ISO 27001 Consultants & Compliance Services
In a world where cybersecurity incidents make headlines daily, protecting your organization’s data has never been more critical. ISO 27001 serves as a benchmark for information security, helping organizations protect data and uphold trust in the marketplace.
With decades of experience helping organizations implement effective cybersecurity tools and processes, Xantrion is here for your ISO 27001 certification journey, whether you’re just getting started or transitioning to the latest version of the standard.
Xantrion’s ISO 27001 consultants provide expert guidance, streamlined compliance processes, and proven results to help you achieve and maintain certification with confidence.
Why Hire an ISO 27001 Consultant?
Organizations pursuing ISO 27001 certification often face significant challenges when going it alone. That’s because the standard’s extensive requirements demand specialized knowledge and experience that may not exist in-house. Consultants provide fractional access to specialists at a fraction of the cost of hiring full-time staff.
When consultants provide substantial benefits, including:
- Cost savings through efficient implementation and avoiding costly missteps
- Faster certification with proven methodologies and documentation templates
- Smoother audits thanks to thorough preparation and audit experience
- Minimal disruption to your core business operations during implementation
What Our ISO 27001 Services Include
Flexible engagement models match your needs and internal resources.
With full-service implementation, we take the lead, with your team reviewing and approving our work. We can also take a more hands-off advisory role, guiding while your team handles implementation. Here, our experts will also carefully review your work to ensure it meets ISO 27001 certification requirements.
Our ISO 27001 compliance services include:
Gap Analysis
We begin by assessing your current information security practices against ISO 27001 requirements, identifying areas that need improvement, and establishing a baseline for compliance. This critical first step provides a roadmap for your certification journey.
Risk Assessment & Treatment Planning
Our consultants perform in-depth risk assessments to uncover weaknesses in your information assets. We then develop customized risk treatment plans that align with your organization’s risk appetite and business objectives, ensuring you prioritize the most critical security controls.
Policy & Process Development
We design security policies and procedures that align with your organization’s unique culture and operations. More than generic templates, our documentation reflects what you actually do and fully meets ISO 27001 requirements.
ISMS Design & Implementation
Our experts help you establish a robust information security management system (ISMS) as called for in the ISO 27001 standard, including:
- Security governance structures
- Monitoring and measurement mechanisms
- Training and awareness programs
- Incident response procedures
Staff Training & Awareness
We deliver tailored training programs that equip your team to understand their security roles and manage your ISMS effectively.
Internal Audits & Pre-Certification Reviews
Our consultants conduct thorough internal audits to identify and address potential issues before your formal certification audit, significantly increasing your chances of successful certification.
Ongoing Compliance & Managed Services
Following certification, we offer ongoing support to help you maintain compliance, prepare for surveillance audits, and continuously improve your security posture.
ISO 27001:2022 Transition Support
For organizations currently certified to ISO 27001:2013, we provide specialized support to help you transition to the updated 2022 version of the standard.
The ISO 27001 Certification Journey
The path to ISO 27001 certification follows a structured process where consultants can provide critical support at each stage:
1. Gap Analysis & Planning
First, you’ll evaluate your current security practices against ISO 27001 requirements, identifying gaps and creating an implementation roadmap. This phase establishes your certification scope and timeline.
2. Implementation
During this phase, you’ll develop and implement required policies, procedures, and controls based on your risk assessment. Consultants can help you create documentation, establish security controls, and prepare your team for certification with training.
3. Internal Audit
Before pursuing certification, organizations are advised to perform internal audits to identify weaknesses. Addressing them early increases readiness for the official audit.
4. Certification Audit (Stages 1 & 2)
An independent certification body conducts the formal audit in two stages:
- Stage 1 involves reviewing documentation and the ISMS design.
- Stage 2 involves an evaluation of ISMS implementation and effectiveness.
It’s important to understand that consultants and certification bodies have distinct roles. Consultants help you prepare for certification, while accredited certification bodies perform the independent assessment and issue certification.
5. Ongoing Surveillance & Recertification
After certification, you’ll undergo surveillance audits in years one and two, followed by recertification in year three. Consultants can help you maintain compliance and prepare for these ongoing audits.
Certification timelines vary depending on the organization’s size and complexity. Generally, small organizations (with fewer than 50 employees) can expect to receive certification in three to six months. Medium-sized organizations (50-250 employees) may need six to nine months. Large organizations (with 250+ employees) can expect to spend nine to 12 months or more.
These timeframes can be significantly reduced with the help of experienced consultants who provide proven methodologies and documentation templates to give you a head start.
Benefits of ISO 27001 for Your Business
ISO 27001 benefits extend well beyond basic compliance. Certification can deliver significant additional value, including in the following ways.
Enhanced Trust & Credibility
ISO 27001 certification demonstrates to customers, partners, and other stakeholders that you take data protection seriously. This internationally recognized credential fosters confidence in your security practices and can be a decisive factor in winning business.
Improved Security Posture
The standard’s risk-based approach helps you identify and address security vulnerabilities, significantly reducing the likelihood and impact of security incidents. Organizations with ISO 27001 certification typically experience fewer breaches and faster incident recovery times.
Streamlined Compliance
ISO 27001 aligns with numerous other regulatory frameworks, making it easier to comply with requirements such as:
- SOC 2 for service organizations
- GDPR for handling European personal data
- NIS2 Directive for products and services related to critical infrastructure in the EU
- TISAX for automotive industry suppliers
Read more on ISO 27001 compared to other cybersecurity frameworks such as SOC 2 and NIST..
