ISO 27001 Certification Cost
There are clear differences in ISO 27001 certification for corporations compared to small companies. The time required to create the documentation is significantly less. Auditors also need far fewer days to check the information security management system and carry out the on-site audit. Such an Information Security Management System (ISMS) cannot simply be created in 2 hours. Where a corporation quickly burns through several million euros, an SME can carry out documentation and audits at significantly lower costs.
How much does ISO 27001 certification cost for small businesses?
- Creation of management system documents (£4,000 – £12,000)
- IT audit by our experts (£1,200 – £8,000)
- Awareness training for employees (£100 – £500)
- Audit of documents (£3,000 – £12,000)
- On-site audit including travel costs (£1,500 – £3,500)
- Issuance of the ISO 27001 certificate (£500 – £1,000)
Can Startups afford the ISO 27001 certification costs?
Innovative startups often lack sufficient capital and staff to compete with large corporations. When it comes to Information Security they have no choice other than to find a way to level up their competitiveness. Introducing an ISMS and getting it ISO certified is a costly endevour. Nevertheless, there are ways for young startups handle the iso 27001 certification costs. There are private and government initiatives that help finance the cost of iso 27001 certification. Our advisors help companies in the UK, Europe and in developing countries get hold of sponsoring towards paying for the documentation and certification.
As explained in the above video iso 27001 certification cost vary as the size, structure and business model risks have an influence on the complexity of certification audits. You need to keep in mind, that an ISMS needs to be maintained and audited every year. That is an often ignored iso 27001 cost factor. Then startups want to gain a corporate as a new client, NIS 2.0 forces the corporation to run its supplier management checklist. Here, the procurement department will require the startup to provide an ISO 27001 certificate. Should the startup have no such ISO certification, then th corporation would violate its own security policies by purchasing the services from an unsecure supplier. This is why ISO 27001 can have a substancial influence on the growth curve of a startup.
What is included in an ISO 27001 certification for SMEs?
In order for an SME to successfully implement ISO 27001:2022, it must go through the following steps:
- Preliminary discussion of the ISO 27001 project
- Creation of ISO 27001:2022 documentation
- Identification of necessary improvement measures
- Preparation of audit documents
- Training of employees
- Submission of the ISMS management concept to the auditor
- Carrying out the on-site audit
- Processing of any requests for improvement
- Update of ISO 27001 documents
In a small company, these work steps can be designed very leanly. If you prepare well, you will usually receive few or no requests for improvement after the audit.
How can choosing a certification body add up?
Many companies believe that external auditors are being showered with gold by certifiers. In reality, the external auditors’ fees are only a fraction of the certification costs charged to the company. Well-known certification organizations pay their freelancers a small (sometimes unattractive) daily rate. However, this has consequences for the companies on the waiting list.
Especially in specific specialist areas, there are few specialists in certification organizations and on the market who can and are allowed to carry out an audit in accordance with standards. This leads to a bottleneck. Certification bodies try to use and expand limited human resources as best as possible. However, the appointment of an auditor is linked to a very long and complicated process chain. This means that new auditors need almost a year before they can independently become active as lead auditors. As a result, several certification bodies share their freelance auditors because not every one of their customers always needs to be audited at the same time.
However, the costs of certification can be increased if the intervals between audits and corrective measures become disproportionate. The accreditation bodies also play a significant role because not every accreditation body has the same requirements for certifiers. Some European acceditation bodies are a very strict and demanding. As a result, the certifiers (accredited by these European acceditation bodies) often have to put in more effort, which ultimately increases costs for customers. Due to their insight into the operational practices of their customers, the certification bodies are very careful to act economically, efficiently and moderately.
Therefore, not every certification authority is comparable and can offer interesting advantages. Since this selection can be quite complex, we accompany our customers through the entire certification process.
Which government funding programs sponsor an ISMS project?
The UK government promotes the improvement of IT security in small to medium-sized companies with various programs. This means that, under certain circumstances, part of the eligible consulting costs can be reimbursed by the respective government program. We are continually compiling the latest information on these government initiatives for you. The following list will take you to our information page, where we have put together all the necessary application forms as well as information about the funding criteria and the funding application process:
FAQs regarding ISO 27001 certification costs
Achieving certification, including the audit process, typically costs around 8,000 £ for small to medium-sized companies. The process involves various steps such as documentation creation, IT audits, employee training, document audits, on-site audits, and certification issuance.
The complete certification process duration varies depending on the business size, complexity, and readiness level. Generally, it involves several steps such as initial assessment, documentation creation, audit preparation, on-site audit, and follow-up actions before obtaining the ISO 27001 certification.
An organization should consider certification to demonstrate its commitment to information security and to enhance its credibility and trustworthiness in the market. Certification can also help organizations mitigate risks, improve their security posture, and comply with regulatory requirements.
The certification journey includes the creation of an Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO 27001 standards, IT audits conducted by experts, employee awareness training, document audits, on-site audits with travel costs, and the issuance of the ISO 27001 certificate. The process involves preparing for the ISO 27001 project, documentation creation, identifying improvement actions, training employees, submitting the ISMS concept to the auditor, conducting the on-site audit, addressing any required improvements, and updating ISO 27001 documents post-certification.
