ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognized standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure. Achieving ISO 27001 certification alongside SOC 2 is a strategic move for global expansion—while SOC 2 dominates in North America, ISO 27001 is the gold standard internationally.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is a specification for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It outlines a risk-based approach to identifying, managing, and reducing security risks to information assets. The standard is divided into two main parts:
Clauses 4-10: Requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS
Annex A: A catalog of 93 security controls (in the 2022 version) organized into 4 themes
Benefits of Certification
Global Recognition: ISO 27001 is recognized in 160+ countries, making it essential for international business
Competitive Advantage: Many enterprises require ISO 27001 certification from their vendors
Risk Reduction: Systematic approach to identifying and mitigating security risks
Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet requirements for GDPR, HIPAA, and other regulations
Customer Trust: Demonstrates commitment to protecting customer data
Annex A Controls Overview (ISO 27001:2022)
The 2022 version reorganized controls into 4 themes with 93 total controls:
Organizational Controls (37): Policies, roles, responsibilities, asset management, access control
People Controls (8): Screening, terms of employment, awareness training, disciplinary process
Physical Controls (14): Physical security perimeters, entry controls, equipment security
Technological Controls (34): Endpoint security, access rights, cryptography, network security, logging
Overlap with SOC 2 (~70%)
Both frameworks demand similar core practices. By mapping controls, you can "test once, comply twice."
Human Resources: Background checks, onboarding, offboarding procedures
Access Control: MFA, role-based access, periodic access reviews
Operations Security: Backups, malware protection, logging and monitoring
Supplier Relationships: Vendor risk assessments and agreements
Incident Management: Incident response procedures and communication
Change Management: Controlled changes to systems and applications
Critical Gaps (The 30%)
When adding ISO 27001 to an existing SOC 2 program, focus on these key differences:
ISMS Documentation: ISO requires a formal Information Security Management System with documented policies, risk treatment plans, and Statement of Applicability (SoA)
Internal Audit: ISO mandates running your own internal audit before the external certification audit
Management Review: Formal management review meetings to evaluate ISMS effectiveness
Risk Assessment Methodology: ISO requires a documented, repeatable risk assessment process
Continuous Improvement: Evidence of ongoing improvement to the ISMS (PDCA cycle)
Implementation Phases
Phase 1: Gap Analysis (2-4 weeks)
- Assess current security posture against ISO 27001 requirements
- Identify gaps between existing controls and Annex A
- Define ISMS scope and boundaries
Phase 2: ISMS Design (4-8 weeks)
- Develop information security policy and supporting policies
- Create risk assessment methodology
- Conduct initial risk assessment
- Develop Statement of Applicability (SoA)
Phase 3: Implementation (8-16 weeks)
- Implement missing controls from gap analysis
- Train staff on ISMS policies and procedures
- Begin collecting evidence of control operation
- Conduct internal audit
Phase 4: Certification Audit (2-4 weeks)
- Stage 1: Documentation review (can be remote)
- Stage 2: On-site audit of ISMS implementation
- Address any non-conformities identified
- Receive certification (valid for 3 years with annual surveillance)
Timeline and Costs
Overall Duration: 6-12 months for initial certification
Implementation Costs: $20,000-$100,000+ depending on organization size and complexity
Certification Audit Costs: $10,000-$50,000+ depending on scope and auditor
Annual Surveillance Audits: ~50% of initial certification audit cost
Recertification: Every 3 years (similar cost to initial certification)
Tips for Dual Compliance
Start with Control Mapping: Create a matrix showing how your SOC 2 controls map to ISO 27001 Annex A—you'll find 60-70% already covered
Use a Common Control Framework: Implement controls that satisfy both standards simultaneously
Integrate Audits: Schedule SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audits back-to-back to reduce disruption and evidence collection effort
Choose an Accredited Registrar: Select a certification body accredited by ANAB, UKAS, or equivalent for ISO 27001
Automate Evidence Collection: Use GRC tools that can provide evidence for both frameworks from a single source
Plan for Ongoing Maintenance: Both require annual audits—build sustainable processes, not one-time fixes