Implementing an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS (information security management system) can be a complex and time-consuming process.
Traditional implementation approaches can take up to 18 months and consume significant resources, which is simply not feasible for many businesses facing immediate security challenges or compliance deadlines.
However, there is another way.
In a recent webinar, Andrew Pattison, our Head of GRC Consultancy Europe, explained how to implement an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS in just 3 to 6 months using our proven FastTrack
methodology.
What is ISO 27001 FastTrack?
The FastTrack methodology is a streamlined approach to ISO 27001 implementation designed to significantly reduce the time and resources needed to prepare for ISO 27001 certification compared to traditional methods.
Key components of the FastTrack approach:
- Expert consultancy
Access to experienced consultants who guide you through design, development and implementation. - Comprehensive support
Help implementing a complete, documented ISMS. - Customisable templates
Ready-to-use templates for information security processes. - Security awareness programme:
Tools to enhance information security awareness across your organisation. - Management review facilitation
Expert guidance for conducting effective management reviews. - Integrated platform
Access to the Cloud-based CyberComply platform for simplified compliance management.
The FastTrack methodology is designed to minimise disruption to daily operations while ensuring that your organisation meets all the necessary requirements for ISO 27001 certification.
It’s not about taking shortcuts – it’s about having a structured, efficient approach with expert guidance at every step.
The business case: time and cost benefits
| Approach | Typical timeframe | Relative cost |
| DIY implementation | 18+ months | 100% (baseline) |
| DIY with additional resources | 12+ months | 80 – 90% |
| DIY with additional resources and CyberComply | 6 – 8 months | 60 – 70% |
| FastTrack with CyberComply | 3 – 6 months | 25 – 30% |
The FastTrack approach can reduce implementation costs by up to 75% compared to traditional methods, primarily through:
- Shortening the implementation timeline, reducing ongoing consultant costs
- Using pre-built templates and frameworks, eliminating the need to create documentation from scratch
- Minimising false starts and providing expert guidance through a proven process
- Optimising resource allocation with clear, focused activities
- Providing a certification guarantee when following the prescribed approach
For organisations facing tight deadlines, such as customer requirements to achieve certification within a specific timeframe, the FastTrack approach provides a reliable pathway to meeting those obligations without compromising on quality.
Key steps to implementing an ISMS with FastTrack
Step 1: Project mandate and context
Begin by gathering information for your information security policies, defining the scope of your ISMS, and facilitating management approval of central documents. This establishes the context of your organization, including internal and external issues relevant to achieving your information security objectives.
Step 2: Leadership engagement
Secure leadership buy-in and commitment of resources. With the FastTrack approach, setting a firm target date for certification is crucial – this focuses the organization and creates a sense of urgency. Leadership involvement is essential for successful implementation.
Step 3: Risk management
Develop a robust information security risk management process. This is the core driver of your ISMS – identify, analyse and treat risks to your information assets. The FastTrack methodology includes access to risk assessment tools within the CyberComply platform, streamlining this critical process.
Step 4: Statement of applicability
Create your SoA (Statement of Applicability) documenting which controls from ISO 27001 Annex A you’ve implemented, which you haven’t and your justification for any exclusions. The FastTrack approach provides templates and guidance to make this process straightforward.
Step 5: Documentation and training
Address the remaining ISMS processes and controls, including documentation and staff training. The FastTrack approach includes customisable templates and awareness programmes to significantly reduce the time spent creating documentation from scratch.
Step 6: Measurement and monitoring
Implement processes to measure, monitor and review the effectiveness of your ISMS. The CyberComply platform provides tools for ongoing monitoring and management of your security controls.
Step 7: Internal audit and management review
Conduct an internal audit and management review before certification. The FastTrack approach includes support for these activities, ensuring you’re fully prepared for the external certification audit.
Step 8: Certification audit
Undergo Stage 1 (documentation review) and Stage 2 (implementation verification) certification audits with your chosen certification body. With proper preparation through the FastTrack methodology, these audits become a straightforward validation of your work rather than a stressful obstacle.
Listen to the free webinar
Want to know more about accelerating your ISO 27001 implementation? Download the webinar recording to hear Andrew explain more about the FastTrack methodology and how it can benefit your organisation.
