ISO 27001 Implementation Checklist

Step-by-step guide to achieving ISO 27001:2022 certification

Phase 1: ISMS Foundation

Weeks 1-4 | Establish the framework for your Information Security Management System

Define ISMS scope (which systems, locations, and processes are included)
Identify interested parties (customers, regulators, employees, partners)
Determine internal and external context affecting information security
Establish information security policy (approved by top management)
Define roles, responsibilities, and authorities for ISMS
Appoint ISMS owner or information security manager
Create asset inventory (information assets, systems, infrastructure)
Classify information assets (confidentiality, integrity, availability)
Identify applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements
Establish communication plan (internal and external)

Phase 2: Risk Assessment & Treatment

Weeks 5-8 | Identify and address information security risks

Define risk assessment methodology (likelihood, impact, risk criteria)
Identify information security risks for each asset
Analyze risk likelihood and impact
Evaluate risks against risk acceptance criteria
Determine risk owners for each identified risk
Select risk treatment options (mitigate, accept, transfer, avoid)
Create risk treatment plan with controls and timelines
Select applicable controls from Annex A (93 controls)
Create Statement of Applicability (SoA) documenting all control decisions
Get management approval for risk treatment plan

Phase 3: Control Implementation

Weeks 9-16 | Implement selected security controls

Organizational Controls

Develop information security policies and procedures
Define segregation of duties
Establish contact with authorities and special interest groups
Implement information security in project management
Define acceptable use of assets policy
Implement information classification scheme
Create supplier management and assessment process
Establish ICT supply chain security requirements

People Controls

Implement screening process (background checks)
Update terms and conditions of employment
Develop security awareness training program
Establish disciplinary process for violations
Define responsibilities after termination
Implement NDAs for employees and contractors
Create remote working policy
Establish information security event reporting process

Physical Controls

Define physical security perimeters
Implement physical entry controls
Secure offices, rooms, and facilities
Monitor for physical and environmental threats
Establish secure area procedures
Secure delivery and loading areas
Implement equipment siting and protection
Ensure supporting utilities reliability
Secure cabling infrastructure
Implement clear desk and clear screen policy

Technological Controls

Secure user endpoint devices
Implement privileged access management
Restrict information access based on need-to-know
Secure access to source code
Implement secure authentication (MFA)
Establish capacity management
Deploy protection against malware
Implement vulnerability management
Establish configuration management
Implement data backup and recovery
Deploy logging and monitoring
Synchronize system clocks (NTP)
Encrypt data at rest and in transit
Implement network security controls

Phase 4: Documentation & Training

Weeks 17-20 | Create required documentation and train personnel

Document ISMS scope statement
Create information security policy
Document information security objectives
Write risk assessment methodology
Create Statement of Applicability (SoA)
Develop all applicable control procedures
Create incident response plan
Develop business continuity and disaster recovery plans
Document change management procedures
Create access control policy and procedures
Conduct security awareness training for all employees
Train personnel on specific control procedures
Maintain competence records for key roles
Document communication procedures

Phase 5: Monitoring & Measurement

Weeks 21-24 | Establish ongoing monitoring and improvement processes

Define monitoring and measurement criteria
Establish performance indicators for ISMS
Implement monitoring tools and processes
Create internal audit program
Conduct first internal audit
Document audit results and nonconformities
Implement corrective actions for findings
Schedule management review meeting
Conduct management review of ISMS
Document management review decisions
Establish continual improvement process
Review and update risk assessment

Phase 6: Certification Audit

Weeks 25-28 | External audit and certification

Select accredited certification body
Submit application for certification
Provide pre-audit documentation
Prepare for Stage 1 audit (documentation review)
Host Stage 1 audit
Address Stage 1 findings and gaps
Prepare for Stage 2 audit (on-site assessment)
Host Stage 2 audit
Respond to any nonconformities
Provide evidence of corrective actions
Certification body makes certification decision
Receive ISO 27001 certificate
Plan for annual surveillance audits
Communicate certification to stakeholders

Timeline Summary

Preparation

4-6 months

ISMS setup, risk assessment, control implementation, documentation

Audit

1-2 months

Stage 1 and Stage 2 audits, remediation, certification decision

Total

6-8 months

From project kickoff to receiving ISO 27001 certificate

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