What is ISO/IEC 27001 Certification: Protecting Construction Companies from Cyber Threats

As the construction industry becomes increasingly reliant on technology, it becomes increasingly vulnerable to digital cyber threats. Therefore, construction companies need to consider measures of cyber and digital protection. Obtaining ISO/IEC 27001 certification ensures that cybersecurity measures get taken seriously.

This internationally recognized standard outlines the requirements for an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS). This article will discuss what ISO/IEC 27001 certification is, how it can help protect construction companies from cyber threats, and why it is worth considering for any construction company.

What Is ISO/IEC 27001 Certification?

ISO standards are recognized worldwide as the best practices for achieving a particular goal. For example, the ISO/IEC 27001 standard sets out the most effective way of implementing an ISMS. Compiled by a range of experts, these standards enable organizations, such as construction companies, to enhance and optimize their internal practices and allow companies to showcase their expertise and operations via ISO certifications.

If you are considering implementing an accredited Information Security Management System, you will want to understand the ISO/IEC 27001 meaning and purpose. Simply put, ISO/IEC 27001 is a framework that enables organizations to implement highly effective ISMS. Once a company is ISO certified, it will have an ISMS that protects data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Furthermore, partners and customers can be confident that the certification holder will securely manage and store their information and data.

Why Should Construction Companies Obtain ISO/IEC 27001 Certification?

In today's digital world, every company is at risk of cyberattacks. While the construction industry has traditionally been less digital than some other sectors, technological advancements mean that construction companies are transitioning to an increasingly digital environment.

From liaising with partners and customers via email and storing contracts and documents digitally to managing workers and processing financial information, there is a vast amount of sensitive data that construction companies create, manage, and store to facilitate their day-to-day operations.

Due to this, construction organizations must have a workable ISMS that protects this data from unauthorized access. However, an unaccredited ISMS doesn't offer the same benefits as an ISO-certified ISMS.

For example, when construction firms are tendering for projects, being ISO-certified may be a prerequisite they need to meet to be eligible for undertaking the project. This requirement is particularly relevant for construction businesses that provide services to governments and other public entities as they routinely demand ISO standards to be met by their partners and sub-contractors.

By undertaking ISO training and obtaining ISO/IEC 27001 certifications, construction companies can implement an effective ISMS, enhance their internal data management processes, and secure a competitive advantage over firms without a recognized ISMS.

Preparing for the Latest Version of ISO/IEC 27001?

Suppose you're in the process of planning or implementing an ISMS to apply for ISO certification. In that case, it's essential to be aware that the standard has recently undergone modifications. The ISO/IEC 27001 update in 2022 introduced notable changes to the previous version, including:

• Requiring information security objectives to be monitored and documented.
• Identifying relevant requirements of interested parties.
• Requiring that the measuring, monitoring, analyzing and evaluating methods are 'comparable and reproducible.'

While the above examples provide insight into the changes made by the ISO/IEC 27001 update 2022, they are not an exhaustive list of all updates. Companies preparing for ISO certification should ensure they adhere to the latest standard version. Undertaking a current ISO/IEC 27001 course can help you to understand recent changes and update your ISMS accordingly.

What Are the Benefits of ISO/IEC 27001?

An ISO certified Information Security Management System can deliver many benefits to construction companies, including:

Enhanced Security

First and foremost, ISO/IEC 27001 ensures that companies benefit from effective security measures concerning data, IT, and cybersecurity. At a time when cyberattacks and digital threats are increasing, organizations must take steps to safeguard this aspect of their operations, and ISO/IEC 27001 adequately enables you to do this in a system and cost-effective way.

Cost Savings

Any cyberattack can have devastating financial consequences for a company. A data breach can result in severe reputational damage, which may cost you clients and future contracts. In addition, companies can face significant fines if they have facilitated a breach due to poor information security management. As data legislation increases, companies will be under more pressure to prevent cyberattacks. ISO/IEC 27001 certification gives companies the knowledge and tools to prevent losses associated with digital threats and cyber breaches.

Achieve Regulatory Compliance

Keeping up-to-date with contractual, legal, and regulatory cybersecurity requirements can be time-consuming and complex. As a result, companies often spend excess time and money attempting to ensure that their ISMS is fit for purpose.

However, you will find that ISO/IEC 27001 covers the vast majority – if not all – of these requirements. Companies can, therefore, achieve regulatory compliance and ensure that their ISMS meets legal, contractual, and regulatory requirements simply by implementing ISO/IEC 27001.

Reduced Need for Audits

Frequent audits have become a common method of ensuring systems function adequately, but they can use up an excessive amount of a company's resources. Furthermore, audits may only highlight where failures have occurred in the past without allowing organizations to stop the threat or breach.

With an ISO-certified ISMS in place, companies have a reduced need for these audits due to the enhanced management system that enables optimal information security management to become embedded in the organization.

Preparing for ISO/IEC 27001 Certification

Third-party assessments are a critical part of obtaining ISO/IEC 27001 certification, and they can help to ensure that you achieve your certification quickly and efficiently. To find out how our third-party assessments can help your company achieve its goals, contact QAS International now at 020 3198 9788.