What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is the international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring it remains secure through people, processes, and technology controls.
Unlike SOC 2 (which is a US-based attestation), ISO 27001 is a globally recognized certification that demonstrates your commitment to information security to customers, partners, and regulators worldwide. It's particularly valuable for companies doing business in Europe, APAC, or with international customers who require ISO certification.
The standard covers 93 security controls across 14 domains (called Annex A), from access control and cryptography to supplier relationships and business continuity. You implement the controls that apply to your business, document your ISMS, and get certified by an accredited certification body.
Why You Need ISO 27001
Open doors to global markets and build customer trust worldwide
Global Market Access
EU and international customers often require ISO 27001. It's the standard they recognize and trust, opening doors that SOC 2 alone cannot.
EU/GDPR Alignment
ISO 27001 aligns closely with GDPR requirements. Many EU companies prefer or require ISO certification over other frameworks.
Competitive Advantage
Stand out in RFPs and procurement processes. ISO 27001 signals world-class security to enterprise customers globally.
Works Alongside SOC 2
Many companies need both: SOC 2 for US customers and ISO 27001 for international markets. There’s 60–70% control overlap, so doing both together is faster and cheaper. We offer bundled pricing with 15–20% savings.
Comprehensive ISMS
ISO 27001 requires a full Information Security Management System — not just tools. You get documented policies, risk management, access control, incident response, and continuous improvement. This is a mature security program, not a checkbox.
Investor Confidence
VCs and enterprise buyers see ISO 27001 as proof of operational maturity. It’s required for EU and APAC expansion and reduces regulatory and cyber risk for investors and board members.
Our 90-Day ISO 27001 Process
From kickoff to certified AI Management System
ISMS Design & Documentation
Month 1
Build the foundation of your Information Security Management System.
→ Scoping workshop (ISMS boundaries)
→ Asset inventory and classification
→ Risk assessment methodology
→ Gap analysis vs Annex A controls
→ Statement of Applicability (SoA) draft
Month 2: Implementation
Controls get implemented, evidence gets collected, and your security program comes to life.
→ 25+ ISO 27001 policies
→ Annex A control implementation
→ Risk treatment plan execution
→ Employee security training
→ Evidence collection via dashr.ai
Month 3: Certification
Mock audits, remediation, and final certification audit. You walk out certified.
→ Internal audit (readiness check)
→ Management review meeting
→ Stage 1 audit (documentation)
→ Findings remediation
→ Stage 2 audit (certification)
100% Money-Back Guarantee: If we don't get you audit-ready in 90 days due to our fault (not client delays), you get a full refund. This has never happened in 50+ certifications.
ISO 27001 Pricing
Three tiers to fit your company size and complexity
$20K
Small scope, <200 employeesISMS documentation
Core Annex A controls
Statement of Applicability
1 mock audit
Stage 1 & 2 audit support
dashr.ai Platform included
Professional
$35k
Full certification, std scopeFull ISMS implementation
All 93 Annex A controls
Complete documentation
Advanced risk assessment
2 mock audits
Stage 1 & 2 audit support
Employee training materials
dashr.ai Platform
Enterprise
$55K
Multi-site, complex ISMSMulti-location ISMS
Complex risk scenarios
Custom control framework
3 mock audits
Dedicated security team
Executive presentations
dashr.ai Platform
All tiers include dashr.ai Platform Year 1 ($14K value)
Client Success Story
European Expansion Unlocked with ISO 27001
E-commerce SaaS | 150 employees | Service: Risk Assessment
The Situation: Series B B2B SaaS company with strong US traction ($12M ARR). Board mandated EU expansion for growth. Lost four enterprise EU deals in six months — every prospect required ISO 27001 before contract signature.Fortune 500 prospect sent a security questionnaire. No one knew how to answer. About to lose a $500K contract.
The Challenge: SOC 2 was not accepted by German and French enterprises. Customers explicitly required ISO 27001 certification. The company had no ISMS, no Annex A mapping, and no audit experience. A key prospect gave a 90-day deadline or the deal would be lost.
Our Solution: They engaged Careful Security on the ISO 27001 Professional plan ($35K). We built a full ISMS, implemented 28 policies, mapped and implemented all applicable Annex A controls, ran two mock audits, and coordinated both Stage 1 and Stage 2 certification audits.
The Results: ISO 27001 certified in 87 days. Closed a €2.5M German enterprise deal within 30 days. Opened sales in Germany, France, and the Netherlands. EU pipeline grew from €1M to €8M in 90 days.
Frequently Asked Questions
SOC 2 is a US-based attestation report. ISO 27001 is an international certification. European and APAC enterprises usually require ISO 27001. Many companies get both — there’s 60–70% control overlap, so doing them together is faster and cheaper. We offer bundled pricing with 15–20% savings.
ISO 27001 certificates are valid for 3 years. You’ll have annual surveillance audits in years 2 and 3. Our Securely Ever After program keeps you audit-ready so these surveillance audits are fast and painless.
No. You only implement controls relevant to your risk profile. Non-applicable controls are documented in your Statement of Applicability (SoA). Most SaaS companies implement 60–80 controls depending on architecture and data sensitivity.
Yes. There’s 60–70% overlap between ISO 27001 and SOC 2. Doing them together is significantly cheaper and faster than doing them separately. Most of our Series A–C clients choose the bundle.
Ready to Write Your Success Story?
Ready to Write Your Success Story?
Questions about our process? Call us: +1-818-533-1402 or email icare@carefulsecurity.com