Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a major milestone for any organisation. It signals to clients, partners, and regulators that you take information security seriously and have the systems in place to protect sensitive data. But for many businesses, the path to ISO 27001 can be daunting—full of technical jargon, complex requirements, and potential pitfalls.
That’s where an experienced consultant comes in. In this guide, we’ll explore why partnering with a consultant is the smart choice for ISO 27001 implementation, the challenges you’ll face, the value a consultant brings, and how Information Security Consultant (ISC) can help you succeed.
ISO 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving information security within the context of your organisation’s overall business risks.
Certification involves:
ISO 27001 is not just about ticking boxes. It’s about embedding security into your culture and operations—protecting your business from evolving threats and satisfying client and regulatory demands.
Many organisations underestimate the time, resources, and expertise required for successful ISO 27001 implementation. Common challenges include:
1. Interpreting the Standard
ISO 27001 is deliberately broad, allowing for flexibility across industries and sizes. But this also means the requirements can be difficult to interpret, especially for businesses new to information security.
2. Scoping the ISMS
Defining the boundaries of your ISMS—what’s included, what’s not, and why—is a critical early step. Get it wrong, and you risk overcomplicating the project or missing key risks.
3. Conducting a Risk Assessment
Risk assessment is the heart of ISO 27001. It requires a structured approach to identifying, analysing, and treating risks. Many businesses struggle to move beyond generic risk lists to a tailored, business-focused assessment.
4. Developing Documentation
ISO 27001 requires a suite of policies, procedures, and records. Writing these documents in plain English, ensuring they’re understood and followed, and keeping them up to date is a major undertaking.
5. Implementing Controls
Annex A of ISO 27001 lists 93 controls (as of the 2022 revision). Deciding which controls are relevant, implementing them effectively, and gathering evidence can be overwhelming.
6. Training and Awareness
Staff must understand their roles in information security. Building a culture of awareness and accountability is essential—but often overlooked.
7. Internal Audits and Management Reviews
ISO 27001 requires regular internal audits and management reviews. Many organisations lack the skills and independence to conduct effective audits.
8. Certification Audit Preparation
The external audit is the final hurdle. Being unprepared can lead to costly delays, non-conformities, or even failure to achieve certification.
1. Expertise and Experience
A seasoned consultant brings deep knowledge of ISO 27001, information security best practices, and the latest regulatory trends. They’ve seen what works (and what doesn’t) across multiple industries and can tailor their advice to your business.
2. Efficient Project Management
Consultants provide a structured, step-by-step approach—ensuring nothing is missed and keeping the project on track. They help you avoid common pitfalls and streamline the path to certification.
3. Objective Perspective
Internal teams are often too close to day-to-day operations to spot gaps or inefficiencies. A consultant brings fresh eyes, objectivity, and independence—crucial for risk assessments and internal audits.
4. Customised Solutions
No two businesses are alike. A good consultant tailors the ISMS to your unique risks, culture, and goals—avoiding “cookie-cutter” solutions that don’t address your real needs.
5. Plain-English Documentation
Consultants translate technical requirements into practical, understandable policies and procedures. This ensures your staff know what’s expected and how to comply.
6. Staff Training and Engagement
Engaging, relevant training is vital for ISO 27001 success. Consultants deliver targeted sessions that build awareness, answer questions, and foster a security-first culture.
7. Faster, Smoother Certification
With a consultant’s guidance, you’re less likely to encounter surprises during the certification audit. They help you gather evidence, address non-conformities, and present your ISMS in the best possible light.
8. Ongoing Support
ISO 27001 is a journey, not a destination. Consultants offer ongoing advice, help with surveillance audits, and keep your ISMS aligned with evolving business and regulatory needs.
1. Initial Assessment and Gap Analysis
The consultant reviews your current state, identifies gaps against ISO 27001 requirements, and provides a clear roadmap for implementation.
2. Scoping and Planning
They help you define the ISMS scope, set realistic timelines, allocate resources, and engage stakeholders.
3. Risk Assessment and Treatment
The consultant leads or facilitates your risk assessment—identifying threats, vulnerabilities, and controls relevant to your business.
4. Policy and Procedure Development
They draft or review your documentation, ensuring it’s clear, concise, and tailored to your needs.
5. Control Implementation
The consultant guides you in selecting, implementing, and testing controls—balancing security with business practicality.
6. Training and Awareness
They deliver training for all staff and specialised sessions for management, IT, and other key roles.
7. Internal Audit Support
The consultant conducts or supports internal audits, providing independent assurance and practical recommendations.
8. Certification Audit Preparation
They help you prepare for the external audit—reviewing evidence, conducting mock audits, and supporting you during the process.
9. Post-Certification Support
Consultants assist with ongoing compliance, surveillance audits, and continual improvement activities.
A Melbourne-based SaaS company struggled for months to interpret ISO 27001 requirements and develop documentation. After engaging ISC, they received a tailored roadmap, plain-English policies, and hands-on support. The result? Certification achieved on the first attempt, with minimal non-conformities and a more confident, security-aware team.
A healthcare provider faced tight deadlines for ISO 27001 certification to secure a government contract. ISC consultants streamlined the process—conducting risk assessments, developing policies, and training staff. The company passed its audit ahead of schedule and won the contract.
A mid-sized consultancy thought ISO 27001 was out of reach. With ISC’s help, they scoped their ISMS to focus on core risks, avoided unnecessary controls, and implemented practical solutions. The result: certification at half the expected cost and a significant reduction in security incidents.
At Information Security Consultant (ISC), we bring years of experience helping Australian businesses achieve and maintain ISO 27001 certification. Here’s what sets us apart:
Q: How long does ISO 27001 implementation take?
A: Timelines vary based on business size and complexity. With ISC, most clients achieve certification in 3–9 months.
Q: Is ISO 27001 required by Australian law?
A: Not for all sectors, but it is often required by clients, partners, or regulators—especially in finance, healthcare, and SaaS.
Q: Can small businesses achieve ISO 27001?
A: Absolutely. With the right guidance and a scoped approach, businesses of any size can succeed.
Q: What’s the difference between ISO 27001 and SOC2?
A: ISO 27001 is a global standard for information security. SOC2 is a US-based attestation for service providers. Many organisations pursue both.
Q: How much does it cost?
A: Costs depend on scope, current maturity, and resource availability. ISC offers transparent, fixed-fee packages for most projects.
Let ISC guide your business every step of the way. Contact us at info@iscau.com or call 1300 887 463 for a free, no-obligation consultation.