ISO 27001: understanding, applying and succeeding in certification
Obtaining ISO 27001 certification means proving — with audit support — that your ISMS protects the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your information. This page guides you step by step: framing the scope, building the SoA, managing Annex A, preparing the audits (stage 1/stage 2), then maintaining compliance through surveillance audits.
In 2025, organizations must evolve in a digital landscape that is constantly changing. The rapid rise of technologies likegenerative artificial intelligence opens up new opportunities... but also new risk vectors. Cyberattacks are becoming stealthier, more targeted, more destructive.
At the same time, the regulatory framework is tightening. La European NIS 2 directive imposes strict cybersecurity obligations on critical entities, under penalty of heavy sanctions.
In this context, the ISO 27001 standard stands out as a strategic base to strengthen your security posture, anticipate threats, and demonstrate your commitment to data protection.
In this article, you will discover the fundamental principles of the ISO 27001 standard and its strategic importance in a robust cybersecurity approach. We will also introduce you to the key certification steps, from risk analysis to final audit, as well as concrete benefits What can your business get out of it:
- better data protection;
- strengthened compliance;
- competitive advantage.
Finally, you will see how The Egerie platform can support you every step of the way to simplify, automate, and accelerate your compliance, regardless of the size of your organization.
What to remember from the ISO 27001 standard
- Understand the fundamentals of the standard and its strategic role. The ISO/IEC 27001 standard is now an essential frame of reference for any organization wishing to structure its information security risk management. This international standard sets out specific requirements to protect confidentiality, theintegrity And the availability sensitive data. By relying on a Information Security Management System (ISMS), you strengthen the resilience of your business while anticipating threats to your digital assets.
- Identify the essential steps to obtain certification.The ISO 27001 certification is based on a gradual and structured approach. From the initial risk analysis to the certification audit, to the operational implementation of security measures, each step plays a key role. Following this rigorous process not only allows you to meet the requirements required for certification, but also to ensure that they are maintained over time through a logic of continuous improvement.
- Discover the levers offered by tools such as the Egerie platform. Finally, for gain in efficiency, it is possible to rely on specialized tools like the Egerie platform. By facilitating the mapping of risks, the management of controls and the management of action plans, Egerie reduces the operational burden and reinforces the precision of your cyber strategy. An ideal solution to transform a complex challenge into a strategic advantage, regardless of the size of your organization.
What is the ISO 27001 standard?
The standard ISO/IEC 27001 Is a internationally recognized standard which defines a rigorous framework for information security management, applicable to any organization, regardless of sector or size. Its main objective: to allow the establishment of a Information Security Management System (ISMS), that is, a coherent set of policies, processes and technical measures designed to protect three key pillars:
- The confidentiality of sensitive information, by limiting access to only authorized persons.
- Integrity data, maintaining their accuracy and reliability against unauthorized changes or deletions.
- Availability, ensuring that information is accessible at the right time, by the right people.
Based on a proactive and structured approach to risk management, ISO 27001 encourages organizations to anticipate threats rather than simply react to incidents. It encourages continuous risk assessment and the implementation of appropriate corrective measures.
Another major advantage: sound certifiable nature. Obtaining ISO 27001 certification (level 1) is a official recognition of the robustness of your approach, reinforcing the credibility of your organization with your customers, partners and stakeholders.
Concretely, how do you move from theory to action? ISO 27001 certification is based on three essential pillars: a well-defined perimeter, a rigorously constructed SoA and serious preparation for audits.
Define the scope of the WSIS (Scope)
The first step in setting up an ISMS in accordance with ISO 27001 is to clearly define its scope. It should describe the processes, sites, systems, and data that fall within the scope of certification. A well-defined scope avoids grey areas and limits the risks of non-compliance during the audit. It is recommended to identify the assets and information concerned, to explicitly state the exclusions with their justification, and to specify any interfaces with third parties.
