In today’s digital world, protecting sensitive data is essential for organisations of all sizes. Achieving ISO/IEC 27001 compliance demonstrates a commitment to security, but does it require penetration testing? In this blog, we’ll explore the role of pen testing in ISO/IEC 27001, why it matters for your business, and how it can strengthen your overall cybersecurity.
Although the abbreviation should correctly be ISO/IEC 27001, because it was jointly created by the International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), however, it’s commonly shortened to ISO 27001 in everyday use due to convenience people and force of habit.
The standard is now one of the most widely recognised accreditations, and it is seen as an absolute necessity by organisations for information security. It provides guidance for organisations of practically any size to establish effective and preventative measures for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) that help defend against cyber attacks and mitigate the effects of successful ones.
In short, an organisation that has been accredited as “conforming” to ISO/IEC 27001 is an organisation that can be trusted with handling data. In the words of the ISO themselves: “ISO/IEC 27001 promotes a holistic approach to information security: vetting people, policies and technology. An information security management system implemented according to this standard is a tool for risk management, cyber-resilience and operational excellence.”
Does ISO/IEC 27001 require pen testing?
While penetration testing (pen testing) is one of the most effective methods for assessing an organisation’s security, ISO/IEC 27001 does not explicitly require pen testing. Instead, the standard requires organisations to assess risks and implement appropriate controls to address vulnerabilities.
Pen testing may be a recommended control under Annex A.12.6.1 (Technical Vulnerability Management), but the decision to perform it depends on the results of the organisation’s risk assessment. If risks are identified that warrant penetration testing, then it becomes a valuable tool in managing those risks.
Penetration testing simulates real-world attacks to identify weaknesses in your security defences. This method helps build a clear picture of your organisation’s resilience against cyber threats and provides assurance that your security measures are functioning as intended.
For example, consider a burglar trying to break into a house: they might try elaborate methods, or they might just check if the key is under the doormat. Pen testing helps you find those “keys under the mat” in your systems.
What is the industry standard for penetration testing?
To ensure you’re working with qualified professionals, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) recommends working with penetration testers who are accredited by reputable organisations such as CREST or the Cyber Essentials Scheme. These certifications confirm that the testers have the necessary skills and experience to conduct thorough and ethical tests.
Due to the nature of the work – trying to poke holes in an organisation’s security systems – accreditation is no small feat. This is why we’re proud to be CREST certified – it’s a testament to the skill and ingenuity of our penetration testers, as well as the wider cybersecurity team.
Why should businesses allow penetration testing?
You could certainly choose not to allow penetration testing, but it would then be impossible to get accreditation for any serious cyber security standard. Penetration may seem like a significant undertaking, it may seem like an invasive practice, but it’s ultimately giving assurance to you, your staff, and your business partners that their data is safeguarded with the appropriate level of protection
It’s also important not to think of cybersecurity as a chore; it should be considered a regular element of good housekeeping for your organisation, much like keeping your financial records accurate or securing your physical premises. More and more, organisations are responsible not only for their own data but also for the data of clients, customers, partners, and government entities. Proving you are safeguarding this data is key to building trust and maintaining business relationships.
Can penetration testing be automated?
While certain aspects of vulnerability scanning can be automated, penetration testing goes a step further to exploit vulnerabilities in order to assess the real-world business impact of them. As such, penetration testing relies heavily on the expertise, creativity, and critical thinking of skilled professionals. Automated tools can only go so far in identifying vulnerabilities. A human tester can adapt to complex situations and find weaknesses that automated systems might miss.
Additionally, many penetration tests are conducted annually, leaving a gap between the discovery of new attack methods and testing against them. This is why regular testing is crucial, even though full automation isn’t possible.
Use a pen test report to improve
Penetration testing isn’t just about finding flaws – it’s about improving. The insights from a thorough pen test report can guide your organisation in reinforcing its defences and mitigating vulnerabilities. With each test our experts conduct, you’ll receive detailed reports outlining strengths and areas that need further attention.
By treating penetration testing as an ongoing, proactive element of your security strategy, you can stay ahead of evolving cyber threats.
Learn more about our penetration testing services, or reach out to our client support teams for advice on how to enhance your security posture today.
