Obtaining and implementing ISO standards applicable to
the IT industry involves several steps, from identifying the
relevant standards to successfully achieving certification. Here's how to
navigate the process:
1. Identify Relevant ISO Standards for the IT Industry
Key ISO standards applicable to IT companies include:
ISO/IEC 27001: Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).
ISO/IEC 27017: Cloud Security.
ISO/IEC 27018: Protection of Personally Identifiable Information (PII) in
Cloud Computing.
ISO/IEC 20000-1: IT Service Management (ITSM).
ISO/IEC 22301: Business Continuity Management.
ISO 9001: Quality Management Systems (general but relevant for IT service
quality).
ISO/IEC 27701: Privacy Information Management (extension of ISO/IEC 27001
for privacy).
ISO 41001: Facility Management (for managing IT facilities like data
centers).
2. Research ISO Standards
Visit the ISO website (www.iso.org) to view or purchase official
standards.
Some standards are available through local ISO member bodies, such as the
Standards Council of Canada (SCC).
3. Perform a Gap Analysis
Assess your organization’s current processes against the requirements of
the relevant ISO standard(s).
Identify areas needing improvement to comply with the standard.
4. Develop an Implementation Plan
Form a team to oversee the ISO implementation process.
Outline steps for aligning your policies, processes, and technologies
with the standard’s requirements.
5. Train Employees
Provide training for staff to understand the importance of the standard and
their roles in achieving compliance.
Consider hiring certified ISO trainers or consultants.
6. Create and Document Processes
Develop or update policies, procedures, and documentation to meet the
standard's requirements.
Examples:
Information security policies for ISO/IEC 27001.
Incident management plans for ISO/IEC 20000-1.
7. Conduct Internal Audits
Perform internal audits to identify and correct non-conformities.
Ensure readiness for external audits.
8. Choose an Accredited Certification Body
Select a reputable and accredited certification body to conduct the
external audit.
In Canada, look for certification bodies accredited by the Standards
Council of Canada (SCC) or other recognized entities.
9. Certification Audit
The certification body will conduct a two-stage audit:
Stage 1 (Documentation Review): Verifies that your documented processes
comply with the standard.
Stage 2 (Implementation Review): Assesses whether the standard is
effectively implemented and maintained.
10. Maintain Certification
Once certified, you must:
Conduct regular internal audits.
Address any findings promptly.
Undergo periodic surveillance audits by the certification body.
Additional Tips
Hire Consultants: If you lack expertise, consider engaging ISO
consultants to guide you through the process.
Use Templates and Tools: Leverage ISO-compliant templates and management
software to streamline implementation.
Engage with Peers: Collaborate with industry peers who have achieved ISO certification for
insights.
By following these steps, you can systematically acquire and implement
ISO standards tailored to your IT organization, ensuring compliance,
efficiency, and competitiveness.
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