Building SoA (Statement of Applicability)
The Declaration of Applicability (SoA) is one of the central documents required in ISO 27001 certification. It lists all the controls in Annex A, indicates those that apply to the defined perimeter and justifies the choices made. Beyond a simple correspondence table, the SoA must show how each control retained is linked to the risks identified, internal policies, and available operational evidence. During the audit, it serves as the main reference to verify the consistency between your commitments and your practices.
Preparing for audits (Stage 1 and Stage 2)
The certification process consists of two successive audit steps. The Stage 1 is a documentary review: the auditor analyzes your policies, the scope, the SoA, your risk assessment and your action plans. The Stage 2 is more operational: it relies on field checks, interviews and a sampling of concrete evidence to validate the effective implementation of the WSIS. Once certification is obtained, surveillance audits, generally annual, ensure that compliance is maintained and the system is continuously improved.
ISO 27001 standard: context and importance in 2025
The cybersecurity landscape is marked by an intensification of threats, more and more sophisticated and targeted. The rapid rise ofgenerative artificial intelligence, although bringing major innovations, has also expanded the field of action of cyberattacks: more stealthy, more complex, and therefore more difficult to counter. Business interruptions, sensitive data leaks or even the compromise of supply chains are becoming common incidents, affecting both large companies than SMEs.
To meet these growing risks, regulatory authorities have tightened requirements. La European NIS 2 directive illustrates this trend: it imposes strict cybersecurity obligations on critical infrastructure operators, accompanied by severe penalties in case of non-compliance.
In this context, the ISO 27001 standard is no longer a simple competitive advantage: it is becoming a strategic imperative. It makes it possible to structure a solid response to cyber threats, while ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements. In sensitive sectors such as health, transport or finance, complying with this standard is now essential to protect critical assets and maintain the trust of customers, partners and authorities.
Comparing ISO 27001 with other cybersecurity frameworks
Faced with the diversity of cybersecurity standards and regulations, it is essential to understand how to position ourselves the ISO 27001 standard compared to other standards such as NIS 2, ISO 27002, ISO 27005, or ISO 31000. Each has valuable specificities and complementarities in a well-structured information security strategy.
ISO 27001 vs 27005/27002/NIS 2 — comparative summary
• ISO 27001: certifiable standard to deploy a SMSI
• ISO 27005: Risk analysis method that feeds the SMSI (see our dedicated page).
• ISO 27002: control implementation guide (complete Appendix A).
• NIS 2 : regulatory obligation for targeted entities; ISO 27001 helps to structure the response, but is not sufficient alone.
→ For the detailed risk-based methodology, consult our ISO 27005 guide.
Each framework contributes, in its own way, to strengthening an organization's security posture. Some are mandatory (like NIS 2), others not certifiable but valuable for structuring your actions (ISO 27005, ISO 31000). This comparison helps you identify the right levers according to your compliance, risk management or governance objectives.
The 5 key steps to obtain ISO 27001 certification
After exploring the specificities and complementarities of ISO 27001 with other standards and regulations, it is essential to focus on the core of the process: the practical steps that will allow you to successfully complete your ISO 27001 certification process.
📌 Note before you start
Implementing ISO 27001 is more than just a final audit. In reality, almost half of the global effort is based on the implementation of security measures and the rigorous monitoring of action plans. This phase mobilizes significant human, technical and organizational resources. On the other hand, some steps such as training, although crucial, are less time-consuming.
💡 Tip: to simplify this process in the long term, it is better to equip yourself with an adapted solution. Ask a demo of the Egerie platform and make every step easier.
Step 1: Initial Risk Analysis
Risk analysis is the starting point for any ISO 27001 approach. It allows you to build a solid ISMS, based on the real threats to your assets.
Why it's crucial
This is the stage where you identify vulnerabilities, assess threats, and measure their potential impact. It determines all future security decisions.
Key actions
- Map information assets (physical and intangible).
