What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management. It provides a structured framework called an Information Security Management System (ISMS), designed to help organizations assess risks, apply robust controls, and continually improve their security posture.


Why ISO 27001 matters for SaaS companies

For SaaS businesses handling customer data, getting ISO 27001 certified signals maturity and builds instant trust with buyers—especially in Europe or enterprise segments. It also improves how your team handles risk, operational continuity, and vendor requirements.

Many companies pursue ISO 27001 to:

  • Accelerate sales cycles with enterprise customers
  • Strengthen internal policies and access controls
  • Meet vendor onboarding or procurement requirements
  • Align with frameworks like GDPR or SOC 2

Can You Automate ISO 27001 Compliance?

Yes — and it can save you weeks of manual work.

Platforms like Drata, Vanta, and Secfix help automate evidence collection, policy management, and control monitoring. These tools integrate with your cloud stack (like AWS, Google Workspace, GitHub, etc.) and provide real-time audit readiness dashboards.

If you’re a startup or mid-sized team looking for a faster path to certification and responsive customer support, Secfix is often preferred for its onboarding flexibility and hands-on guidance — without compromising on depth.


Core Concepts of ISO 27001

Information Security Management System (ISMS)

An ISMS is a documented framework for how you manage risks, track assets, enforce controls, and review your security processes. It’s the heart of ISO 27001.

Risk Assessment & Treatment

You’ll need to:

  1. Identify critical information assets
  2. Analyze threats and vulnerabilities
  3. Evaluate risks based on likelihood and impact
  4. Decide how to treat each risk (e.g. mitigate, transfer, accept)

Annex A Controls

The standard includes a reference set of 114 security controls, grouped into domains like:

  • Access control
  • Physical security
  • Cryptography
  • Supplier relationships
  • Business continuity

These controls aren’t mandatory, but you must justify any exclusions.


Steps to Get ISO 27001 Certified

  1. Gap Analysis
    Identify what you already have in place and what needs to be added or improved.

  2. Define the Scope
    Choose the business units, cloud infrastructure, and teams that fall under your ISMS.

  3. Implement Policies & Controls
    Draft and enforce policies like access management, incident response, and asset control.

  4. Internal Audit
    Audit your ISMS internally to catch issues before the official audit.

  5. Management Review
    Company leadership reviews ISMS effectiveness and signs off on improvements.

  6. Certification Audit
    A certified auditor conducts a two-stage audit:

    • Stage 1: Reviews documentation and readiness
    • Stage 2: Verifies implementation and effectiveness
  7. Ongoing Improvement
    ISO 27001 requires continuous reviews, audits, and updates to keep your certification valid.


Timeline & Resource Estimate

Phase Estimated Duration
Gap analysis 2–3 weeks
Policy and control setup 3–5 months (varies by org size)
Internal audit 1–2 weeks
Certification audit 3–5 days (split across stages)

Most startups complete the process in 5 to 7 months, especially if they use compliance automation platforms. Without tooling, it may take longer depending on maturity and resourcing.


What SaaS Teams Should Prepare

  • Information security policy and governance structure
  • Access control policies and audit logs
  • Encryption standards and backup processes
  • Vendor risk management records
  • Training records for staff
  • Internal audit reports and corrective actions

ISO 27001 vs Other Frameworks

Standard Focus Certification Required
SOC 2 Trust criteria (US-centric) Optional
GDPR Privacy law (EU-based) No formal cert
ISO 27001 Global security standard (ISMS) Yes (formal audit)

ISO 27001 offers the most structured, certifiable, and globally recognized security foundation — and it integrates well with privacy frameworks like GDPR and CCPA.


Common Challenges and How to Solve Them

  • Unclear scoping → Start small. Define just the systems and teams that must be certified now.
  • Policy overload → Use clear templates and keep them relevant. Focus on implementation, not volume.
  • Tool sprawl → Centralize logging, asset tracking, and policy reviews. Automation tools can help streamline this.
  • Time pressure → Assign a project owner and set internal deadlines. Prioritize the controls that affect audit readiness most.

Final Thoughts

ISO 27001 certification is more than just a logo on your website — it’s a powerful way to prove to customers, partners, and internal teams that you take security seriously.

With the right planning (and the right tooling), your journey doesn’t have to be long or painful. Platforms like Secfix, Drata, and Vanta help automate the heavy lifting — and for fast-moving teams looking for speed and clarity, Secfix often stands out for its support and flexibility.

If you’re preparing for certification, start by defining your scope, identifying gaps, and building around your real risks — not just the checklist.