1. Freeing up resources
Een ISO 27001-implementatie vereist tijd, mankracht en de juiste systemen. Het lijkt misschien een uitdaging om die middelen vrij te maken naast de dagelijkse werkzaamheden. Maar zonder deze investering krijg je geen duurzame compliance. Begin klein, maak een planning en verdeel taken over verschillende teams. Zo kun je al snel concrete stappen zetten, zonder je organisatie volledig plat te leggen.
2. Wanting to finish too quickly
Veel organisaties willen de ISO-certificering “even snel” binnenhalen. Het gevolg? Processen en systemen worden onvoldoende uitgedacht, wat later voor problemen zorgt. Het implementeren van de ISO 27001 wordt daardoor een checklist, waarbij het systeem zelf te weinig aandacht krijgt en organisaties aan het einde van de rit ineens alle zeilen bij moeten zetten om de audit te halen. En dat kan wel eens voor problemen zorgen. Neem dus de tijd om grondig te werk te gaan, ook al voel je druk om snel resultaten te zien. Liever iets langer de tijd nemen en het goed doen, dan straks terug bij af zijn.
3. Becoming dependent on outside help
An external expert is obviously a good option, and it is tempting to let an external expert take care of everything. In fact, ISO 27001 also requires commitment from within your own organization. External consultants will help you, but internal commitment remains necessary. Make sure your team actively participates and takes responsibility. That way the knowledge remains in-house, even after the consultant has left.
4. Lack of management commitment.
Without management support, it will be difficult to implement ISO 27001 properly. Top management must understand why this standard is important and actively show their support. Not only in words, but also in freeing up resources and directing employees to perform the right actions. Ensure that management sees and continues to emphasize the importance, for example by:
- make management owners of certain risks;
- organize a management review;
- provide awarenes training for executives.
5. Create awareness throughout the organization
ISO 27001 draait niet alleen om de IT-afdeling. Iedereen binnen je organisatie moet begrijpen waarom informatiebeveiliging belangrijk is en wat hun rol hierin is. Dit vraagt om een goed doordachte bewustwordingscampagne. Denk aan trainingen met behulp van Guardey, e-mails en regelmatige reminders om iedereen scherp te houden.
6. Too much focus on technology
Especially in IT-driven organizations, you see that the focus is often on technology. Yet ISO 27001 is not just about technical solutions. Policies, procedures and processes are just as important. So don't forget to pay attention to those "softer" aspects and make sure everything is in balance. Besides 34 technological controls, there are also 37 organizational controls, 8 people-oriented controls and 14 physical controls - and they are just as important.
7. Lack of (proper) documentation
Many organizations struggle with documentation. Either there is too little documentation, or it is unclear exactly what needs to be documented. Good documentation is the backbone of your ISO 27001 system. Take the time to set this up properly and show how it adds value. People need to see that good documentation is not just an obligation, but actually helps streamline processes and demonstrate compliance.
8. Translating policy into practice
Drafting policies is one thing, actually implementing them is another. How do you ensure that the policy not only remains on paper, but is also complied with? By linking policy directly to annual planning with controls and evidence, preferably in your task and project management system. This makes it concrete and feasible for your team to comply.
9. Legal and privacy overlooked
Informatiebeveiliging raakt ook aan juridische en privacykwesties. Dit wordt vaak vergeten, terwijl het juist essentieel is. Zorg dat je de juiste juridische kennis in huis hebt of inschakelt en dat je ook de privacywetgeving, zoals de AVG, meeneemt in je ISO 27001-systeem. Denk bijvoorbeeld aan het vastleggen van verwerkersovereenkomsten en het beveiligen van persoonsgegevens.
10. ISO as 'one person's party'
You often see the Security Officer or Quality Manager given all the responsibility for implementing ISO 27001. The danger is that the rest of the organization is not involved. ISO 27001 is an organization-wide project, not a solo project. Everyone needs to be included in the changes and understand what their role is.
In conclusion
A successful ISO 27001 implementation requires commitment at every level, from management to executive staff. By taking time, engaging the right people and focusing on both processes and technology, you'll put your organization on the map as a trusted partner in information security.
Have you already taken steps or are you running into any of these challenges? Share your experience or ask for advice, we'd love to think with you!
