Why ISO 27001 certification matters and why it’s the responsible choice
Managing sensitive information can be a minefield in any business, but particularly if you’re in a regulated industry. It’s also especially true when it comes to providing a modern, online digital service to thousands of customers. If that describes you or your business aspirations, how could working with a software development company that already has ISO 27001 certification help you leap ahead?
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Unlike broader quality standards (like ISO 9001), it zeroes in on how organisations handle data security, from staff training and internal policies to encryption practices, DevOps workflows and cloud computing.
It goes further than just ticking a compliance box, looking at how data security is embedded into every aspect of an organisation. Essentially, it enforces best practice in all areas of data handling.
For many businesses, especially those working within fintech, public sector, medical, or large corporates, it’s now an essential factor when deciding which software development companies to work with.
THE BUZZ ISO JOURNEY
Our team at Buzz began the ISO 27001 journey in 2017 after recognising that to win larger, more complex contracts (particularly in the finance and medical sectors), certification had become a prerequisite. Not just a nice-to-have, but a must have.
Data security had always been at the top of our list, but ISO 27001 made sure we could answer all the difficult questions in a clear, comprehensive, industry standard way that potential project partners really appreciated. It also stipulates supplier audits, so having the certificate ourselves made our already certified clients’ lives easier too.
Since then, ISO 27001 has been woven into our company’s DNA, offering peace of mind to clients that data is being handled responsibly at all times.
And it doesn’t stop there, either. ISO 27001 simplifies onboarding, streamlines security due diligence, and reassures our clients that rigorous standards are in place. Plus, for our internal team, it helps us work to a consistent framework, driving our own confidence that we’re minimising risks at every opportunity.
MORE THAN GDPR
One of the biggest misconceptions about ISO 27001 is that it only concerns IT teams or senior management. In reality, it impacts every part of the business.
From how internal documents are classified to how code is written and reviewed, from deployment to disaster recovery, ISO 27001 mandates a structured approach to all information security; building for the best, while planning for the worst.
And it’s included through every project level, too. Take, for example, user stories; in software development, these are used to give short, simple descriptions of a software feature from an end user perspective, and must include acceptance criteria. This criteria is something even external auditors verify during audits, and a missing line of criteria can trigger a minor ‘non-conformance’ in the annual report. Sound intense? It is! But it also ensures accountability and thoroughness in every process.
In terms of conformance, external auditors conduct comprehensive yearly audits, with even deeper re-certification reviews every three years. These visits assess everything from password strength to business continuity planning. To help us stay ahead, we also run our own internal audits twice a year, which involves the entire management team and helps spread both responsibility and awareness.
EVOLVING WITH THE STANDARDS
ISO standards aren’t static. In fact, Buzz recently transitioned from the ISO 27001:2013 to the updated 2022 version, which includes firmer guidance on cloud computing and clarity around controls. This process involves mapping existing practices to new requirements. For us, that means updating documentation and re-engaging with our consultants to ensure full compliance and help us stay ahead of the game.
It’s not a minor update, either! While much may stays the same, cybersecurity has become something of an arms race and the new standard has evolved to bolster controls focused on common vulnerabilities and exposures. Adherence to the newer standard reaffirms Buzz’s commitment to staying current, credible and secure.
The transition also reinforces the importance of shared responsibility. While the Information Security Officer (in this case, managing director Lindsey Axten) oversees implementation, the wider management team plays a key role, too. Plus, we introduce all new staff to our ISO policies during onboarding, so everyone knows the drill from day one.
WHY DOES DATA SECURITY MATTER?
Cyber attacks are on the rise across the UK (Co-op and Marks and Spencer were hit hard in 2025), and the hacking techniques are not necessarily advancing - they’re simply finding weak points within businesses. It could be as simple as working out an easy password, or conning IT support into handing over information to fake employees.
And, unfortunately, it works. It’s now estimated that four in ten businesses have been hit by attacks in the last 12 months (roughly 612,000 UK businesses).
The good news is that by working with developers that adhere to the ISO 27001 standards, there’s a better chance of minimising the risks, largely thanks to the robust nature of the security protocols and management needed in order to remain compliant. And, while some risk is always inevitable, planning ahead makes a big difference.
Mitigations such as reliable backups (to recover from ransomware attacks, hardware failures and human error), fully encrypted databases (unreadable if stolen) and multi factor authentication (block access even if a password is leaked) vastly reduce the potential impact of an incident.
A CULTURE, NOT A CHECKLIST
Perhaps the key takeaway here is that ISO 27001 is not just a certificate to hang on the wall. It's a living, breathing framework that evolves over time, and we put in continuous work to stay compliant. It guides how our people work, how we assess risks, and how our systems are maintained - all to make sure our clients can be confident their security is our top priority.
Work with us
Looking to work with a data-responsible business that’s backed up by being ISO 27001 certified? Get in touch with our team, and we’ll be happy to guide your software development journey, bring your vision to life, and stay compliant, at the same time.
