ISO 27001 is the globally recognized standard for systematic information security. Companies that handle sensitive data or are subject to regulatory requirements cannot avoid implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS). However, even without external certification pressure, building a structured ISMS is worthwhile — not least from a business perspective. GRASP offers a digital solution that guides organizations through the entire certification process and provides ongoing support beyond it.
Can Information Security Be a Competitive Advantage – or Is It Just a Regulatory Requirement?
ISO 27001 is often initially seen by companies as a mandatory measure — a response to customer demands, procurement requirements, or legal obligations (e.g. GDPR, NIS2, or KRITIS regulation). But this perspective is too narrow.
Information security is not just about compliance — it’s a strategic asset.
An ISMS based on ISO 27001 provides an opportunity to structure security processes, assess risks systematically, and strengthen trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders. Companies that adopt this broader perspective benefit in multiple ways:
- They are better prepared for cyber threats
- They professionalize internal processes and documentation
- They position themselves credibly as reliable business partners
- And they increase their competitiveness — both nationally and internationally
How Does ISO 27001 Drive Market Access and Operational Efficiency in Practice?
Case study: A 300-employee IT service provider operating in the healthcare and financial sectors was initially skeptical about certification. However, after successfully implementing the ISMS, the economic benefits quickly became clear:
- The company was able to participate in several public tenders that required ISO 27001 certification — and secured two major contracts.
- Implementing a structured risk management system led to a reduction in internal security incidents — and lower insurance premiums.
- The IT department gained time for strategic initiatives thanks to clearly defined processes and roles.
This example illustrates: what may initially seem like a burden can become a catalyst for growth, trust, and efficiency — provided the implementation is structured and well-supported.
What Does ISO 27001 Include? An Overview
ISO/IEC 27001 defines the requirements for establishing, operating, and continually improving an ISMS. It forms the foundation for companies to:
- Identify and assess risks
- Implement protection measures systematically
- Provide evidence of technical and organizational controls
- Regularly review and improve their security performance
The current version, ISO 27001:2022, raises the bar in terms of structure, risk orientation, and traceability — including revised controls in Annex A.
A current ISO 27001 checklist is available here.
What Are the Challenges of Implementing ISO 27001?
Achieving certification is a demanding process:
- Organizations must define a clear scope, identify relevant assets and risks, establish a risk management system, and select appropriate security controls.
- Extensive documentation, evidence, and audit requirements must also be fulfilled.
- All of this demands time, expertise, and structured processes — often lacking in day-to-day operations.
Key success factors include:
- Structured risk analysis and control planning
- Centralized asset and process inventory
- Complete mapping and evaluation of Annex A controls
- Audit-proof documentation for internal and external audits
- Support for management reviews, re-certifications, and continuous improvement
GRASP can also be seamlessly integrated into existing governance structures — for example, in connection with risk management, data protection, or business continuity.
How Can AI Support Consistent and Efficient Implementation?
One of GRASP’s key advantages is its integration of generative AI and content recommendation systems:
- Automated text suggestions for policies, measures, and reports
- Intelligent recommendations tailored to risk assessments and company context
- Semi-automated generation of audit reports and management summaries
This not only speeds up documentation processes but also ensures consistency and compliance with standards.
Are There Measurable Efficiency Gains from ISO 27001 Implementation?
Project experience shows significant time and resource savings from using digital ISMS platforms like GRASP:
| Process Area | Potential Time Savings |
| ISMS Implementation | up to 50 % |
| Documentation Creation and Maintenance | up to 70 % |
| Preparation for External Audits | up to 80 % |
| Report and Policy Generation (AI-based) | up to 60 % |
These efficiencies not only accelerate certification but also free up long-term resources for operational security activities.
More Than “Just” ISO 27001: GRASP as a GRC Platform
GRASP is not limited to ISO 27001. The platform connects information security with other domains:
- Data protection (GDPR)
- Business continuity management
- NIS2 compliance
- Quality management and internal audits
Organizations benefit from seamless workflows, centralized evidence management, and a consistent data model — across all GRC disciplines.
Reading tip: The openKRITIS website offers a helpful Mapping between ISO 27001 and NIS2 requirements.
