So — you did it. You got ISO 27001 certified. Your security policies are airtight, your audits went smoothly, and your shiny new certificate is framed on the office wall (or, let’s be real, in a shared drive folder). But now comes the real question:
How do you keep that momentum going?
Internal audits are your besties when it comes to ISO 27001 upkeep. They help you catch weaknesses before they become audit-day problems.
Think of it like a check-in with yourself. Are your policies being followed? Are your people trained? Are your controls still relevant?
Internal audits = early warnings + easy wins.
Let’s be honest — once you’ve crossed the finish line and earned that sweet ISO 27001 certification, it’s tempting to kick back and relax. But here’s the deal: your Information Security Management System (ISMS) isn’t a set it and forget it kind of thing. It’s a living, breathing part of your organization — and just like any relationship, it needs regular check-ins.
Enter: internal audits. Your built-in accountability system. Your safety net. Your chance to catch the little issues before they turn into big, expensive problems.
So don’t ghost your ISMS. Instead, schedule regular internal audits and treat them like the strategic tool they are.
Internal audits are a core requirement of ISO 27001 — and for good reason. They help you:
Plus, regular audits give you peace of mind. You’ll know your systems aren’t just working on paper — they’re working in real life.
The ISO 27001 standard doesn’t lock you into a specific frequency — but best practice is:
Don’t wait until the annual surveillance audit is looming. Spread audits out over the year, rotate focus areas, and keep the process manageable and low-stress.
If your internal audits feel rushed or chaotic, you’re doing it wrong. Audits should be part of your ongoing rhythm — not a fire drill. Set up a calendar with scheduled reviews, assign responsibilities, and document everything as you go.
Here’s a simple internal audit checklist:
✅ Define what you’re auditing (scope)
🔍 Gather relevant documents and logs
🗣️ Interview team members involved in the process
🧾 Compare what’s happening vs. what’s documented
🛠️ Identify non-conformities (things not being done as they should)
📥 Record findings and assign corrective actions
📅 Follow up to confirm fixes
It’s not about being perfect — it’s about improving.
Your internal audits will be more objective (and insightful) if you mix up who runs them. Someone outside the audited department will notice different things — and help reduce bias. If you’re a small team, consider external help or peer reviews across teams.
Your team crushed the initial ISO 27001 onboarding — but fast forward six months, and Bob in Sales is using password123 again. 🙄
Security awareness training should be ongoing, engaging, and updated to match the evolving threat landscape.
Make it fun, make it relevant, and keep it consistent. Your team is your first (and often last) line of defense.
You can have the most firewalls, encryption, and fancy security policies in the world — but none of it matters if Steve in Marketing clicks on a sketchy link that says Claim Your $100 Starbucks Gift Card. 😩
Facts: Humans are the weakest link in your security chain. Not because they’re bad — just because they’re human. And humans forget things. Fast.
That’s why ISO 27001 doesn’t just require one-time training. It expects ongoing, repeatable, trackable training that keeps your team sharp and ready to dodge the digital landmines.
If you did a great security onboarding on Day 1 of employment and never followed up, congrats — you trained your employees once… just like they learned algebra once.
But let’s be real:
Probably not — unless you’ve been reminding, updating, and reinforcing the knowledge regularly.
ISO 27001 compliance means making security awareness part of your company’s culture, not just a checkbox during onboarding.
Security training doesn’t have to be death-by-PowerPoint. The goal is to keep your team aware, alert, and informed without making them hate their lives.
Here’s how you can keep it fun, fresh, and effective:
ISO 27001 auditors want proof that your training actually happened. That means keeping:
Automate what you can. Use LMS tools, Google Forms, or even a spreadsheet — just make sure you can show it off during an audit.
Security isn’t just for IT.
Everyone in your org — from interns to execs — needs to know how to protect data, follow your policies, and report issues.
Especially leadership. If the top doesn’t care, no one else will either.
People forget stuff. That’s normal.
But you can’t afford to let your team forget security — because one mistake can cost you big time.
Keep it simple. Keep it regular. Keep it fun.
Because a well-trained team is your best defense — and ISO 27001 knows it.
Your ISMS documentation is a living, breathing thing. As your business evolves, so should your policies, procedures, and risk assessments.
