Why is ISO 27001 compliance now more important than ever?

For years, ISO 27001 has been recognized as the gold standard for information security management, guiding organizations in safeguarding their data assets against ever-growing risks. But have you ever wondered where ISO 27001 originated? How did it become the global benchmark for information security? And despite the rise of new cybersecurity frameworks, why does ISO 27001 continue to gain relevance in today’s digital landscape?

Let's explore the evolution of ISO 27001, and look at some key figures for the standard. We also look at why ISO 27001 is more important now than ever before.

Behind the standard is International Organization for Standardization (i.e. ISO)

The International Organization for Standardization, or ISO as we know it better, is the cornerstone of global standardization. Founded over 70 years ago in 1947, ISO is an independent, non-governmental entity that develops global standards to ensure quality, safety, and efficiency across industries. Organization has published over 24,000 standards covering technology, manufacturing, environmental management, and information security, helping businesses improve processes and ensure compliance. Few of ISO standards worth mentioning:  

• 💎 ISO 9001 sets out the criteria for a quality management system (QMS) and is the only standard in the family that can be certified to.
• 🌱 ISO 14001 specifies the requirements for an effective environmental management system (EMS).
• 🏥 ISO 45001 is the international standard for occupational health and safety, providing a framework to improve employee safety, reduce workplace risks, and create better, safer working conditions.
• ⚡️ ISO 50001 provides a framework to manage energy performance including energy efficiency, use, and consumption.
• 🛡️ ISO 27001 focuses on information security management practices to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

For information security professionals, the ISO 27000 family of standards is essential. Specifically the ISO 27001, which provides the requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). In this article, we will take a view of the origin of ISO 27001, and why is it important. If you want to know more about the content of the standard, we have a separate article dedicated to just this: What is ISO 27001? Intro to the global information security gold standard.

The origins of ISO/IEC 27001

ISO 27001 was created to meet the growing need for a clear way to manage information security. As businesses relied more on digital data and technology, there was an increased risk of data breaches and cyberattacks. This standard was developed to help organizations protect their data and ensure its confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

The original ISO 27001 standard was first published in 2005. It is important to understand that ISO standards are not static. They are reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in technology and the threat landscape. ISO 27001:2022 is the third and latest revision of the standard, released to address evolving cybersecurity threats.

Companies certfied towards the previous, ISO27001:2013 revision must transition to the 2022 revision before 31.10.2025. After October 2025, ISO 27001:2013 certificates will no longer be valid.

Read our article to understand what changed between ISO 27001:2013 and ISO 27001:2022 versions.

ISO 27001 provides a universal set of practices for information security management. This common language allows different organizations and countries to effectively collaborate on security, both internally and with external partners. Standard's popularity can be found, for instance from it's structured approach and adaptibility among industries. When diving into the numbers, the significance of ISO 27001 is clear. According to the ISO Survey 2022, more than 70,000 certificates were issued across 150 countries. This not only underscores the global acceptance of this standard but also illustrates the shared trust and confidence that certified organizations inspire in stakeholders.

4 reasons for the growing importance of ISO 27001 compliance

1. Cybercrime is constantly increasing

Cybercrime is predicted to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually by 2025.

The constant evolution of security threats and the increased regulatory demands mean that adhering to standards such as ISO 27001 is not optional but essential. A security breach can have far-reaching effects, and ISO 27001 acts as a reassuring shield against such risks. Whether you are a small or a large organization, these numbers reflect the standard's effectiveness and the growing necessity for its adoption.

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ISO 27001 encourages organizations to continuously improve, as seen in requirement 10.2. It states that "the organization needs to continually improve the suitability, adequacy, and effectiveness of the information security management system." This continuous improvement approach helps organizations stay proactive, adaptive, and resilient against evolving cyber threats.

Here are some of the areas where ISO 27001 supports the organisation's defences through continuous improvement:

• Adaptive risk management – Continuously assesses and mitigates emerging cyber threats, reducing vulnerabilities to cybercriminal tactics.
• Regular security updates, patching, and continuous monitoring – Ensures timely software updates, vulnerability management, and proactive threat detection to minimize exploitable weaknesses.
• Incident response and recovery – Strengthens detection, response, and recovery capabilities to minimize damage from cyberattacks.
• Security awareness and training – Reduces human-related security risks through ongoing employee education and awareness programs.
• Strengthening supply chain security – Enforces security standards for third parties to prevent supply chain cyber threats.

2. Poor information security skills

A study by CyberArk reveals that around 49% of participants confessed to using the same login credentials across various work applications.

Organizations still struggle with poor information security skills among personell. An organization's information security is only as good as its weakest link, and when it comes to poor information security skills within organizations, it's clear that human error remains one of the biggest vulnerabilities. Many breaches are the result of inadequate training and awareness around cybersecurity practices. Employees might unknowingly click on phishing emails or fail to update passwords, creating entry points for attackers. These gaps in knowledge can be detrimental, but they also represent an opportunity for improvement.

A key component of ISO 27001 is ongoing employee awareness and training, reducing human errors that often lead to cyber incidents (e.g., falling for phishing scams or weak password practices). By adopting ISO 27001, businesses can enhance their cybersecurity posture, reduce human-related security risks, and align with best practices to protect sensitive information.

Regular training and improving employee skills can greatly reduce these gaps. Providing staff with proper knowledge about information security not only strengthens an organization’s defenses but also creates a proactive culture focused on security. This makes sure everyone helps protect sensitive information, reducing the risk of threats.

3. New information security requirements constantly appearing

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As digitalization and cybercrime evolve, new requirements and legislation will continuously emerge. The regulatory landscape is becoming increasingly complex, with stringent data protection laws like the GDPR and legislations to more critical sectors, like NIS2 and DORA, along with hefty fines for non-compliance. Supply chains may also require compliance in multiple requirements by these legislations, so it's important that organisations have structured solutions in place for compliance.

So how ISO 27001 is relevant here? ISO 27001:2022 provides a framework that aligns with many of these regulations, helping organizations demonstrate compliance and avoid hefty fines and legal repercussions.  As many regulations  require robust security measures, implementing ISO 27001 helps organizations meet these requirements by ensuring stuctured controls for e.g. data protection, risk management, and access management.

4. The need to prove your information security status (e.g. for customers)

Companies with ISO 27001 certification see a 30% increase in customer trust.

Previously a handshake and promise of "taking good care of your data" might have been enough for many customers. Not anymore.

Today, it's more important than ever for organizations to really demonstrate they can protect information. When people know their data is protected, they feel more confident to engage with you, which strengthens your place in the market. For this, a relevant compliance or certification can be enough to reassure that the sensitive data is handled securely, strengthening relationships and loyalty.

ISO 27001 is internationally accepted proof of strong cybersecurity practices and unlike regulations like GDPR or NIS2, ISO 27001 offers a possibility to certification. ISO certification is recognized worldwide as a mark of trust and reliability, facilitating smoother business transactions and partnerships by providing confidence in an organization's commitment to information security.

So overall, ISO 27001 certification not only strengthens cyber resilience but also enhances trust, compliance, and business efficiency.

In conclusion

In an era of increasing cyber threats and stringent regulations, ISO 27001 is no longer optional—it’s essential. By adopting this standard, businesses strengthen cybersecurity, build trust, and future-proof operations against ever-changing risks.