- Identify threats (cyberattacks, human errors, technical incidents).
- Assess risks using methods such as EBIOS or ISO 27005.
Challenges to anticipate
- Have an exhaustive vision of assets, which are often scattered throughout the organization.
- Do not underestimate or overestimate certain critical risks.
Step 2: Setting up the Information Security Management System (ISMS)
The Information Security Management System (ISMS) is the backbone of your approach.
Why it's crucial
It formalizes your security policies, goals, and procedures. It allows you to structure your efforts and measure your progress over time.
Key actions
- Map information assets (physical and intangible).
- Identify threats (cyberattacks, human errors, technical incidents).
- Assess risks using methods such as EBIOS or ISO 27005.
Challenges to anticipate
- Finding the right balance between security requirements and operational realities.
- Allocate the right resources without going over budget.
Step 3: Team training and awareness
Your employees are your first line of defense. Without their adherence, even the best technical measures will remain fragile.
Why it's crucial
Human error can compromise the entire system. It is therefore essential that each employee understands their role in security.
Key actions
- Deploy training courses adapted to each business profile.
- Vary the formats: workshops, e-learning, simulations (e.g. phishing campaigns).
- Broadcast preventive messages on a regular basis.
Challenges to anticipate
- Making cybersecurity accessible and engaging.
- Maintain an active safety culture over time.
Step 4: Conduct internal and external audits
Audits are essential milestones in assessing the maturity of your ISMS.
Why it's crucial
Les internal audits allow discrepancies to be detected and corrected before the certification audit conducted by an accredited organization.
Key actions
- Plan regular audits conducted by competent and independent auditors.
- Document discrepancies and implement corrective actions
- Actively prepare for the final audit with the certifying body.
Challenges to anticipate
- Maintain up-to-date and easily usable documentation.
- Respond quickly to detected non-conformities.
Step 5: Obtaining certification and maintaining compliance
Once the certification is obtained, the challenge becomes its sustainability.
Why it's crucial
ISO 27001 certification is an official recognition... but also a long-term commitment. It requires continuous control.
Key actions
- Implement an approach tocontinuous improvement (PDCA cycle).
- Conduct surveillance audits (generally annual).
- Update your policies according to changes in risks or obligations.
Challenges to anticipate
- Avoid losing effort after certification.
- Sustainably manage the human and budgetary resources associated with maintaining the WSIS.
What are the concrete benefits of ISO 27001 certification for your company?
ISO 27001 certification is not limited to technical compliance: it represents a strategic lever to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, inspire trust and gain competitiveness. Here are the main concrete benefits for your organization:
Building the trust of customers and partners
ISO 27001 acts as a A guarantee of seriousness with your stakeholders. It shows that your organization is applying recognized international standards to protect sensitive data.
Key benefits:
- Increased customer loyalty : at a time when data protection is becoming a criterion of choice, a certified organization provides lasting reassurance.
- Fluidity in partnerships : more and more actors require security guarantees before collaborating. Certification simplifies these exchanges and accelerates decision-making.
Reducing the risks and costs associated with security incidents
The standard helps you actively prevent cyberattacks, human errors or technical failures, thus reducing interruptions and associated costs.
Key benefits:
- Fewer operational interruptions : a better protected system ensures better business continuity.
- Significant reduction in financial losses : the average cost of a data breach exceeds 5 million euros — good risk management makes these incidents rarer, even avoidable.
Gain competitive advantage and regulatory compliance
In a demanding regulatory environment, ISO 27001 certification is a differentiating asset which facilitates access to new markets and meets the expectations of the authorities.
Key benefits:
- Facilitating regulatory audits : certification helps to prove your compliance with the requirements of the RGPD, of the directive NIS 2, or other sectoral frameworks.
- Competitive advantage in tenders : ISO 27001 is increasingly a priority selection criterion for customers and purchasers.
