An ISMS defines the scope, policies, risks, and controls that protect information.
ISO 27001 compliance explained
Understand the ISO 27001 standard and how to run an ISMS.
Learn what ISO 27001 compliance means, what the regulators expect, and how to build an audit-ready Information Security Management System (ISMS).
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is the international ISO 27001 standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). It sets the requirements for managing information security risks, selecting controls, and improving security over time.
ISO 27001 compliance focuses on assessing risk and choosing controls that fit your context.
Independent audits test whether your ISMS is working and improving.
Why it matters
Why ISO 27001 compliance builds trust
Customer confidence. ISO 27001 compliance proves you manage information security with a repeatable ISMS.
Regulatory alignment. The ISO 27001 standard supports privacy, cyber, and industry obligations with clear controls.
Operational clarity. Teams get clear ownership for policies, access reviews, and incident response.
Evidence
How to evidence ISO 27001 standard requirements
- Define the ISMS scope. List the information assets, locations, and services covered by ISO 27001 compliance.
- Document risk assessment and treatment. Record threats, impacts, and your Statement of Applicability (SoA).
- Prove controls operate. Keep policies, training logs, access reviews, and incident records ready for the audit.
Cadence
How to keep ISO 27001 compliance on track
- Review risks regularly. Revisit ISMS risks and update controls when the business changes.
- Run internal audits. Test controls, log findings, and track remediation.
- Hold management reviews. Leadership signs off on ISMS performance, metrics, and improvements.
- Prepare for certification cycles. Plan external audits and keep evidence current.
ISO 27001 compliance quick wins
Set a clear ISMS scope statement
Agree what information, systems, and teams fall under the ISO 27001 standard.
Start a risk register and treatment plan
Capture risks, owners, controls, and timelines in one place.
Create an audit-ready evidence hub
Store policies, approvals, and logs so ISO 27001 compliance reviews are faster.
ISO 27001 glossary snapshot
ISO 27001 glossary snapshot
ISMS. The management system that governs how you protect information, manage risk, and improve security.
Statement of Applicability (SoA). A document that lists which ISO 27001 controls apply and why.
Risk treatment plan. The plan that maps risks to controls, owners, and timelines.
FAQs
ISO 27001 FAQs
What is ISO 27001 compliance?
ISO 27001 compliance means meeting the ISO 27001 standard by running an ISMS, managing information security risks, and passing certification audits.
What does an ISMS include?
An ISMS includes the scope, policies, risk assessment, controls, training, monitoring, and improvement activities that keep information secure.
How long does ISO 27001 certification take?
Timelines vary by scope and maturity, but most teams spend several months building the ISMS and preparing for audits.
Do we need every ISO 27001 control?
No. ISO 27001 requires you to select controls based on risk and document the choices in the Statement of Applicability.
Drova RunSure centralises obligations, evidence, and audit trails in one integrated platform.