What is ISO 27001 certification? Explained simply | DICIS AG

What is ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification shows that your company protects its information systematically. You have introduced clear rules, trained employees, and appropriate technical measures. This ensures that sensitive data is protected and that information security is implemented in a structured way across the company.

ISO 27001 certification means that you have established a functioning information security system. This is not just about IT, but about the entire organization. In the video, you will learn which requirements ISO 27001 sets for certification. Implement measures in the following four areas:

  • Organizational: clear rules for handling information

  • Personnel: trained and reliable employees

  • Physical: protection of rooms and equipment (e.g., locks, access)

  • Technological: IT security such as encryption and access rights

Find out more in our free e-book The simple path to certification. A practical guide for companies that want to achieve certification quickly, easily, and effectively.

What are the benefits of ISO 27001 certification?

ISO 27001 certification strengthens your customers’ trust. It shows that you provide information reliably, that it is accurate, and that you effectively protect sensitive data.

In many industries, information security is now a decisive factor for collaboration. The following overview shows examples of where the benefits are particularly relevant:

Industry Benefit of ISO 27001
IT service providers Evidence that customer systems and data are protected professionally
Online advertising agencies Secure handling of customer data and campaign information
Tax advisory Protecting sensitive financial and personal data increases clients’ trust
Healthcare sector Secure handling of particularly sensitive patient data
Consulting firms Confidential customer information is protected in a structured way

What are the requirements for ISO 27001 certification?

The most important requirement is that you implement the set of controls from Annex A or justify why certain controls do not apply. This set of controls ensures that you take a holistic view of information security—organizational, personnel, physical, and technical—and implement it systematically in your company.

The standard also requires an information security management system. This means you take a structured approach and define clear rules, responsibilities, and processes. The goal is for information security to be managed systematically in your company—not implemented only selectively or by chance.

  • Inventory of assets
    You create a list of everything that is important: data, devices, and systems. Because you can only protect what you know.

  • Information classification
    You define which information is particularly sensitive, what should remain internal, and what is less critical.

  • Employee training
    Your employees must know how to work securely. For example: do not open suspicious emails or share passwords.

  • Risk assessments
    You regularly review where risks exist and consider how to avoid them.

  • Use of technology
    You ensure that your IT is secure—for example through updates, access rights, and protection against attacks.

Graphic shows information security in the company with ISO 27001 and a structured approach to handling sensitive data

How can I implement ISO 27001?

Implementing ISO 27001 is easiest when done in clear steps. You start by understanding your company and your data, set objectives, define processes and measures, and regularly review implementation. This ensures that information security is handled in a structured way and not left to chance.

The following seven steps show you how to set up an information security management system easily:

Step What to do specifically
1. Understand the company Identify which data, systems, and information are important in your company.
2. Set objectives Define what you want to achieve in information security (e.g., protecting sensitive data).
3. Define processes Specify how you handle information (e.g., access, storage, sharing).
4. Create documents Create clear rules, instructions, and security policies for your company.
5. Assess risks Review where risks exist (e.g., hacker attacks, data loss) and define measures.
6. Plan controls Consider how you will regularly check whether your measures are working.
7. Involve employees Ensure that all employees know the rules and handle information securely.

With the AI-powered solution from DICIS AG, you can implement your information security management step by step—structured, easy to understand, and without unnecessary effort. You answer just a few questions, and the system automatically creates the appropriate documentation, enabling you to achieve ISO 27001 certification quickly and efficiently. You can test the simple path to ISO 27001 certification free of charge for 30 days.