dotSec achieves ISO 27001 certification
dotSec is thrilled to announce a recent milestone: Achievement of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification!
This achievement represents a significant step forward in our ongoing commitment to excellence in information security management. ISO 27001 is a globally recognized standard that outlines the best practices for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
dotSec’s journey to ISO 27001 certification as not merely a compliance exercise; it reflects our deep commitment to safeguarding our clients’ data and maintaining the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information assets.
Our team has worked diligently to structure and implement an ISMS, a process that has involved the allocation of key roles and responsibilities, a comprehensive risk identification and treatment plan, the establishment of security objectives, and the implementation of robust controls to mitigate identified risks.
Having now achieved ISO 27001 certification ourselves, we have gained invaluable hands-on experience in managing our own ISO 27001 compliance project from start to finish. Although it’s included in any ISO 27001 documentation you might read, we now have a clear and personal understanding the way in which timely and affordable certification depends on effective leadership, project resourcing, detailed documentation, ongoing monitoring, and continuous improvement.
Our insights and recommendations are rooted in real-world experience, ensuring that our clients benefit from the practical, tested strategies that we developed to drive our own successful certification outcome.
Why ISO/IEC 27001:2022?
In summary, because we want to constantly improve and find new ways to demonstrate our core competencies. Or to put it another way, because we view ISO 27001 certification as one of our strategic investments.
An investment is strategic when it aligns with the organisation’s overall goals and provides long-term benefits. ISO 27001 fits this bill perfectly. It’s not just a cost of doing business or a box to check off for compliance purposes (well, it can be, but more on that below). When successful, ISO 27001 is a value-for-money investment into bolstering an organisation’s information security foundations.
Implementing ISO 27001 requires resources – time, money, and manpower. But considering the increasing risk of data breaches and cyber threats, the cost of not investing could be much higher. A single data breach could result in financial losses that far exceed the cost of ISO 27001 implementation, not to mention the potential damage to our reputation. And TPSP breaches have certainly been on the increase over the past few years, with some potentially career-changing consequences.
Moreover, ISO 27001 certification signals to our customers, partners, and stakeholders that dotSec takes data security seriously. It builds trust and as more businesses and consumers become conscious of data security, being ISO 27001-certified could become a deciding factor for potential clients when choosing between us and our competitors.
ISO 27001 and PCI DSS compliance
In addition to ISO 27001, dotSec is also a PCI QSA company, and a PCI DSS-compliant service provider with an Attestation of Compliance (AoC) to prove it. This dual certification highlights our comprehensive approach to security and compliance.
A Third Party Service Provider (TPSP) Attestation of Compliance (AoC) is a declaration, provided by the TPSP, that confirms that the TPSP has implemented specified controls from the PCI DSS.
An AoC can be issued following a successful audit conducted by a Qualified Security Assessor (QSA), or created by the TPSP following a self-assessment against one of the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Self-Assessment Questionnaires (SAQs).
An AoC includes details about the TPSP’s name, the version of the PCI DSS they were audited against, which requirements were tested and found to be in place and which were not applicable. This comes in real handy for our clients when they need to report on PCI DSS v4 control 12.8.5. Why? Because that control states that a merchant must maintain information “about which PCI DSS requirements are managed by each TPSP, which are managed by the entity, and any that are shared between the TPSP and the entity.” If a TPSP can hand over an AoC, then complying with 12.8.5 is a doddle because the AoC provides the merchant with assurance that the TPSP has implemented all of the PCI DSS controls for which the TPSP has agreed to be responsible.
Between ISO 27001 and the PCI DSS, it is clear: We don’t just talk about compliance at dotSec; we live it daily, making sure our infosec practices meet the highest standards, and hold the certificates to prove it.
Why ISO/IEC 27001 also matters for your business
ISO 27001 is an international standard that provides a robust framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). The standard sets out the requirements for how to manage the security of various assets such as financial information, intellectual property, employee details, or information entrusted to a business by third parties.
Despite increased spending and awareness, data breaches are more prevalent than ever before. The consequences of such breaches can be devastating, leading to financial losses and serious damage to an organisation’s reputation.
This is where ISO 27001 helps most. It offers an effective way to manage risks, helping to ensure that an organisation’s information and reputation are appropriately and effectively protected.
Make no mistake though: ISO 27001 is not a silver bullet! It’s about process; about establishing a culture of security within the organisation. An organisation that uses ISO 27001 to its advantage will create processes and policies that ensure every member of the organisation understands the importance of information security and their role in maintaining it.
ISO 27001 about creating a proactive, rather than reactive approach to information security.
Gautham
Our ISO/IEC 27001:2022 lead assessor for our own compliance project. (Gautham is also a certified lead implementer).
Prabal
Our certified ISO/IEC 27001:2022 lead implementer for the dotSec compliance project
Walk with us, we know how to get there!
dotSec’s dual certifications in ISO 27001 and PCI DSS solidify our position as a leader in the cybersecurity industry. Our commitment to security excellence and our proven compliance practices enable us to provide unparalleled Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) support to our clients. Our certifications are a testament to our team’s hard work and dedication, and we look forward to continuing to provide exceptional cybersecurity services and supporting our clients in achieving their security goals.
Most importantly, we have actually done the work to become certified against ISO/IEC 27001 and PCI DSS, so we know what it takes to achieve and maintain compliance with these two demanding standards. Give us a call if you intend on going down a similar certification path, and be confident that we don’t just talk the certification and compliance talk, we walk the walk.
And we have the certifications to prove it!