Customer case - MGEN takes back control of its risk analyses thanks to Egerie
In 2023, MGEN, a major player in the health sector in France, decided to strengthen its risk management strategy as part of ISO 27001 certification. The objective was clear: Take back control of their risk analyses to make them a strategic lever for their cyber governance. This challenge led them to integrate the platform. Egerie, replacing an Excel tool that no longer met their growing needs.
Initial challenges
Before the establishment of Egerie, MGEN was facing several obstacles:
- Simplifying analytics for auditors : The use of tools like Excel complicated the presentation of risk management to internal and external auditors, making the procedures more tedious.
- Third-party evaluation : Managing risks associated with partners and suppliers required better structuring and increased visibility.
These limitations hampered the group's ambitions in terms of efficiency and compliance.
Achieved results
Thanks to the Egerie platform, MGEN met and even exceeded its initial goals:
- +1 point for ISO 27001 audits : The significant improvement of the processes made it possible to show the auditors the seriousness of their approach.
- License extension : Satisfied with the benefits obtained, MGEN expanded the use of Egerie within its teams to maximize results.
- Considerable time savings : Analyses that previously took hours have been simplified and automated, allowing teams to focus on higher value-added tasks.
Florian Bourdon, Cyber GRC Expert at MGEN, testifies:
“Our objective of using Egerie was not only to save time compared to risk analysis, it was to regain control of it and to be able to put it back at the heart of our cyber strategy.”
What are the common challenges in complying with ISO 27001?
Obtaining ISO 27001 certification is a demanding step, but maintain over time It is just as well. Many businesses — especially SMES — encounter technical, human and organizational obstacles. Here are the three major challenges encountered, as well as concrete solutions to overcome them.
- A lack of internal resources and skills
Teams, often small, struggle to allocate time and resources to manage an ISMS (Information Security Management System). This lack of specialized resources hampers the implementation of the requirements of the standard.
How do you overcome it?
- Outsource certain steps with specialized consultants to save time and expertise.
- Train internal teams to progressively develop the necessary skills in cybersecurity and risk management.
- Equip yourself with adapted tools : platforms like Egerie make it possible to automate and structure procedures, even without a dedicated in-house expert.
2. Risk management perceived as complex
Risk analysis — the heart of the ISMS — is often experienced as a tedious task, especially when it is based on inadequate tools such as Excel. Mapping assets, identifying threats, evaluating impacts: this requires a global vision, method and precision.
How can we simplify it?
- Use a specialized solution to automate analysis, prioritize risks and gain readability.
- Involving multiple stakeholders (CIO, jobs, management) to obtain a complete and shared vision of the challenges.
- Standardize the method (e.g. EBIOS, ISO 27005) to avoid improvisation and secure the approach.
3. Maintain compliance over time
ISO 27001 certification is not a definitive achievement: it is based on the principle of continuous improvement. This involves constant vigilance, updating processes, and regular preparation for surveillance audits.
How do you stay compliant over the long term?
- Track key indicators (KPI) and schedule periodic security reviews.
- Conduct regular internal audits, to correct discrepancies prior to official audits.
- Changing policies of security at the pace of new threats, technologies or regulatory obligations.
By anticipating these challenges and using the right tools, ISO 27001 compliance not only becomes more accessible, but also more sustainable and better integrated into the company's overall strategy.
Anticipate your ISO 27001 approach with the Egerie platform
Faced with the increasing complexity of cybersecurity requirements, the platform Egerie stands out as a strategic ally to automate, structure and accelerate your ISO 27001 compliance.
A complete platform to manage your compliance
Much more than a simple tool, Egerie centralizes all the key stages of your approach, thanks to functionalities designed for performance:
- Automated risk mapping : visualize and prioritize your risks in a few clicks.
- Management of action plans : monitor the progress of your corrective measures and ensure their alignment with ISO requirements.
- Dynamic dashboards : get a clear and usable overview to manage your indicators, support your decisions and succeed in your audits.