Competitive Advantage
In increasingly security-conscious markets, ISO 27001 certification provides a meaningful differentiator. Many enterprises and government agencies now require certification from their vendors, making it essential for accessing opportunities with them.
Improved Security Culture
The certification process helps embed security awareness throughout your organization, creating a culture where everyone understands their role in protecting information assets.
Operational Resilience
ISO 27001 strengthens your ability to maintain business continuity during disruptions, building a robust infrastructure that’s prepared for unforeseen challenges.
Why Choose Xantrion as Your ISO 27001 Partner?
When selecting an ISO 27001 consultant, expertise and approach matter. Xantrion offers unique advantages that ensure your certification success:
Deep Technical & Security Expertise
Our team includes certified security specialists with extensive experience in implementing ISO 27001 across diverse industries. We combine deep technical knowledge with practical mid-market implementation experience.
U.S.-Based, Responsive Support
Unlike offshore consultants, our U.S.-based team provides personalized, responsive support throughout your certification journey. Our clients appreciate our proactive communication and availability.
Industry-Specific Experience
We have extensive experience working with highly regulated industries, including financial services, healthcare, legal, and life sciences. That means we understand your specific regulatory requirements and security challenges.
Alternative Solution: Managed Security Services
As an alternative to certification, you might want to consider Xantrion’s managed cybersecurity services. As an ISO 27001 certified provider, we can help you meet many client security requirements without requiring you to pursue your own certification.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an ISO 27001 consultancy cost?
ISO 27001 consultancy costs vary based on organization size, complexity, and approach. For small to medium-sized businesses, consultant fees typically range from $30,000 to $40,000 for comprehensive support throughout the certification process. Costs can be lower for organizations with mature security practices or those needing limited assistance. For detailed pricing information, see our guide to ISO 27001 certification costs.
Do you need a consultant to get ISO 27001 certified?
While not strictly required, most organizations benefit significantly from working with consultants, especially for their first certification. Consultants provide specialized expertise, accelerate the certification process, and significantly increase your chances of success.
Organizations with strong internal security expertise and resources may take a DIY approach, but this typically extends the certification timeline and increases internal resource demands.
How long does ISO 27001 certification take?
Certification timelines vary based on organization size, complexity, and existing security maturity. Small organizations (fewer than 50 employees) typically achieve certification in 3-6 months. Medium-sized organizations (50-250 employees) generally require 6-9 months. Larger organizations might require a year or more. The total timeline includes both the preparation phase (developing policies, implementing controls) and the formal certification audit process. Working with experienced consultants can significantly reduce these timeframes through efficient implementation methodologies.
Can you help with the ISO 27001:2022 transition?
Yes. Xantrion provides specialized support for organizations transitioning from ISO 27001:2013 to the 2022 version. Our services include gap analysis, implementation support for new controls, and preparation for transition audits. Organizations with ISO 27001:2013 certifications have three years to complete the transition to ISO 27001:2022.
What’s the difference between a consultant and a certification body?
Consultants can help you prepare for certification by implementing policies, procedures, and controls that meet ISO 27001 requirements. Certification bodies are independent organizations accredited to perform audits and issue ISO 27001 certificates. To maintain audit integrity, your certification body must be different from your consulting partner.
How do cloud providers like Azure handle ISO 27001 compliance?
Cloud providers like Microsoft Azure undergo their own ISO 27001 certification, which covers their infrastructure, operations, and service delivery. However, this doesn’t automatically make your applications or data hosted on these platforms compliant. Instead, it creates a shared responsibility model where the provider secures the infrastructure while you remain responsible for your applications, data, and access controls. Azure and other cloud providers provide compliance documentation to help customers understand how their certification supports their compliance efforts.
How much does ISO 27001 certification typically cost?
The cost of achieving full ISO 27001 certification varies considerably depending on the organization’s size, complexity, and approach. Small companies may achieve certification for as little as $6,000 to $10,000, while medium-sized organizations (with around 50 employees) typically invest upwards of $40,000.
Larger enterprises with hundreds of employees may spend $75,000 or more. These estimates include both direct costs (such as audits and consultants) and internal resource allocation. For a detailed breakdown and strategies to optimize your investment, refer to our comprehensive guide to ISO 27001 certification costs.
What are the main challenges organizations face during ISO 27001 implementation?
Common challenges include securing leadership commitment, accurately scoping the required Information Security Management System (ISMS), conducting effective risk assessments, developing appropriate documentation, and maintaining momentum throughout the implementation. A qualified consultant can help you navigate these challenges by providing proven methodologies, templates, and expert guidance.
Is ISO 27001 mandatory for financial institutions?
ISO 27001 is not legally mandated for financial institutions in the United States. Still, many financial organizations pursue certification to meet client expectations, demonstrate a commitment to security, and simplify compliance with other regulatory requirements. Some jurisdictions may have requirements that closely align with or reference ISO 27001, making certification beneficial for regulatory compliance.
Get Started with ISO 27001 Consulting Today
Ready to begin your ISO 27001 certification journey? Xantrion makes getting started simple. Contact us to schedule a free scoping call with one of our ISO 27001 experts. You’ll also get a no-obligation quote and quick onboarding when you’re ready to proceed.