Scoping your ISMS: a critical first step
Proper scoping is fundamental to a successful ISO 27001 implementation. Your scope defines what is covered by your ISMS and appears on your certificate, making it visible to all stakeholders. The FastTrack methodology helps you determine the appropriate scope by considering:
- Sites and geographies
Which locations will be included in your certification? - Governance structure
Is there a single governing management structure for the scope? - Information assets
What information are you trying to protect and what is its value? - Business processes
Which processes need protection? - Legal and regulatory requirements
What compliance obligations must your ISMS address? - Stakeholder expectations
What do your customers, partners, and other stakeholders expect?
The scope must make logical sense to your stakeholders. Sometimes including your entire organization is simpler than creating a narrower scope, but this depends on your specific circumstances. The FastTrack methodology provides expert guidance on defining a scope that is both practical to implement and meaningful to your stakeholders.
Scoping tip
Remember that your scope must include everything under your direct control. You cannot include suppliers or other companies under your certification, even if they are critical to your operations.
Using CyberComply to support your implementation
A key component of the FastTrack methodology is the CyberComply platform, a Cloud-based compliance management system that provides:
- Risk assessment tools
Conduct asset-based or scenario-based risk assessments - Task management
Assign, track, and document security tasks across your organisation - Document repository
Store and manage all your ISMS documentation in one secure location - Policy templates
Access pre-built, customisable templates aligned with ISO 27001 requirements - Compliance tracking
Monitor your compliance status against ISO 27001 controls - Continual improvement log
Document and track improvements to your ISMS over time - Incident response module
Manage security incidents efficiently with built-in workflows
The platform is regularly updated to align with the latest standards and best practices, ensuring that your ISMS remains current even as ISO standards evolve. This is particularly valuable when transitioning to new versions of the standard, as templates and tools are updated automatically.
Preparing for certification: what auditors expect
To achieve ISO 27001 certification, your organisation must demonstrate:
- Compliance with the mandatory requirements of ISO 27001
- Compliance with applicable legal, regulatory and contractual security obligations
- Adherence to your own stated policies and procedures
The certification process involves two stages:
- Stage 1: Documentation review to ensure your ISMS is designed appropriately
- Stage 2: Implementation audit to verify that you’re following your documented processes
It’s crucial to select an accredited certification body – one that’s recognised by a national accreditation body (such as UKAS in the UK) that’s a member of the IAF (International Accreditation Forum).
This ensures that your certification is recognised globally.
Certification tip
When choosing a certification body, consider factors beyond just price. Look for experience in your industry, geographical coverage if you have multiple sites, and their approach to the audit process. The FastTrack methodology can provide guidance on selecting an appropriate certification body, though the final choice remains yours.
Maintaining compliance and continual improvement
ISO 27001 certification is not the end of your information security journey – it’s the beginning. Once certified, your organisation enters a three-year certification cycle with annual surveillance visits to ensure continued compliance.
Key aspects of maintaining your ISMS include:
- Consistency
Apply controls consistently across your organisation - Employee involvement
Ensure staff are aware of their responsibilities and the importance of information security - Monitoring and measurement
Regularly review the effectiveness of controls and address any issues - Incident management
Learn from security incidents and implement improvements - Risk reassessment
Periodically reassess risks as your organisation and the threat landscape evolve - Management reviews
Conduct regular management reviews to evaluate the ISMS performance
The FastTrack methodology includes ongoing support options to help maintain your certification and continuously improve your information security posture. The CyberComply platform provides tools for ongoing management of your ISMS, making maintenance activities more efficient and ensuring you’re always ready for surveillance audits.
Ready to FastTrack your ISO 27001 ISMS implementation?
The FastTrack methodology offers a proven approach to accelerating ISO 27001 implementation projects without compromising on quality. It’s particularly well-suited for organisations that:
- Face tight deadlines for achieving certification
- Have limited internal resources or expertise in information security
- Want to minimise disruption to business operations during implementation
- Seek to optimise their investment in achieving ISO 27001 certification
- Need a structured approach with expert guidance throughout the process
Don’t just take our word for it
Our customer Claire Brown said:
“Our consultant was always on hand to answer queries and really cared about the end result. He put in an enormous amount of solid effort, so huge thanks to him and the rest of your support team.”
The post How to FastTrack Your ISO 27001 ISMS Implementation and Certification appeared first on IT Governance Blog.