The concrete benefits for your ISO 27001 certification
Choosing Egerie means gaining agility at each stage of the process:
- Significant time savings : tedious manual tasks are replaced by smooth and automated processes.
- Ease of use : the platform is intuitive, even for teams that are not experts in cybersecurity.
- Customized support : benefit from personalized support, from the initial analysis to the preparation of the certification audit.
CTA/ Discover how to gain efficiency and peace of mind
Transform your compliance approach into a real performance driver.
Request your demo today and discover how Egerie is already supporting many organizations in their ISO 27001 certification — effectively and with confidence.
ISO 27001 certification FAQ
How much does an ISO 27001 certification cost?
Direct costs include audit fees, which vary depending on the size of the organization, and training costs. Indirect costs include the time teams invest in preparing for certification and updating processes. Several factors influence the cost: the complexity of your information system, the size of the company and the expertise available internally.
What are the deadlines for obtaining ISO 27001 certification?
Key steps include: an initial analysis, the implementation of the ISMS, and then certification audits. Average length: between 6 and 18 months. Timelines may vary depending on the maturity of your management system and the availability of resources. A platform like Egerie can significantly speed up the process, by simplifying risk analysis and document management.
What are the common mistakes to avoid when implementing ISO 27001?
- Lack of management involvement : this can slow progress and limit the effectiveness of the approach.
- Insufficient or disorganized documentation : it is however essential for audits.
- Underestimating the resources needed : Allocating enough time and budget to each phase is crucial.
How to integrate ISO 27001 into a global cybersecurity strategy?
ISO 27001 is compatible with other frameworks such as NIST or COBIT thanks to a structured and complementary approach. Possible synergies: Use ISO 27001 to drive general safety while aligning your practices with other standards to cover specific needs.
Is ISO 27001 certification mandatory?
It is not mandatory, except in certain sensitive sectors (finance, health, administrations). Advantages of a voluntary approach: strengthen the trust of stakeholders, reduce risks and stand out from the competition.
How to choose a solution to simplify ISO 27001 compliance?
Opt for an intuitive, automated solution (mapping, action tracking, dashboards), capable of centralizing audit evidence. eGerie ticks all these criteria and is suitable for SMEs as well as large organizations.
How do you maintain ISO 27001 certification over the long term?
- Surveillance audits: Conducted annually to validate ongoing compliance.
- Continuous improvement: Integrate feedback into your processes.
- Key indicators: Track non-conformities, the status of action plans, and the evolution of risks.
How to manage personal data using the ISO 27701 standard?
ISO 27701 builds on ISO 27001 to establish a management framework specific to data privacy, facilitating compliance with regulations such as the GDPR.
How to define a relevant scope for an ISMS?
A relevant perimeter must cover the processes, sites, systems and data that are essential to information security. It's not about including “everything by default,” but about targeting what's really critical. Exclusions must be precisely justified to avoid ambiguity during the audit.
What should an SoA (Statement of Applicability) contain?
The SoA should list all of the controls in Annex A, indicate whether they are applicable or not, and provide a clear rationale. It must also establish a direct link between the controls selected, the risks identified and the operational evidence available.
What is the purpose of the stage 1 audit in the ISO 27001 certification?
Stage 1 is a documentary review. The auditor verifies that the scope, SoA, risk analysis, and policies are compliant and consistent. It is a preparatory step that makes it possible to identify possible discrepancies before the main audit.
What does the stage 2 audit consist of?
Stage 2 is the certification audit itself. It includes field checks, interviews with collaborators, and a sampling of concrete evidence. It is on the basis of this stage that the ISO 27001 certification is issued or not.
What happens after getting ISO 27001 certification?
Once certified, the organization is subject to annual surveillance audits. These controls are intended to ensure that the compliance and ongoing operation of the ISMS is maintained. Approximately every three years, a comprehensive recertification audit should be carried out.
