7 reasons to achieve ISO 27001 certification in 2024

Let’s begin with a question

Can you think of a business or industry with zero online presence?

If you can’t come up with an answer, you’re not the only one!

Whether a simple email system or complex software, almost every business in any industry uses some form of digital means.

With this shift to digital comes a responsibility for businesses to protect their assets. By ‘assets’, we mean anything viewed as valuable and needing protection – such as sensitive customer data, cloud passwords and physical office files.


ISO 27001 offers a framework to keep vital data available, safe and secure, with plenty of benefits.

A summary of ISO 27001 in under 100 words

As the name suggests, ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) is the leading global standard for everything related to sensitive information and security.

Businesses certified to ISO 27001 demonstrate they have a watertight information security management system (ISMS) in place – one that gets ahead of threats.

Certification helps ensure that your business maintains the information security triad (data confidentiality, integrity and availability).


You can learn about this standard in more depth by visiting the ISO 27001 certification page.

ISO 27001 benefit #1 – Acting as a good starting point

Business security is more important than ever. While implementing security can seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be.

ISO 27001 gives you an internationally recognised, tried and tested framework from the very start. No matter whether your business is a multinational corporation or SME, or you’re a sole trader.


ISO 27001 is the first step to tighter security for your business and wider stakeholders.

ISO 27001 benefit #2 – Knowing and protecting your assets

As your business grows, it can be easy to forget what data you have – and where this information is stored and used.

For example, your marketing team may use an email campaign platform to send monthly newsletters. Your sales team might use software daily to track leads and update client data.


The ISO 27001 framework helps identify assets so that key safety measures can be put in place.

ISO 27001 benefit #3 – Abiding by national and global regulations

Governments worldwide have become increasingly concerned about the ‘what ifs’ associated with online data.

In the UK and Europe, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets legal guidelines for collecting and processing personal data from people living and outside of the European Union.


Your business must prove its compliance with relevant regulations and laws to achieve ISO 27001.

ISO 27001 benefit #4 – Preparing for and responding to incidents

Incidents can happen at any time and take any form. As the digital age continues to evolve, so do the types of incidents.

One of the greatest information security threats to a business 30 years ago might have been an office break-in. Today, even a seemingly harmless phishing email can halt operations entirely.


ISO 27001 helps identify and protect against risks – as well as respond if incidents do happen.

ISO 27001 benefit #5 – Boosting maturity and opportunities

Construction, healthcare, non-profit… businesses of all sizes in nearly every industry take part in a tendering process.

Being certified to ISO 27001 proves that you take security seriously (and is often mandatory). It can give your business an added competitive edge, plus let you skip the long questionnaires.


ISO 27001 keeps your business eligible for high-value contracts and a known supply chain partner.

ISO 27001 benefit #6 – Improving company image and reputation

When you run or work for a business, the last thing you want is to cause irreversible damage to its public image.

Say a data breach exposed confidential customer data and financial records. First, consider the legal and regulatory implications. Next, how do you think customers and partners will react?


A robust ISMS helps your business keep threats at bay – and trust levels at an all-time high.

ISO 27001 benefit #7 – Getting a third-party opinion about your ISMS

While any business can implement the ISO 27001 framework, certification goes the extra mile in backing up those claims.

NQA is a third-party certification body accredited by UKAS. We certify clients who follow the ISO 27001 framework and implement all the required controls, policies, and procedures.


An independent body such as NQA demonstrates that your ISMS works, without vested interests.

Final thoughts from NQA

As we have discussed today, ISO 27001 (Information Security Management) certification is an effective way to:

• Get serious about your business’ security 

• Understand and protect your vital assets

• Stay compliant with regulations and laws

• Identify and create an incident action plan

• Grow business maturity via opportunities

• Keep a positive public image and reputation

• Get third-party backing that your ISMS works

Want to learn more about keeping your business secure? Visit our ISO 27001 certification page.


If you’re ready to start the journey to ISO 27001 certification, speak to one of our experts today.