Review key documents at least once a year — or whenever big changes happen:
💡 Tip: Create a Documentation Calendar with reminders for review dates. Nobody likes digging through outdated policies in a panic.
You know that feeling when you find a Google Doc last edited in 2019, and it references a tool your company hasn’t used since TikTok was still a dancing app? Yeah — that’s exactly what ISO 27001 wants you to avoid.
Your documentation — aka the lifeblood of your ISMS (Information Security Management System) — shouldn’t be something you write once and forget. It’s not a time capsule. It’s not a dusty binder on a shelf. It’s a living, breathing part of how your organization works.
And if you want to stay compliant, audit-ready, and low-key stress-free, you need to keep it updated like your favorite playlist.
ISO 27001 requires a bunch of documentation to prove you’re actually doing what you say you’re doing. We’re talking:
Yeah, it sounds like a lot — but the goal is simple: clarity and accountability.
Your docs should tell the story of your ISMS — what’s protected, how it’s protected, and who’s responsible for what.
There’s no one-size-fits-all timeline, but here’s the vibe:
Review critical docs at least once a year
Update whenever major changes happen, like:
The more dynamic your business, the more frequently you’ll need to touch those docs.
💡 Pro tip: Set reminders. Literally. Use calendar alerts or task manager tools (Notion, Asana, Google Tasks — pick your poison) to stay on top of review dates.
Imagine it’s audit day. The external auditor asks for your incident response procedure, and you hand them a PDF titled “Draft_v3_FINAL2_ACTUAL_FINAL.docx.”
👀 Not a good look.
Keep your documentation:
If your team doesn’t understand the doc, they won’t follow it. And if they’re not following it, you’re not compliant.
ISO 27001 isn’t about paperwork for paperwork’s sake. Your documentation is your blueprint — it tells the world (and your team) how you keep your data secure.
So yeah, keep it fresh. Keep it real.
Your docs should reflect where your business is today — not where it was two years and five IT hires ago.
Update regularly. Audit confidently. Stay certified.
Risk isn’t static — and neither is your company. That awesome new feature you just launched? Yeah, it might’ve opened a security risk you didn’t plan for.
ISO 27001 is all about continuous improvement, and that starts with keeping your risk register real and relevant.
Let’s get one thing clear: your ISO 27001 risk assessment isn’t a one-time set it and forget it checklist. It’s not like updating your LinkedIn once a year and hoping for the best. Risks are sneaky. They change, evolve, and show up uninvited — like bugs in new code or trends on TikTok.
That’s why ISO 27001 wants your risk assessment to stay fresh. Think of it as your security radar — constantly scanning the horizon for what could go wrong before it actually does.
In ISO 27001 world, a risk assessment is where you:
Basically, it’s asking:
What could mess us up—and what’s our plan if it does?
But here’s the thing: your risks today aren’t the same as your risks six months ago. New apps, new hires, remote work, data migration, industry shifts — they all bring new risks to the table.
You don’t need to redo your whole assessment every week, but you do need to review it regularly and strategically.
Here’s when to hit refresh:
Basically, anytime your environment changes, your risks do too.
When reviewing your risk assessment, make sure to:
💡 Bonus tip: Keep it visual. Use a risk matrix (likelihood vs. impact) or even a heat map to make your risks easy to understand and prioritize.
An outdated risk assessment is like using last year’s map for a city that’s constantly under construction. You’ll miss things. You’ll waste resources. And worst of all, you might not be prepared when something actually goes wrong.
Plus, during your annual surveillance audit, the auditor will ask about your risk register. If it hasn’t been touched in 12 months? Red flag. 🚩
Your business changes. The world changes. Your threats change. So your risk assessment? That needs to change too.
ISO 27001 isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared.
Stay aware, stay updated, and stay one step ahead of the chaos.
Want a plug-and-play risk assessment template? I’ve got one ready — just say the word. 💼⚡️
Management reviews aren’t just a box to check — they’re a chance for leadership to stay connected to your security game.
Hold formal management reviews at least annually — and include:
🎯 Bonus: These meetings show auditors that leadership is involved and invested — something ISO 27001 really cares about.
Let’s talk about the meeting that actually matters.
Management reviews might sound like another corporate buzzword or a boring boardroom ritual — but when it comes to ISO 27001, they’re a non-negotiable. And no, this isn’t something your IT lead can do solo while the rest of leadership is sipping cold brew and ignoring Slack.
