What is ISO 27001? Why is it important?

ISO 27001 is an Information Security Management System (ISMS) established by the International Standards Organization (ISO) that provides companies of all sizes with guidance on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an ISMS. This international standard is available to organizations globally.

The ISO 27001 standard is based on the three principles of information security, also known as the CIA triad:

1. Confidentiality – Only the right people can access information
2. Information Integrity – Data is reliably stored and maintained
3. Availability of Data – Information is only accessed and handled so that business purposes and customer expectations are satisfied

When a company implements an ISO 27001 program, you:

• Reduce vulnerability to cyber-attacks
• Identify and respond to potential security risks
• Prepare people, processes, and technology to face technology-based risks
• Secure information in all forms
• Ensure data integrity, confidentiality and availability
• Secure information in a centrally managed framework
• Provide organization-wide protection

Certification to ISO 27001 requires:

• Building an ISMS, compliant with the 114 identified controls
• Conducting a risk assessment and creating risk treatment strategies
• Implementing compliant processes and controls
• An audit completed by an ISO-accredited certification body
• Regular, documented monitoring of the ISO 27001 program

Sprout is proud to have all our ITAD processing facilities certified to the ISO 27001 standard, keeping our clients' sensitive data secure from potentially falling into the wrong hands. Reach out today to learn more about how Sprout manages data-bearing equipment from end to end and receive a no-obligation evaluation of your current (or aspirational) IT asset retirement process.