For the past two decades, ISO 27001 has been at the forefront of protecting businesses worldwide from the potentially devastating economic, reputational, and legal risks associated with compromised cybersecurity.

As threats grow more sophisticated and widespread, more industries now see ISO 27001 certification as essential for business in the 21st century, rather than just a “nice to have.”

In this insight, we will examine this certification in more detail, including its requirements, the benefits it provides in creating safer digital infrastructures, and why companies, regardless of industry, should consider incorporating it into their certification roster.

The ISO 27001 Certification and its Role in Global Cybersecurity

Cyber threats are nothing new. The first computer virus appeared in the 1970s, when computers were only just beginning to become more widely used by the general public. However, in the early 2000s, the number of people accessing the World Wide Web grew exponentially, and subsequently, more than 1 billion people began to take their first steps online and start their personal breadcrumb trail of digital data.

With this shift came an influx of hackers and identity thieves creating increasingly sophisticated malware types and phishing attacks. The threat level has, therefore, risen steeply, with IBM reporting that the global average cost of a data breach currently stands at £4.4 million.[1] And though this figure is slowly declining due to “faster identification and containment”, the shockwaves sent through an individual company by a data breach can be far-reaching, ongoing, and hugely damaging.

Therefore, ISO 27001 is a crucial component in keeping businesses and consumers safe from virtual harm. Although it has undergone several revisions since its inception, the certification’s mission remains the same: to establish a standardized framework that enables companies to enhance their information security management systems and protect against malicious and potentially costly cyber-attacks.

Safeguarding Global Businesses from Potential Data Breaches

In April 2024, over 5 billion US records of information were breached.[1] To give an idea of the scale of this issue, it means that, in April 2024 alone, 14 digital records per US citizen were compromised. And while we’ve already seen the overall cost that can result from these privacy violations, individual customers having their personal data accessed, stored, and in some cases even used, can have long-standing implications.

Once the metaphorical dust has settled, the data breach can leave a bitter taste in the mouths of consumers. According to one study[2], 58% of people don’t trust brands that have been subject to a data breach, and 70% would stop buying from them altogether. As well as taking a hit when it comes to consumer confidence, depending on the scale of the breach, companies could also see their insurance premiums rise, stock values plummet, and multiple lawsuits landing at their door.

So, how can ISO 27001 help prevent these things from happening? It all comes down to the certification’s most defining characteristic – its requirement for holders to implement and maintain a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS). This comprehensive framework touches on every aspect of your business, from sales and operations to accounts and HR, and requires thorough consideration of the controls, incident management procedures, awareness, and training that you can put in place to limit your susceptibility to cyber-attacks and mitigate the fallout should they arise.

Ongoing Regulatory Compliance

Beyond providing protection from data breaches, ISO 27001 also provides a solid foundation for companies to comply with local, national, and international regulations relating to cybersecurity and data privacy.

Within the EU, this includes the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). This law, enacted in 2018, regulates how electronic data is handled, stored, and disposed of, and it has significantly changed the game for how customer privacy is managed. ISO 27001 aligns with the regulation’s mission by providing a framework of technical and organizational controls that companies can implement to protect their customers’ personal data, allow access to the data where required, and limit repercussions from any incidents of data becoming compromised.

Likewise, ISO 27001 provides businesses with a firm footing for complying with the UK’s Security of Network & Information Systems Regulations (NIS), which was also established in 2018. Calling for a structured approach to keeping the EU’s network of infrastructure secure, NIS is once again complemented by ISO 27001’s ISMS requirement as well as its approach to risk management.

Entry into New Markets

Just like the ISO certification trio of ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001, ISO 27001 is fast becoming a critical element in any tender consideration. For industries such as finance, healthcare, and defence, it is essential that the data exchanged remains confidential. Beyond the cost implications, any breach could lead to significant legal liability and even pose a threat to national security.

Therefore, although ISO 27001 is voluntary, to become part of the finance, healthcare, or defence supply chain, companies are often required to have this robust certification if they wish to even pass the pre-qualification tender stage.

However, with retail transactions becoming increasingly digital, the entertainment industry trying to avoid disappointing launch ratings due to data leaks, and industries such as manufacturing and energy doing everything within their power to protect their proprietary designs, just about any sector imaginable is starting to see the benefit of seeking ISO 27001 certification to fortify their digital infrastructure.

Holding the ISO 27001 certification helps companies from all industries to stay ahead of any requirements that arise within tenders for work. However, they also strengthen the business’s trust and credibility in the eyes of consumers by prompting companies to implement the security safeguards, such as the address bar lock icon or cookies notice, that online users have come to expect.

Taking the First Steps Toward ISO 27001 Certification

At first, ISO 27001 certification was an important tool in industries where highly sensitive data was part of the day-to-day. However, data security is now a major concern for most sectors, and the ISO 27001 is providing an all-encompassing framework to keep customer information, intellectual property, and operational data safe.

If you decide that ISO 27001 is the right fit for your business, you’ll need an impartial auditing partner to verify your compliance. Speak to your local Control Union office or of our expert auditors to find out how they can help you ensure you’re building a secure information technology infrastructure that future-proofs your business, and the data it depends on, from outside threats.

[1] 2025, IBM, ‘Cost of a Data Breach Report’, <https://www.ibm.com/reports/data-breach>

[2] 2024, IT Governance Ltd, ‘Global Data Breaches and Cyber Attacks in April 2024 – 5,336,840,757 Records Breached’, < https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/blog/global-data-breaches-and-cyber-attacks-in-april-2024-5336840757-records-breached>

[3] 2025, Vercara, ‘Consumer Trust & Risk Report’, < https://vercara.digicert.com/news/new-vercara-research-reveals-impact-of-trust-in-brands-following-breaches-concerns-around-outside-threats>