ISO 27001 wants proof that your execs are actually plugged in to your InfoSec strategy. Not just signing off on the budget — actually reviewing how things are going and helping improve them.
A management review is a formal, documented meeting where leadership checks in on your ISMS (Information Security Management System). It’s not just a quick thumbs up from the CEO — it’s a deep dive into what’s working, what’s not, and where to improve.
The goal?
To make sure security stays aligned with business goals and gets the attention (and resources) it deserves.
Think of a management review like your ISMS’s annual performance review. Here’s what should definitely be on the agenda:
Oh, and don’t forget to take minutes and assign actions. ISO auditors will ask to see them.
At a minimum, ISO 27001 says once a year.
But depending on your organization’s size, pace, and complexity, it might make sense to do it quarterly or bi-annually. More frequent reviews = more agility. And let’s be real, waiting a whole year to react to a problem? Risky move.
💡 Pro tip: Schedule it in advance — make it part of your annual calendar so it doesn’t get pushed back endlessly like every quick sync.
Without management reviews:
With management reviews:
Auditors want to see that your leadership isn’t just present — they’re involved.
Management reviews aren’t just about impressing the auditor. They’re your chance to turn ISO 27001 from a project into a culture.
Security isn’t just an IT thing. It’s a leadership thing.
So don’t treat these meetings like filler. Show up, speak up, and keep your ISMS strong from the top down.
Need a plug-and-play agenda template or sample minutes? Say the word. 👇📝
Don’t wait for a major breach to start documenting incidents. Even small issues — like an employee clicking a phishing link or losing a work phone — are worth tracking.
Create a lightweight reporting system (even a Google Form works) and encourage transparency. No blame, just better security.
Here’s a truth bomb: no matter how secure your systems are, things will go wrong. Someone will click the wrong link. A file will get sent to the wrong person. A vendor will have an issue. That’s life in 2025.
But ISO 27001 doesn’t expect perfection — it expects preparation.
And that’s where incident tracking and management comes in.
Because let’s be real: saying we’ve never had a security incident is either a lie or a big red flag that you’re just not paying attention.
Not every incident has to be a full-blown ransomware attack to be worth logging.
Examples of ISO 27001-worthy incidents:
If it affects the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of data — it’s an incident.
Logging incidents isn’t about creating drama — it’s about learning and leveling up.
Here’s why ISO 27001 requires incident tracking:
And let’s not forget — auditors will 100% ask to see your incident logs. If you don’t have any? They’ll assume you’re not looking hard enough.
You don’t need a NASA control center—just a clean, consistent process:
💡 Tip: Even small incidents (like a suspicious email) are worth tracking. Over time, they build a picture of your threat landscape.
Incidents happen. That’s not the problem.
Failing to track them? That’s the problem.
ISO 27001 wants you to learn, adapt, and protect your organization better every time something goes sideways.
So build a no-blame culture, log every oops, and keep your ISMS stronger with every incident you manage like a pro.
Need an incident log template or playbook? I’ve got one with your name on it. 🚨📄
If ISO 27001 is just an IT thing in your company, it’s not going to last. You need to make security part of your everyday culture.
Security isn’t a department — it’s a company-wide mindset. 💪
Let’s get one thing straight: security isn’t just about firewalls, two-factor authentication, and fancy tools. You could have all the tech in the world, but if your people aren’t thinking securely, you’re still wide open to risk.
That’s why ISO 27001 doesn’t just focus on systems — it focuses on culture.
You need a security-first mindset running through your entire company like caffeine through a startup.
If your team thinks security is something the tech guys handle, you’ve already lost.
Security is:
Creating a culture where everyone feels responsible for protecting information? That’s how you win.
Creating this kind of vibe takes intention — but it doesn’t have to be cringe. Here’s how to keep it real while making security second nature:
Security shouldn’t just pop up once a year in training. Bring it into:
Normalize the convo so people feel comfortable asking questions or reporting sketchy stuff.
Did someone report a phishing email? Stop and give them props.
Caught a config error before it went live? Shout it out.
Positive reinforcement > shaming mistakes. Keep the vibes encouraging.
