TLDR:
ISO/IEC 27001 is the international standard specifying requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It provides a comprehensive framework for systematically managing sensitive information—including risk assessment, control implementation, monitoring, and continuous improvement. Companies can be certified to ISO 27001, providing third-party validation of their information security program.
Structure of the Standard
The current version (ISO/IEC 27001:2022) requires organizations to establish an ISMS with: scope definition, leadership commitment and policy, risk assessment and treatment methodology, information security objectives, support resources and competencies, operational controls, performance monitoring, internal audits, management reviews, and improvement processes. Annex A specifies 93 reference controls organized in four themes (organizational, people, physical, technological) that organizations must consider in their Statement of Applicability.
ISO 27001 vs. SOC 2
Both frameworks are widely used for B2B security assurance but differ in approach: ISO 27001 emphasizes the management system itself (continuous risk assessment and improvement cycle); SOC 2 focuses on specific control objectives evaluated by auditors. ISO 27001 is more internationally recognized (particularly in Europe, Asia, and Middle East); SOC 2 is more common with US-headquartered customers. Many enterprises now require either or both. Cost and effort are roughly similar for initial certification.
Certification Process
Achieving ISO 27001 certification requires: scoping the ISMS (which assets, processes, locations), conducting risk assessment, defining the Statement of Applicability, implementing required controls, conducting internal audit, management review, and engaging an accredited certification body for external audit (Stage 1 documentation review, Stage 2 evidence review). Initial certification typically takes 6-12 months. Annual surveillance audits maintain certification; recertification every 3 years. For Turkish startups serving European customers, ISO 27001 is often a hard requirement and signals operational maturity in due diligence.