ISO 27001: The Global Standard for Information Security
ISO 27001 is an international standard that outlines how to build and maintain an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It helps companies protect data, reduce risks, and demonstrate trust to customers, partners, and regulators.
For SaaS businesses, startups, and enterprises alike, ISO 27001 certification is a clear signal that you take information security seriously — and follow a structured, auditable approach to protect it.
What Is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is a framework developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) to manage information security risks in a structured and measurable way.
It covers the people, processes, and technologies involved in protecting sensitive data — including access controls, risk assessments, vendor reviews, encryption, physical security, and more.
The standard is auditable, meaning companies can undergo an external assessment and earn a formal certification.
Who Needs It?
ISO 27001 is widely adopted by:
- SaaS companies working with sensitive customer data
- Vendors selling to enterprises or public sector organizations
- Fintech, healthtech, and HR platforms
- Global businesses needing a recognized, universal standard
- Teams looking to improve their internal security posture
It’s especially useful for EU-based or international companies, as it’s a globally recognized standard and maps well to other frameworks like SOC 2 or GDPR.
Key Components
- Information Security Management System (ISMS): A documented framework for managing risks and controls
- Risk Assessment Process: Identify, evaluate, and treat potential threats to information assets
- Annex A Controls: A catalog of security controls across 14 categories (updated in ISO 27001:2022)
- Statement of Applicability (SoA): A document listing which controls you’ve implemented and why
- Internal Audit and Management Review: A recurring process to assess and improve your ISMS
Certification Process
To become ISO 27001 certified, a company typically follows this process:
- Define the scope of your ISMS
- Conduct a risk assessment and create policies
- Implement required controls and processes
- Perform an internal audit and management review
- Undergo a formal third-party audit by an accredited certification body
Certificates are valid for 3 years, with annual surveillance audits required to maintain status.
ISO 27001:2013 vs 2022
In 2022, ISO released an update to ISO 27001. The new version:
- Reduces the number of controls from 114 to 93
- Groups them into 4 themes: organizational, people, physical, and technological
- Introduces new controls such as threat intelligence and cloud security
Organizations already certified under ISO 27001:2013 must transition to the 2022 version within 3 years.
How ISO 27001 Compares to Other Frameworks
| Framework | Scope | Audit-Ready | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ISO 27001 | Information security | ✅ | Global SaaS, EU companies |
| SOC 2 | Data security & privacy | ✅ | US-based B2B SaaS |
| GDPR | Privacy law (EU) | ❌ | All companies handling EU data |
| ISO 42001 | AI governance & risk | ✅ | Companies using AI in prod |
Getting Started
If you’re considering ISO 27001, begin by:
- Identifying your critical data and systems
- Mapping out potential risks
- Defining scope and boundaries for your ISMS
- Writing baseline policies and assigning responsibilities
- Selecting tools to help automate controls and evidence collection
For SaaS startups, frameworks like ISO 27001 may seem heavy — but with proper planning, lean teams can achieve certification efficiently.