Ditch the boring 60-minute slideshow from 2011. Instead, use:
When training is relatable, people remember it.
If execs treat security like a side quest, the rest of the company will too.
Your leadership team needs to walk the walk — completing training, following policies, and backing security investments.
People notice when the C-suite leads by example.
Employees should know how — and feel safe — to report incidents or concerns.
A Google Form, an email alias, even a Slack channel can work. Just keep it simple and judgment-free.
Culture eats compliance for breakfast.
You can’t audit your way out of a bad security culture.
If your people aren’t engaged, aware, and accountable, all the policies in the world won’t protect you. But if they are? You’ve got a real force field around your organization.
ISO 27001 isn’t just a framework — it’s a mindset.
Foster that mindset daily, and your compliance won’t just survive — it’ll thrive.
Need help launching a security culture campaign? I’ve got ideas, templates, memes — whatever it takes. 🎯🧢
Each year after your initial certification, your external auditor will return for a surveillance audit. This keeps your certification active and verifies you’re still compliant.
Being prepared means no last-minute scrambles (and way less stress).
Alright, you crushed your ISO 27001 certification audit. You got the certificate. The squad celebrated. Maybe you even posted it on LinkedIn. Love that for you.
But here’s the twist: you’re not done.
ISO 27001 certification isn’t a one-and-done flex — it’s a three-year relationship. And like any good relationship, you’ve got to keep showing up. That’s where surveillance audits come in.
Surveillance audits are ISO’s way of checking that you’re still doing what you said you would. They happen every year between your initial certification and your full recertification (which happens every 3 years). They’re smaller, faster audits meant to keep you on track and make sure you’re not backsliding into chaos. Think of them as your ISMS check-ups. Not as intense as the full audit, but still super important.
They’re not redoing the whole thing — but they’re checking that your ISMS is still:
Typical focus areas:
Surveillance audits don’t need to be scary. If you’re keeping your ISMS warm throughout the year, prep should be chill.
Here’s your prep list:
Let your team know the audit’s coming. This isn’t a pop quiz — it’s open-book.
Make sure people:
If someone’s nervous, do a practice run. No pressure, just preparation.
Surveillance audits aren’t there to catch you slipping — they’re there to keep your ISMS alive and relevant.
So don’t ghost your compliance until audit week. Keep your ISMS in motion, and you’ll walk into that audit cool, calm, and certified.
Need a prep checklist or timeline template? Say the word — I’ve got your back. ✅📋
Let’s face it — compliance can get messy. Spreadsheets, scattered docs, email threads — it adds up fast.
So why not let tech help?
Automation isn’t cheating. It’s smart. Use tools to reduce manual effort and focus on the important stuff — like strategy and improvement.
Let’s be real for a second: maintaining ISO 27001 manually is like trying to run a Formula 1 race on a tricycle. You can do it… but why would you want to?
Spreadsheets, endless emails, Word docs labeled “final_v3_FINAL_FINAL_really_this_is_it.docx” — it’s chaotic energy. And while you can keep your ISMS (Information Security Management System) running old-school, tech exists for a reason: to save your time, your sanity, and your certification.
So let’s talk about how to stop grinding and start automating. Because ISO 27001 doesn’t have to be painful.
You’ve already put in the hard work to get ISO 27001 certified — why not make life easier from here on out?
Automating your compliance efforts helps you:
ISO 27001 is all about consistency — and tech is really good at consistency.
You don’t need to turn your company into a robot army, but here’s what’s totally fair game for automation:
📅 Reminders & Schedules
📚 Document Management
✅ Task Tracking
📥 Incident Reporting
🧠 Training Management
🔍 Audit Logs & Evidence
Depending on your size and budget, here are some tools ISO-savvy teams are loving:
No matter your tech stack, there’s a way to make ISO work smarter, not harder.
You didn’t get ISO 27001 certified just to spend your weekends wrestling spreadsheets.
Use tech. Automate the boring stuff. Streamline the messy stuff. And focus on what really matters — keeping your data safe and your team on point.
Need help choosing tools? I’ve got recs, templates, and workflows ready to go. Let’s make your ISMS as smooth as your Spotify playlist. 🎧✅
The world of security doesn’t stand still. New threats pop up, new tech gets adopted, and new regulations drop every year.
So don’t let your ISO 27001 approach freeze in time.
