ISO 27001: standard for information security
ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security. The standard helps organizations recognize risks, take measures and continuously improve. In addition, it is a solid basis for compliance: with a well-designed management system you not only meet the requirements of customers, but also a large part of new guidelines such as the NIS2.
For organizations that take their information security seriously, achieving ISO certification is the logical next step.
ISO 27001: not just for large organizations
There is still a perception that this ISO certification is mainly something for companies operating in IT. That is outdated. SMEs, municipalities, healthcare institutions and educational organizations also deal with sensitive information on a daily basis. And that is precisely where a leak can have a major impact.
An ISO certification, for a company in an SME for example, not only strengthens security, but also offers commercial advantages. Increasingly, tenders or customer contracts are asking for ISO certification as proof of careful handling of information. Suppliers to NIS2 organizations, who are facing more requirements in connection with the NIS2, will also increasingly have to demonstrably meet information security requirements. ISO 27001 shows that you have taken the right measures and that your organization is reliable.
ISO 27001 in healthcare: the link to NEN 7510
For healthcare organizations, information security is extremely important. Medical data is among the most sensitive data out there (also called special personal data). Therefore, an additional standard applies in the healthcare sector: NEN 7510 (information security in healthcare).
NEN 7510 is based on ISO 27001 (and specifically ISO 27799), but focuses on protecting patient information. Those who choose the NEN 7510 lay a good foundation that makes the path to NEN 7510 much easier. In other words: with ISO 27001 you already cover most of the requirements; NEN 7510 supplements this with care-specific measures.
ISO 27001 for municipalities and educational institutions
The pressure on information security has also increased within the public sector. Municipalities must work in accordance with the BIO (Baseline Information Security Government) and educational institutions to IBP FO (Information Security Policy for Fundamental Education).
ISO 27001 helps here as a framework: it provides structure, ensures demonstrable control and helps to test policies and processes against the BIO or IBP FO. With this, government and educational organizations can not only comply with guidelines, but also radiate confidence to residents, parents and collaborative partners.
ISO 27001 as the basis for NIS2
With the advent of the NIS2 directive cybersecurity requirements are being tightened considerably, especially for larger organizations and vital sectors. ISO 27001 provides a solid foundation for meeting many of these obligations.
If you have ISO certification or are in the process of obtaining it, you already have many of the necessary processes in place. You can then expand your existing ISO 27001 structure with specific measures from NIS2. That way you stay compliant and efficient at the same time.
In summary, ISO 27001 is for everyone
Whether you work at a healthcare facility, municipality, educational organization or SME: if you handle sensitive information (such as personal data), ISO 27001 certification is relevant. There are even sole proprietorships with ISO 27001 certification. The standard and auditors take into account the context of the organization, so it is maintainable for any size of organization. Even better, it helps you manage risk, gain confidence and be prepared for future legislation such as NIS2.
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