Can partnering with a Managed Services Provider (MSP) help you meet your ISO27001 requirements?
Achieving ISO27001certification demonstrates your commitment to information security management. However, navigating the complexities of ISO27001 can be daunting, especially with all new requirements and clauses now applicable in the 2022 editions. Your Managed Services Provider (MSP) should be an invaluable partner on your certification journey…provided they’ve done the work themselves first!
Understanding ISO27001
ISO27001:2022 is an internationally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for managing sensitive company assets, data and information, ensuring they remain secure. The standard encompasses various controls and requirements, including risk management, access control, incident management, and continuous improvement. Achieving certification sets an organisation ahead of others in its industry or sector, as it provides assurance to clients and stakeholders that, when it comes to information security, the organisation not only talks the talk, but walks the walk.
However, working with an ISO-certified provider does not mean that specific products and services themselves are certified, nor does their certification automatically extend to cover your organisation, products, systems or services either. Unfortunately, you’ll have to do that hard work for yourself by assessing what your specific information security requirements and objectives are based on the context of your organisation and its interests.
That being said, working with ISO-certified partners can definitely assist you in implementing and demonstrating ongoing improvement in the various IT security treatments and controls you do determine are applicable and therefore required to achieve certification. Here’s how.
The Benefits of Working with an ISO27001 Certified MSP
Choosing an ISO27001-certified MSP over a non-certified provider offers significant advantages. An ISO27001-certified MSP has undergone rigorous audits to ensure their information security management systems meet the highest standards. This certification provides assurance that the MSP follows best practices in protecting data, managing risks, and responding to security incidents. By partnering with a certified MSP, you benefit from their proven commitment to information security, reducing your own compliance burden and enhancing your overall security posture.
How an ISO27001-Certified MSP Can Assist you in your ISO journey
Let’s break it down with some concrete examples. Here are some of the areas in which your ISO-certified MSP can guide and support you towards meeting, monitoring and providing evidence of the requirements and controls that you have determined are applicable to your organisation. We’ve even referenced the ISO27001:2022 Clauses and Controls these bodies of work apply to!
Expertise and Experience
A certified MSP brings a wealth of expertise and experience in information security. They are well-versed in the ISO27001 standard and can support you through the certification process. Their knowledge ensures that your ISMS aligns with your requirements, including Clause 4.2 (Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties) and (Clause 6.2 Information security objectives).
- Did you know? There are no formally recognised or mandated standards that MSP must comply with in Australia… Here’s how to check if your MSP has taken proactive steps to ensure they are certified to global standards and Australian best practices, and if they’re capable of assisting you with ISO27001 or any of your other security requirements.
Risk Assessment and Management
One of the core components of ISO27001 is risk management. MSPs can conduct thorough risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities, addressing Clause 6.1 (Risk assessment process), Control A.8.8 (Management of technical vulnerabilities) and a host of others. A certified MSP can help you develop and implement effective risk treatment plans, ensuring that your organisation is well-prepared to mitigate risks, treat them effectively where necessary or even tolerate any risk that doesn’t add genuine security or business value.
Implementation of Controls
ISO27001 outlines numerous controls that organisations must implement to protect their information assets. MSPs can assist in the design, implementation, and monitoring of these controls. Think Control A.5.15 (Access control), Control A.8.5 (Secure Authentication), Control A.8.12 (Data leakage prevention), and Control 8.20 (Network security), just to name a few!
- Did you know? The ISO27001:2022 Standard includes 93 Controls across control types (Organisational, People, Physical and Technical). A certified MSP should be able to provide you with a Statement of Applicability demonstrating how many of those controls they have implemented.
Continuous Monitoring and Improvement
Achieving ISO27001 certification is not a one-time effort; it requires continuous monitoring and improvement, at least annual auditing and 3-year recertification. MSPs provide ongoing monitoring and support for key components of your information security system that contributes heftily to ensuring your ISMS remains effective. Certified MSPs can assist with regular audits and reviewing security incidents, and helping you adapt to evolving threats and regulatory changes, in line with Clause 4.1 (Internal and external issues), Control A.5.7 (Threat Intelligence), Clause 9.2 (Internal audits) and Clause 10.2 (Nonconformities and corrective actions).
Incident Response and Management
In the event of a security incident, having a well-defined response plan is crucial. MSPs can help you develop and implement incident response procedures, ensuring that you can quickly and effectively respond to any security breaches. This minimises the impact of incidents and helps maintain your compliance with the numerous A.5 and A.8 Controls that relate to prepared for, assessing, responding to and recovering from Information security incidents.
- Did you know? Layering a managed cyber threat detection and response service (MDR) on top of or alongside managed services can further enhance your compliance with ISO27001. MDR services provide proactive real-time threat hunting, monitoring and analysis of security events, enabling rapid detection and response. MDR services turbocharge your efforts to implement and manage Control A.5.24 (Information security incident management planning and preparation), Control A.5.25 (Assessment and decision on information security events), as well Control A.8.15 (Logging) and Control A.8.16 (Monitoring activities).
Training and Awareness
A key aspect of ISO27001 is communication, training and ensuring that your employees are aware of AND working to information security policies and practices. MSPs can provide training and awareness programs to educate your staff on security best practices, helping to create a security-conscious culture within your organisation, as required by Control A.5.36 (Compliance with policies rules and standard for information security) and Control A.6.3 (Information security awareness, education, and training).
Partnering with an ISO-certified Managed Services Provider can significantly ease the journey towards ISO27001:2022 certification. Their expertise, experience, and ongoing support will be integral to demonstrating that your organisation is confidently managing your information security risks.
Contact us today to learn how our Managed IT Services can help you achieve your information security goals!