Certification may be considered necessary for specific organizations or industries based on regulatory or client requirements.
To initiate the process of becoming certified, the first step is to have a preliminary discussion about the ISO 27001 project. Following this, documentation for ISO 27001:2022 must be created, necessary improvement actions identified, employees trained, and the ISMS management concept submitted to the auditor for review.
Maintaining certification incurs ongoing costs related to audits, documentation updates, training, and potential corrective actions. These expenses can vary based on the size and complexity of the organization but are essential for upholding ISO 27001 compliance.
Various factors can impact the overall cost of obtaining and upholding certification. These factors can include the complexity of the IT landscape and business model, the level of preparation in the company, potential need for improvements, quality of documentation, and efficiency in addressing audit recommendations.
The certification's scope includes all aspects of the information security management system. It covers the organization's processes, technologies, and personnel involved in ensuring the security of information assets.
Certification audits can be conducted by experienced external auditors who are knowledgeable in ISO 27001 requirements and standards. It is important to select auditors who are competent and accredited by recognized certification bodies.
Yes, there are different levels of certification available for ISO 27001, depending on the complexity of the IT landscape and business model. Organizations can choose the level of certification that best suits their needs and requirements.
In General, you usually gain a regual ISO 27001 certificate. This can be expanded by inclusing sector specific certifiacations. These can be related to cloud (ISO 27018) or energy supply (ISO 27019).
Small businesses can successfully achieve certification by implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) like ISO 27001 with tailored solutions. With proper preparation and efficient processes, small companies can attain certification without excessive costs.
For certification, certain pre-requisites must be met to ensure a successful ISO 27001:2022 process. These may include the creation of documentation, identification of improvement measures, employee training, submission of management concepts, on-site audits, addressing any corrective actions, and updating ISO 27001 documentation post-audit.
Surveillance audits are required periodically to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO standards and the effectiveness of the management system. The frequency of surveillance audits is typically determined by the certification body or based on organizational risk factors.
Critical steps for certification include the initial ISO 27001 discussion, documentation creation, identifying improvement measures, preparing audit materials, training employees, submitting the ISMS concept, conducting on-site audits, addressing any necessary improvements, and updating ISO 27001 documents. Working closely with experienced auditors and following a streamlined process can help small businesses achieve ISO 27001 certification efficiently and effectively.
Industry sectors that benefit the most from certification include those with complex IT landscapes and business models, where data security is critical. Companies in these sectors can gain a competitive edge by achieving ISO 27001:2022 certification through streamlined processes and expert guidance.
Exemptions to certification requirements may be available based on specific circumstances.
The certification impacts stakeholders by enhancing the organization's credibility, demonstrating a commitment to information security, and potentially attracting new business opportunities. Audit costs for small businesses can be more affordable compared to large corporations due to streamlined processes and tailored solutions.
The mandatory documentation required for certification includes the ISO 27001:2022 documentation, records of necessary improvement measures, and submission of the ISMS management concept to the auditor.
This certification is recognized internationally by various authorities across different countries.
Certification can be achieved remotely through thorough preparation and virtual audits conducted by experienced professionals. It is important to ensure that all requirements for certification are met despite the remote nature of the process.
Certification can impact insurance premiums, so it's important to consider this factor in the overall cost assessment. Insurers may offer more favorable rates for certified companies.
Typical pitfalls during certification include lack of thorough documentation, inadequate preparation for audits, and underestimating the complexity of the ISO 27001:2022 requirements. It is crucial for organizations to ensure proper documentation, thorough training of employees, and proactive identification of improvement opportunities to avoid potential pitfalls during the certification process.
Certification enhances credibility by demonstrating that a company meets recognized standards, instilling trust in customers and stakeholders. Additionally, it shows a commitment to quality, security, and compliance, leading to increased business opportunities.
Certification compatibility with other standards can be a complex process that requires guidance and support throughout the certification process. It is important to ensure that the certification aligns seamlessly with existing standards for optimal efficiency and effectiveness.
Certification involves undergoing ISO 27001:2022 documentation creation, employee training, on-site audit, and certification issuance to achieve Information Security Management System (ISMS) compliance. Audit costs vary based on company size and complexity, with smaller businesses able to obtain ISMS and ISO/IEC 27001 certification for as low as 8,000 £.
Certification positively impacts data management by ensuring the implementation of robust information security measures, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing overall data protection practices within an organization. Additionally, certification provides assurance to customers and stakeholders regarding the organization's commitment to protecting data privacy and security.
Certification can be revoked if an organization fails to maintain compliance with ISO 27001 standards. The revocation usually occurs if the company no longer meets the requirements set forth by the certification body.
The certification does not necessarily require a dedicated team, but it does involve various steps like documentation creation, audits, training, and more to ensure compliance. These steps can be streamlined for small businesses with proper preparation to minimize the need for extensive corrective actions post-audit.
Legal requirements play a crucial role in certification by influencing the implementation and compliance with ISO standards, especially in industries where specific laws and regulations apply. Meeting these legal obligations is essential for obtaining and maintaining certification.