ISO 27001 success = staying curious + staying humble.
ISO 27001 isn’t a one-time certification — it’s a lifestyle. You don’t just get secure and walk away like it’s a gym membership you never use again. The world keeps changing. New tech drops, new threats emerge, new laws roll out, and hackers never take a vacation.
So if your InfoSec game isn’t constantly learning and evolving, it’s falling behind.
The second you think, we’re good now — boom, that’s the moment you become vulnerable.
Hackers evolve. Regulations evolve. Business models evolve. So yeah, your ISMS needs to evolve too.
ISO 27001 even builds this into its DNA through the concept of continuous improvement (hello, Clause 10.2). It literally requires you to keep leveling up.
It’s not about constantly rewriting your policies from scratch. It’s about building a culture of curiosity, awareness, and adaptation.
Here’s how to keep your ISO 27001 journey in upgrade mode:
New scams, zero-day attacks, shady social engineering tricks — they hit the scene fast.
Keep up with:
The goal: stay two steps ahead of the chaos.
Security awareness training shouldn’t stop after onboarding. Keep the content fresh with:
Empowered employees = fewer uh oh moments.
Got a new product? Opened a new office? Adopted AI into your workflow? Cool. Now ask:
ISO 27001 isn’t about locking your system in stone. It’s about flexing with your growth.
Every incident, near-miss, or that could’ve been bad moment is a lesson in disguise.
Build a feedback loop so that every oops = opportunity to tighten your controls and processes.
Also? Learn from others. Industry breaches are cautionary tales for a reason. Read the postmortems and ask, Could that happen to us?
Cybersecurity isn’t a destination — it’s a moving target.
ISO 27001 is your roadmap, but you have to keep driving.
So keep learning. Keep evolving. Stay curious. Stay flexible.
Because the only thing more dangerous than a hacker is thinking you’ve got nothing left to learn.
Need resources, newsletter recs, or a learning plan for your team? I gotchu. 🔐📖
Getting ISO 27001 certified is a big achievement — but keeping that certification is where the real magic happens. It’s about staying proactive, consistent, and committed to building a culture that truly values information security.
Remember:
Compliance isn’t the goal. Trust is.
ISO 27001 just gives you the tools to earn it — and keep it.
Duration: 3 days Cities: Singapore Miles Travelled: 6,300Visiting Singapore was like stepping into the future while still being surrounded by rich history and culture. From the moment I arrived at Changi Airport, with its indoor waterfalls and lush gardens, I knew...
Duration: 2 weeks Cities: Honolulu Miles Travelled: 7,000Our trip to Hawaii was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience, filled with breathtaking landscapes, warm hospitality, and unforgettable moments. We stayed in Honolulu on the island of Oahu, where the vibrant mix...
Duration: 2 weeks Cities: Durham, Beamish Miles Travelled: 200Traveling to North East England offers a unique blend of history, culture, and character that stays with you long after you leave. One of the highlights is the enchanting city of Durham. Its cobbled streets...
Duration: 2 weeks Cities: Osaka, Tokyo, Hiroshima, Kyoto Miles Travelled: 9,000Japan in spring is pure magic. Spring felt like a moment suspended in time. The cherry blossoms were at their peak, casting a soft pink glow over temple roofs and narrow cobblestone lanes....
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="Implementing ISO 18404 in Your Organization: A Practical Guide" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px" filter_hue_rotate="100deg"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="Mastering ISO 18404: Essential Lean Six Sigma Competencies and Knowledge Areas" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="The Future of Lean and Six Sigma: How ISO 18404 is Shaping the Industry" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="ISO 18404 vs. Other Lean and Six Sigma Certifications: What's the Difference?" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="Calibration vs Verification in ISO/IEC 17025: A Laboratory Manager's Guide" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="ISO 17025 for Small Labs: Scaling Accreditation Without Breaking the Bank" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text="ISO 17025, Laboratories, and AI: A New Era of Compliance and Innovation" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center" header_letter_spacing="5px"...
[dsm_gradient_text gradient_text=" Looking Ahead: The Future of ISO/IEC 17025 and Its Impact on the Testing and Calibration Industry" _builder_version="4.27.0" _module_preset="default" header_font="Questrial|||on|||||" header_text_align="center"...