9 Companies Offering ISO 27001 Consulting Services for SMBs

Small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) must understand the value of gaining an ISO 27001 certification and know how to find an exemplary consulting service to help them. Cyberattacks are increasing on SMBs, so earning a certification focused on information security management is a logical step forward.

Why Should Companies Obtain an ISO 27001 Certification?

An ISO 27001 certification is an international standard focused on information security, and it applies to businesses of all sizes across various industries. These credible certifications build trust in the industry and ensure that a company is compliant. Businesses can obtain the certification themselves or work with a consultant to ensure compliance before the audit. The certification relies on three principles, which are confidentiality, integrity and availability.

To obtain the certification, companies must have an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that has undergone a risk assessment and subsequent treatment to ensure all of the business’s data is protected. SMBs also need a customized approach since each one is typically different.

Who Offers ISO 27001 Consulting Services for SMBs?

While businesses can attempt to pass the certification themselves, choosing a consulting company alleviates some burden. The following are the top consulting services for SMBs.

1.    CBIZ Pivot Point Security

CBIZ Pivot Point Security is a top consulting service for SMBs. It features a simplified certification process with continued management. The company’s expert consultants assist with certification, maintenance, data privacy management systems, cloud security and general data privacy. It has a proven process, including phases with defined ISMS scope and objectives, as well as data risk identification and developed control measures. The company also helps SMBs procure documents, procedures and policies required for ISO 27001 certification.

2.    GRC Solutions

GRC Solutions, formerly known as IT Governance, is a consulting service with over 20 years of real-world experience in the field. It practices a pragmatic approach when preparing clients for ISO 27001 certification. Available pricing is transparent and relevant to any organization. The company also offers a Fasttrack Service that helps SMBs prepare for certification in 3-6 months. The team consistently updates its methodology to accommodate new regulations and technologies, while offering certification training courses for interested clients.

3.    A-Listware

A-Listware comprises a team of certified auditors and other experts who consult with companies to help them achieve ISO 27001 certification. It provides tailored, practical support to meet the information demands of most companies. A partnership with A-Listware includes multidisciplinary expertise, transparent collaboration, systematic risk-based approaches and structured engagement models.

4.    Bridewell

Bridewell offers complete ISO 27001 certification services, including assessment, implementation and ongoing management. The company employs cybersecurity experts and experienced auditors who help SMBs. Its approach is strategic and business-driven with steps such as scoping the design and planning, assessing cyber and information risk, operating and implementing, and auditing and reassurance. It helps SMBs in any industry by leveraging the team’s deep technical expertise and diverse experience across multiple sectors.

5.    XpertDPO

XpertDPO aids companies with many types of data protection audits, including ISO 27001 certification. Its expert team has real audit experience in both the public and private sectors. The company’s consulting process includes audit intake and scope alignment, risk-based gap analysis, audit closure and future readiness, evidence and accountability mapping, stakeholder engagement and validation, and finding response and remediation strategies.

6.    CyberSecOp

CyberSecOp features a team of experts who provide deep information security process control expertise. The company’s methodology works in four phases, which are gap assessment and scoping, implementation, pre-audit readiness assessment and security improvement programs. The entire process takes around three months to complete. CyberSecOp collaborates with a wide range of businesses.

7.    Blackmores

Blackmores is the creator of the Isology framework for obtaining certification, which is a seven-step consultancy process. The steps include planning, discovery, exposure, creation, launch, engagement and review. A team of ISO consultants works with many leading organizations of all sizes. SMBs can also utilize Blackmores’ IsologyHub, an online membership offering additional consultancy services.

8.    GISPL

GISPL provides professional consultancy to businesses seeking to achieve ISO 27001 certification. The company’s process begins by reviewing the SMBs’ current security controls and determining their effectiveness. Some areas it reviews include informational practices, policies and procedures. GISPL offers additional standardization consultations as well.

9.    Bulletproof

Bulletproof is a cost-effective ISO 27001 consultancy option. The company offers fast quotes with experienced auditors. It provides a compliance report for easy comprehension. The consultant process includes gap analysis, implementation, internal auditing, transitioning to the new version of certification and maintenance. Bulletproof works with any size business.

Below is a table summarizing the key features of each consultant.

Methodology for Finding an ISO 27001 Consultant

The methodology businesses should follow when searching for an ISO 27001 consultant includes several criteria. The following outlines the most important ones.

Experience with SMBs

The consultant should demonstrate specific experience with SMBs to ensure they understand how this type of business works. Some consultants work with many different businesses, but those with particular SMB experience are ideal.

Business Approach

The consultant’s approach to the consulting process should be practical and business-like. Each step should follow logically from the last and work toward the overall certification goal.

Clear Project Scope

Consultants must provide a clear project scope to keep companies informed about every stage of the process, as well as the cost of the entire service. Knowing the process and price can determine whether SMBs work with them or not.

Expertise in Certification Process

Finally, the consultant should have expertise in the ISO 27001 certification process. The certification requires specific steps and guidelines during the audit that can only be accurately tracked by those with expertise.

Benefits of an ISO 27001 Certification

The cybersecurity landscape is constantly evolving as new technologies and infiltration techniques emerge. Obtaining an ISO 27001 certification benefits companies in many ways against this growing threat.

Customer Trust

One benefit of the certification is that it builds customer trust. With the rise of cyberattacks targeting small businesses, customers are increasingly seeking out companies with robust security measures to protect their information. If SMBs demonstrate their compliance through a certificate, customers then have evidence that their data is safe.

Competitive Advantage

SMBs with certifications appear more credible than those without them. Other companies want to partner with businesses that will protect their data, and an ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that clearly. Beneficial partnerships create more business opportunities, leading to customer influx and potential revenue.

Improved Security

The assessment process required to earn an ISO 27001 certification is extensive. Once completed, it enhances the security of SMBs’ systems, making it more difficult for attackers to infiltrate the platform and cause unnecessary disruptions.

Supply Chain Requirements

If a cyberattacker breaks into the supply chain network, they can cause mayhem that halts operations and creates disgruntled customers and lost revenue. The certification solidifies supply chain security with its specific auditing process.

Remember the cost of inaction as well. SMBs without certifications may suffer significant financial and reputational damage following a data breach. The best way to avoid this outcome is to obtain an ISO 27001 certification, possibly by working with a credible consulting service.

Ensure Secure Company Data

The ISO 27001 certification is critical for SMBs looking to stay ahead of the competition and protect the company’s data. Expert guidance is a good idea to ensure SMBs check all the boxes before applying for certification. To take the first step toward a secure future, companies should review the criteria above and consider consulting a trusted expert.