ISO 27001 without the headache: A practical ISMS guide for IT teams

For IT teams, ISO 27001 often feels less like a certification project and more like a long-term operational responsibility. In any management system, there needs to be encouragement and leadership from the top levels of management, even if the individuals involved are not deeply engaged in the day-to-day routine. In a small organization, the CEO may take a very hands-on role, but if the business is large and diverse, it is almost impossible for one person to be deeply involved across all activities. Even so, company leaders must not isolate themselves from procedures and must be seen taking an interest and demonstrating the same level of commitment they expect from employees. They can explain to the team the risks to reputation, performance, and the like that come with poor information security management, and they can be enthusiastic participants in discussions.

Leadership from the top

At the outset, the leader’s role is to gain an understanding of the subject, preferably with support from internal employees and external experts such as an accrediting body. They need to understand the application and implications of the standard for your company and be able to communicate this to others. They must also understand how current processes and risks are identified and managed.

With information security management, this understanding begins with obtaining a copy of the relevant standard, ISO 27001, and any related guidelines or add-ons. A team then needs to be assembled to move the development forward. When building the team, it is important to ensure representation from all staff groups and operational areas.

By its very nature, information security will require significant input and operational control from the IT and technical specialists in the organization. They are best positioned to identify risk areas and propose protective measures and solutions. In the event of a successful cyberattack, they will also be the ones responsible for rebuilding systems and restoring normal operations. The tech team should be asked to design a backup system that increases security by backing up data to an isolated offline system that is resistant to ransomware and similar threats.

It is likely they will view other employees as the weak link in the data security chain, and to some extent, they may be right. However, other staff bring their own skill sets and are equally important to the company’s success, so they may need additional guidance on recognizing and handling suspected cyber threats.

Engaging employees at every level

Although the tech team will be responsible for constructing the framework, it is essential that they understand the working practices and needs of other departments and personnel. A system that is as secure as Fort Knox but prevents employees from performing their jobs is more of a hindrance to business success. It is also important that the system is structured in accordance with the guidelines attached to the ISO standard; otherwise, it may not qualify for certification.

Quality control managers and staff will want to ensure that the ISMS integrates with other management systems in place within the organization. Systems that work together create a more efficient organization and usually mean that the time and cost of auditing can be reduced, as multiple systems can be assessed simultaneously.

The customer-facing and supplier-facing areas of an organization are places where its information network may interact with that of another organization. These areas can become weak points if either organization takes information management less seriously. Employees working in these areas are often under pressure to meet targets, and the combination of a fast-paced environment and external connections is a risk area that must be properly managed.

Ensuring the system is fit for purpose

When building the system, its future management and refinement need to be considered. This may mean that new software platforms could be beneficial, but in any case, documenting and determining relevant processes must be done effectively at this stage. All team members need to cooperate and may benefit from training and working alongside the certifying body to ensure that the system is fit for purpose.

The next step, beginning implementation, can be the most challenging, as it will likely involve changes in work practices. For this reason, there must be ongoing review and evaluation of processes and practices, and when problems are identified, all parties must determine how best to resolve the issues. Once the system has been in place for a reasonable amount of time and at least one internal audit has been conducted, it is time to consider applying for certification.

To guide you on the journey to ISO 27001 compliance, access DNV’s self‑assessment to understand your readiness.

Your business relationship with the certification body will likely last for many years, as certification must be maintained over time. To keep an information security management system effective, continual improvement is essential.

DNV supports organizations throughout this journey through a partnership approach that combines risk-based auditing, training that builds internal competence, and digital tools designed to drive efficiency and ongoing improvement.

2/10/2026 7:09:00 PM