ISO 27001 certifications are a recognized standard for information security management across many industries, including technology and manufacturing. Shifting from a reactive to a proactive approach can prevent cyberattacks. Consulting firms help refine your cybersecurity to obtain the certification.
What Is ISO 27001 Certification?
An ISO 27001 certification is a set of standards that ensures your organization’s data security measures are effective. The general principles of the certification are confidentiality, integrity and availability. Your technology or manufacturing company can use an ISO 27001 certification to comply with regulations, improve organizational skills and advance against the competition.
The typical steps for a certification audit are conducting a risk assessment, providing risk treatment and implementing safeguards. It is best to work with a consulting firm to ensure you meet the certification requirements.
Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification
For the technology industry, an ISO 27001 certification helps protect your customers’ data, which can include sensitive information. It also ensures your source codes and other technical shortcuts are available strictly to authorized personnel. The certification provides any additional intellectual property safety you may need.
In manufacturing, an ISO 27001 certification helps secure industrial control systems, preventing cyberattackers from hacking into your systems and causing delays. It also helps avoid operational technology corruption from cyber threats. Any supply chain data benefits from ISO 27001 certification, as product information and shipping procedures are often confidential within companies.
For all sectors, an ISO 27001 certification reduces your organization’s risk of attack from cyber threats. It also enhances your reputation since you can advertise the certification on your website and to potential partners. You gain increased market access with a certification, too, motivating audiences to work with you now that they know your information is protected.
What are the Best ISO 27001 Consulting Firms?
Knowing the benefits of an ISO 27001 certification can inspire you to obtain one for your company. Organizations can work on getting one themselves, but working with a consulting firm can give you an expert’s perspective. The following are some of the best ISO 27001 consulting firms.
1. CBIZ Pivot Point Security
CBIZ Pivot Point Security is the top ISO 27001 consulting firm overall. You can work with their team of professionals, who have specific experience in the information security field. The firm conducts a two-phase approach involving scope definition, gap assessments, plan execution and an individual certification audit. It also tailors its process to meet your specific business goals and industry requirements.
2. XpertDPO
XpertDPO is another notable option for ISO 27001 consulting because it supports a diverse range of organizations. Its team comprises people with real experience in multiple compliance disciplines, not just ISO 27001 certifications. The company employs a proven approach, spanning from scope alignment to audit closure and ensuring future readiness. It also works in various sectors, including both technical and operational aspects.
3. Bridewell
Bridewell is a consulting firm with a team of ISO 27001 lead auditors, each with extensive experience in their sector. It operates using a four-phase delivery model, featuring steps for scope design and planning, cyber and information risk management, implementation and operationalization, and audit and assurance. The company collaborates with organizations from both operational and technical perspectives.
4. Blackmores
Blackmores utilizes Isology, its unique ISO roadmap. The process includes seven steps — plan, discover, expose, create, launch, engage and review. Its highly experienced consultants work with you throughout the entire certification process. The company also tailors its consulting to your organization’s individual needs.
5. CyberSecOp
CyberSecOp features a team of experts, including experienced auditors, to help you meet ISO 27001 certification requirements. It uses a developed phase approach by helping assess gaps, implementing safeguards, conducting an audit readiness assessment and introducing a security improvement program. The company supports the processes and technology sectors by helping to create plans with industry-specific controls.
6. Bulletproof
Bulletproof is a consulting firm led by certified lead auditors with years of experience. It works with both public and private organizations. The company’s process involves gap analysis, implementation, internal auditing, transitioning to ISO 27001 frameworks and ongoing maintenance.
7. DRB Compliance
DRB Compliance consults with you throughout every stage of the certification process. It can even participate in the actual audit. The firm offers an experience tailored to each client’s needs and leverages a team with diverse backgrounds across multiple industries.
Comparison of Top ISO 27001 Consulting Firms
Below is a table comparing each firm’s key features.
| Firms | Experience | Audit Process | Specific Focus |
| CBIZ Pivot Point Security | Seasoned professionals | Two phases | Meeting business goals and industry requirements |
| XpertDPO | Real compliance experience | Proven approach | Technical and operational sectors |
| Bridewell | ISO 27001 lead auditors | Four-phase delivery model | Operation and technical environment |
| Blackmores | Highly experienced | ISO roadmap featuring Isology | Tailored solutions to an organization’s needs |
| CyberSecOp | Experts, including auditors | Phased approach | Creating a plan with industry-specific controls |
| Bulletproof | Certified lead auditors | Five-step process | Public and private sectors |
| DRB Compliance | Team made up of different industry experts | Support through every stage | Tailored experience to fit the client |
Methodology for Finding the Best Consulting Firms
The consulting firms listed above were selected based on the three criteria. The following factors represent the main considerations when choosing the right consulting firm.
- Industry experience: The firm should have relevant industry experience, both in your organization’s field and in the ISO 27001 certification process.
- Specific needs: The firm should meet your organization’s particular needs, as a tailored approach is more effective when protecting data.
- Proven process: The firm’s certification process must align with your own goals and have a proven success rate to ensure credibility.
Challenges With ISO 27001 Certification
Before choosing a firm, you should also understand the challenges associated with obtaining ISO 27001 certification.
Technology Issues
Some issues in the technology sector can prevent certification. Technology may develop too fast to uphold the standards. Cloud environments can also be challenging since many companies and departments utilize them simultaneously. If you integrate any third parties into the mix for technological purposes, it can prevent auditors from granting certification.
Manufacturing Drawbacks
Several challenges also exist in the manufacturing industry. Warehouses often use legacy systems that cannot integrate with current technology, compromising data security. Operational technology and information technology may conflict, hindering the implementation of certification standards. Diversified manufacturing facilities may struggle to unify and maintain ISO 27001 certification requirements.
General Challenges
Some general challenges can prevent companies from earning an ISO 27001 certification. Your organization may lack the resources to perform a robust audit of all company data. Your employees could resist changing their operations to suit the certification standards. Additionally, the standards might be too complex for your company to comply with.
Consult With a Firm to Achieve Data Security
Despite the challenges listed above, obtaining an ISO 27001 certification is beneficial to achieving long-term data security. Consulting firms provide expertise, objectivity and a guide for success to help you along your certification journey.
