Smart Working Journey to ISO 27001 Certification: Advancing Information Security

The Journey to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification

Pursuing ISO certification wasn’t just an arbitrary decision for Smart Working . It was born out of clearly recognising the need to enhance data protection and improve internal security protocols. In April 2024, Uma Sharma, General Manager (Head of India Operations), and Julian Rowse, Founder of Smart Working, discussed elevating the company’s information security measures.

With a clear vision, the leadership team set an ambitious goal: to achieve ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification within six months. The target was not just to comply with industry standards but to go above and beyond to ensure that Smart Working maintained the highest data security and operational excellence levels.

This initiative wasn’t just about ticking off a certification box. It was about building more robust, more secure systems to serve clients better while positioning the company for future growth.

Once Smart Working decided to pursue ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, the next step was finding the right partners to guide them through the process. The first order of business was conducting a gap analysis to evaluate the company’s existing security measures and identify areas for improvement. This analysis was crucial in understanding where Smart Working stood regarding security protocols and what must be done to align with ISO’s rigorous standards.

The Smart Working team comprehensively reviewed all departments' risks, threats, and vulnerabilities. This review covered everything from technical infrastructure to employee policies, ensuring every stone was turned in. By identifying potential gaps early on, the company could take proactive steps to address them before undergoing official audits.

Team Collaboration and Internal Efforts

Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification was no small feat. It required the concerted effort of every department at Smart Working, from IT and HR to legal and operations. To oversee this transformative process, Smart Working established an internal ISO forum where department heads and key stakeholders could regularly meet to review progress, share insights, and troubleshoot issues.

The certification process required Smart Working to develop and implement robust policies that adhered to ISO standards. This wasn’t simply a matter of writing procedures; the company had to test and refine them rigorously over three months. Every policy was designed to minimise risk while maintaining operational efficiency.

Smart Working also introduced several policies and tools as part of its IT security strategy. It includes Manage Engine for better system management, encrypted hard disk data storage, and disabling USB ports to prevent unauthorised access.

Overcoming Challenges and Key Milestones

While the goal of achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification was clear, the path to getting there was filled with challenges. One of the most significant hurdles was ensuring every team member, especially department heads, fully understood and embraced the new policies.

In early August 2024, Smart Working conducted an internal audit with the help of Coral eSecure. This audit was an essential step in identifying areas that still needed improvement. The feedback received during this audit was used to quickly address any remaining gaps, ensuring the company was fully prepared for the official certification audits.

The certification process had two stages

1. Stage 1: This initial audit, conducted by SGS, assessed Smart Working’s readiness for certification. After receiving positive feedback, the company moved on to a more intensive audit process.
2. Stage 2: The official certification audit, which lasted four days, took place in early October 2024. SGS thoroughly reviewed Smart Working’s information security management system, policies, and procedures. The final result? Smart Working passed with flying colours, officially receiving its ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification.

What Does ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification Mean for Smart Working?

Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is more than just a feather in Smart Working's cap. It is a testament to the company’s unwavering commitment to data security, continuous improvement, and client trust.

This certification is a seal of approval that signifies Smart Working meets the highest information security standards. By achieving this milestone, the company has enhanced its ability to protect sensitive client data, prevent data breaches, and provide secure, reliable services.

This achievement is significant for Julian Rowse, the founder of Smart Working. "ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification reflects our team's hard work and dedication," he said. "It validates our focus on continuous improvement and reinforces our commitment to delivering secure services to our clients."

How ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Certification Enhances Client Trust

One of the primary benefits of achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is the enhanced trust it fosters with existing and potential clients. Data security is a significant concern for businesses in an increasingly competitive market. Clients want to know that their data is handled with care, that their privacy is protected, and that their business is safe.

Smart Working’s ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification demonstrates the company’s dedication to maintaining the highest information security standards. By achieving this certification, Smart Working is improving its internal processes, solidifying relationships with current clients, and attracting new business opportunities.

This certification reassures clients that Smart Working is committed to protecting their information on an ongoing basis. As Julian Rowse said, "Clients can trust that we are fully equipped to protect their data and deliver secure, reliable services."

Looking Ahead: Continuous Improvement and Future Goals

ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is still in progress for Smart Working. The company is committed to continuous improvement and adherence to the certification standards. This achievement will be maintained through regular audits, policy updates, and employee training.

The next step for Smart Working is to ensure that the organisation stays ahead of emerging security threats and remains at the forefront of information security management. The leadership team is already planning future initiatives to enhance its security posture further and provide more excellent value to clients.

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