspectives.
3. Bekijk integratiemogelijkheden
Kun je de software koppelen aan je bestaande IT-systemen en -processen? Dit bevordert de efficiëntie en acceptatie van het ISMS in uw organisatie.
4. Let op schaalbaarheid
Kies software die met je organisatie en ISMS kan meegroeien. Je wilt niet binnen een paar jaar naar een nieuw systeem moeten overstappen.
5. Evalueer de bruikbaarheid
Een intuïtieve interface en gebruikerstraining zorgen voor ondersteuning. Vraag een demo aan en betrek eindgebruikers bij de evaluatie.
6. Controleer de beveiligingsfuncties
Natuurlijk moet de software zelf aan strenge beveiligingseisen voldoen. Denk aan versleuteling, toegangscontrole en logboekregistratie.
7. Valideer de expertise van ISO 27001
Kies een leverancier met bewezen kennis van en ervaring met de ISO 27001-norm. Vraag naar referenties en certificeringen.
8. Rapportagemogelijkheden vergelijken
Goede rapporten zijn essentieel voor interne begeleiding en externe audits. Bekijk voorbeeldrapporten en evalueer opties.
9. Evalueer de ondersteuning
Tijdens de implementatie en het gebruik wilt u op de leverancier kunnen rekenen. Evalueer de beschikbare ondersteuningsopties en SLA's.
10. Denk aan de toekomst
ISO 27001 blijft evolueren. Kies een leverancier die innovatief is en de software blijft ontwikkelen om gelijke tred te houden met veranderende vereisten.
Conclusie
Het selecteren van de juiste ISO 27001-software is een belangrijke beslissing met gevolgen voor uw hele ISMS- en certificeringsproces. Door bovenstaande tips te volgen en een weloverwogen keuze te maken, legt u een solide basis voor een succesvol ISO 27001-programma. De juiste software ondersteunt u niet alleen tijdens de initiële certificering, maar helpt u ook om compliant te blijven in een snel veranderende wereld.
