The pressure on businesses to demonstrate robust information security practices has never been higher. Between evolving threats, changing regulations, and growing client expectations, ISO 27001, especially its newer version ISO27001:2022 isn’t just a badge of honour—it’s fast becoming a business necessity.

At Spector IT, we recently hosted a webinar titled ISO 27001:2022 Unlocked, where leading experts Stefan DeBono and Sam Glynn broke down the complexities of the new standard, how it fits into today’s regulatory landscape, and why aligning to ISO 27001 is a strategic move for businesses of all sizes.

If you’re still wondering whether ISO 27001 is worth the time and investment, this post is for you.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the internationally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS). The 2022 update brought with it a more streamlined structure, 4 updated control categories (organisational, people, physical, and technological), and closer alignment with emerging regulations like NIS2 and DORA.

But more than that, it offers a clear framework for managing information risk—not just to tick a box, but to build operational resilience

Why ISO 27001 Is More Important Than Ever

1. Navigating the New Regulatory Landscape

With the arrival of NIS2 and DORA, regulatory expectations have become more prescriptive. For many businesses, this is their first real encounter with strict compliance requirements. ISO 27001 provides a ready-made structure to meet 80% of these expectations, helping businesses avoid costly missteps and align with evolving rules.

As Sam Glynn put it during the webinar:

“It’s not about having perfect security—it’s about showing you’ve taken reasonable steps to manage risk.”

2. Winning Trust with Clients and Partners

Large enterprises and regulated entities increasingly demand ISO 27001 certification from their vendors. It shortens procurement cycles, reduces the need for extensive due diligence, and signals to clients that you’re serious about information security.

One webinar case study shared how a SaaS company cut down their onboarding time for enterprise clients by weeks—just by having their ISO 27001 certificate in hand.

3. Streamlining Internal Processes

Implementing ISO 27001 isn’t just about impressing clients. It’s a business transformation.

From conducting risk assessments and defining scope, to building policies and training staff, the process forces you to tighten internal operations and address gaps you may not have known existed.

“Now that you’ve shown me these gaps—I can’t unsee them,” said a company director, as shared by Stefan. That’s the power of ISO: it reveals the cracks before they turn into breaches.

ISO 27001:2022 – Key Changes and Benefits

The updated standard:

• Aligns more closely with cloud environments and modern digital infrastructure

• Introduces 4 domains of controls: organisational, people, physical, and technological

• Supports compliance with DORA, NIS2, GDPR, and other regulations

• Enables more effective vendor and third-party risk management

More importantly, it sets up a repeatable and auditable system for managing information security—one that evolves with your business.

A 10-Step Path to Certification

As outlined during the webinar, here’s a simplified roadmap to achieving ISO 27001:2022:

1. Understand the requirements and domains

2. Define your scope

3. Conduct a gap analysis

4. Perform a risk assessment

5. Build policies and documentation

6. Train your team

7. Fix the identified gaps

8. Run an internal audit

9. Conduct a management review

10. Undergo external audit for certification

This isn’t a one-size-fits-all checklist. Every organisation starts from a different baseline—and success depends on tailoring the approach to your needs.

The Cost of Certification (And the Cost of Not Doing It)

Stefan broke it down into four categories:

• Consultancy Costs (external experts)

• Certification Costs (auditor fees)

• Internal Costs (staff time and opportunity cost)

• External Costs (legal reviews, pen testing, platform upgrades)

While initial costs can be a concern, not being certified may cost you even more—missed contracts, long sales cycles, and greater exposure to cyber risks.

Should You Certify or Simply Align?

If you’re not ready to invest in certification just yet, consider aligning with ISO 27001 first. That way, when a big opportunity comes knocking—or a regulation tightens—you’re not starting from scratch.

As Sam noted: “Certifying may cost €25K more, but aligning to ISO still gives you 90% of the benefit.”

Enhancing Reputation Through ISO 27001

Demonstrating Commitment to Security
One of the most significant benefits of ISO 27001 certification is that it shows your commitment to information security. This commitment can enhance your business’s reputation in several ways:

• Client Confidence: Clients are more likely to trust businesses that have proven they take information security seriously. ISO 27001 certification provides clients with the assurance that their data is being handled securely and responsibly.
• Competitive Advantage: In many industries, ISO 27001 certification is seen as a mark of excellence. Being certified can give your business a competitive edge over rivals who have not achieved the same level of security compliance.
• Brand Image: A strong reputation for security can enhance your brand image, making your business more attractive to potential clients and partners.

Meeting Regulatory Requirements
Many industries are subject to stringent regulatory requirements regarding data protection and information security. ISO 27001 certification helps businesses meet these requirements, which can prevent legal issues and fines, further boosting their reputation.

For example, companies in the healthcare sector must comply with regulations like HIPAA in the United States. Achieving ISO 27001 certification can help demonstrate compliance with such regulations, ensuring that your business is seen as trustworthy and reliable.

Building Trust with Stakeholders

Supplier and Partner Confidence
ISO 27001 certification also helps build trust with suppliers and partners. When your business is certified, it signals to your supply chain that you adhere to high standards of information security. This can facilitate stronger partnerships and smoother collaborations, as partners feel more secure working with your business.

Investor Assurance
Investors are increasingly aware of the risks associated with information security. ISO 27001 certification can provide them with the assurance that your business is proactively managing these risks. This can make your company a more attractive investment opportunity.

Employee Trust
Internal stakeholders, such as employees, also benefit from your business’s ISO 27001 certification. When employees know that their company values and protects information security, it fosters a culture of trust and responsibility within the organization. This can lead to higher employee morale and retention.

Final Thoughts: More Than a Checkbox

At Spector IT, ISO 27001 isn’t just about ticking compliance boxes. It’s a way for us—and our clients—to build trust, strengthen systems, and scale with confidence.

As one client shared during the session: “We used to spend weeks answering security questionnaires. Now, we just say—‘See attached ISO certificate.’”

In a world full of uncertainty, ISO 27001 offers structure, assurance, and peace of mind.

Ready to Start Your ISO 27001 Journey?

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a powerful way to enhance your business’s reputation and build trust with clients, partners, and stakeholders. By demonstrating a commitment to information security, meeting regulatory requirements, and fostering a culture of trust, ISO 27001 can provide significant benefits to your business. The process of implementing and maintaining an ISMS may require effort and resources, but the long-term advantages far outweigh the initial investment.

In a world where information security is increasingly important, ISO 27001 certification is not just a nice-to-have – it’s a necessity. Start your journey towards certification today and reap the benefits of a stronger, more trustworthy business.

Whether you’re looking to align, transition from ISO 27001:2013, or get certified from scratch, our team is here to help.

👉 Book a free consultation with our experts

Let’s take the complexity out of compliance—and make ISO 27001 work for you.