With marketing becoming a more online-oriented industry, the risk of customer data being exposed to security risks is becoming prominent. Customers need to feel safe about sharing information with brands and companies. When customers know their information is safe, they’ll continue to support you.
Because of this, securing customer data should be a top priority for marketers. This is where ISO 27001 comes in.
Many companies are utilizing ISO 27001 to help ensure that the proper safeguards are in place. ISO 27001 is an international standard that helps companies manage information security. It’s a framework that can ensure that customer data is kept safe and secure.
In this article, we’ll talk more about ISO 27001 and how you can use it to secure customer data. We’ll also discuss the various benefits of implementing ISO 27001.
What Is ISO 27001?
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is an organization that develops international standards for a variety of industries and systems. This includes standards for information security management.
ISO 27001 is a standard that provides guidelines for information security management systems. It applies to any organization or company that stores customer data, including marketing firms and agencies.
With this standard, companies can follow a framework that protects customer data from threats such as breaches, theft, malicious attacks, and more.
Many companies utilize ISO 27001 to gain customers’ trust and credibility. Taking measures to secure customer data shows customers that they can build trust with a brand since their data remains confidential.
What Are the Benefits of Implementing ISO 27001?
The main benefit of implementing ISO 27001 is it helps protect customer data. ISO 27001 implementation also assures customers that their information is safe.
Here are some more benefits of using this standard:
icon-angle-right Increased Trust from Customers
Implementing ISO 27001 shows customers that you are taking their security seriously. This can help you build trust and loyalty with them.
It’s also a great way to differentiate yourself from other companies. Remember that customers will continue supporting brands that make them feel safe and secure.
Implementing ISO 2700 shows your customers that their data is secure. It shows them that you’re taking the necessary steps to protect their important information.
In the long run, this implementation helps build your customer base because they know you prioritize their information’s safety.
icon-angle-right Improved Privacy Policies
ISO 27001 also helps companies create better privacy policies. The standard requires companies to develop a plan for managing customer data and ensuring they’re kept secure.
Encrypting data, having access controls in place, and creating strict processes for handling data are just some ways to improve privacy policies. By following these guidelines, companies can create better policies that protect customer data.
icon-angle-right Regulatory Compliance
Lastly, ISO 27001 also helps companies remain compliant with regulations like GDPR. Compliance with these regulations is essential for companies that work in certain industries like healthcare or finance.
Following the guidelines of ISO 27001 ensures that companies abide by all applicable regulations.
It can be difficult to keep up with the ever-changing regulations. However, ISO 27001 provides a framework companies can use to ensure compliance.
One way to do this is by creating an ISO 27001 compliance checklist. A checklist outlines what your organization must do to comply with various regulations.
icon-angle-right Competitive Advantage
Implementing ISO 27001 also provides companies with a competitive advantage. Data breaches and privacy concerns are becoming very common today. This makes customers more wary about which companies they can trust with their data.
Showing customers that you’ve taken the necessary steps to secure customer data helps you stand out from the competition. Your competitive advantage can also lead to more sales and loyal customers.
What Does ISO 27001 Include?
ISO 27001 includes a range of different requirements for information security management systems. Companies following these requirements can help create better security policies and processes when protecting customer data.
Here are some of the things included in ISO 27001:
icon-angle-right Risk Assessment and Management
ISO 27001 includes guidelines for risk assessment and management. They must identify potential threats, assess their associated risks, and develop strategies to mitigate them.
It’s inevitable to encounter risks when running a business. ISO 27001 can help you identify and mitigate risks by providing a framework you can follow. There’s no need to second guess what you’re doing when you can use ISO 27001 as a guide.
icon-angle-right Information Security Policies
ISO 27001 also includes requirements for developing information security policies. This includes things like creating access controls, establishing procedures for handling customer data, and encrypting data
By following these guidelines, companies can create better security policies that protect customer data.
icon-angle-right Information Security Management Systems (ISMS)
ISO 27001 can also help companies implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This is a system that provides guidelines for how to protect customer data and ensure it remains secure.
An ISMS includes things like setting up access controls, establishing procedures for handling customer data, and encrypting data. By following these guidelines, companies can create a secure environment for their customer data.
icon-angle-right Business Continuity Management
ISO 27001 includes guidelines for business continuity management. A continuity management plan helps businesses prepare for potential disruptions. If they encounter these disruptions, they can quickly recover and continue operations.
For instance, experiencing a data breach or cybersecurity attack requires you to recover quickly and minimize the impact on your customers.
ISO 27001 can help you create such a plan. The standard provides a guide on what you can do to protect customer data in these environments.
icon-angle-right Training and Awareness Programs
ISO 27001 also outlines requirements for creating training and awareness programs. This includes things like educating employees about security policies, teaching them how to recognize potential threats, and reinforcing best practices.
By providing this education, companies can ensure that everyone in the organization knows their security policies and procedures.
How to Get an ISO 27001 Certification
An ISO 27001 certification can help demonstrate that your organization is following ISO 27001. It’s pretty straightforward to get certified.
All you need to do is create an ISMS, document your security policy, and demonstrate that you follow the requirements outlined in ISO 27001. You can then have your ISMS certified by a third-party auditor.
Remember that different companies will go through different steps for ISO 27001 certification. This is because companies have different ways of storing data.
So, make sure you understand what’s expected of you before getting started. For example, the size of your organization and how much data you have will all impact the process of getting your certification.
Not all companies need to get ISO 27001 certified. However, certification can significantly benefit companies that handle sensitive customer data.
As mentioned earlier, it can give you a competitive advantage since it shows customers that you’re taking steps to protect their data.
The Bottom Line
ISO 27001 can help companies create better security policies and processes for their data. Implementing this standard brings various benefits to your company. Your customers are more likely to trust your company if they see that you value their safety.
If you want to gain customer trust, you can get an ISO 27001 certification. This certification shows that your company follows different requirements needed for protecting customer data.