How much does ISO 27001 Cost?

Achieving ISO 27001 certification is a significant step for any organisation aiming to strengthen its information security management system (ISMS). However, one of the most common questions businesses ask is: how much does ISO 27001 cost? The answer is not straightforward because the total cost depends on various factors including the size of the organisation, the scope of certification, and the existing security posture.

This post breaks down the different cost components involved in obtaining ISO 27001 certification to help you plan your budget effectively and I'm going to help you with understanding the costs involved in achieving ISO 27001 certification here in the UK.

Costs involved in ISO 27001 certification, server room with network racks

What Is ISO 27001 Certification?

ISO 27001 is an international standard that specifies requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an information security management system. Certification demonstrates that an organisation follows best practices to protect sensitive information, reduce risks, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements.

Getting certified involves a formal audit by an accredited certification body, such as UKAS in the UK, which verifies that your ISMS meets the standard’s requirements. This process requires investment in time, resources, and money.

Key Factors That Affect ISO 27001 Costs

Several variables influence the total cost of ISO 27001 certification. Understanding these factors helps organisations estimate expenses more accurately.

1. Organisation Size and Complexity

The size of your organisation directly impacts the cost. Larger companies with multiple departments, locations, or complex IT environments require more extensive audits and documentation. For example:

• A small company with fewer than 50 employees might spend between £10,000 and £30,000.

• Medium-sized organisations could expect costs ranging from £30,000 to £70,000.

• Large enterprises with thousands of employees and multiple sites might face costs exceeding £100,000.

  
  

2. Scope of Certification

The scope defines which parts of the organisation and which processes are covered by the ISMS. A narrow scope focusing on a single department or system costs less than a broad scope covering the entire company. Defining a clear and manageable scope can reduce unnecessary expenses.

Kafico's "Gap & Go" ISO 27001 Service which starts at £1000 is a great way to quickly find out where you are, and where you need to be. The Gap & Go cost is then absorbed into the final implementation cost if you proceed, and if you don't, you've still got an extremely valuable bit of information how to bolster your security, its a win-win!

3. Current Security Posture

If your organisation already has some security controls and policies in place, the cost to achieve certification will be lower. Companies starting from scratch need to invest more in developing policies, training staff, and implementing controls.

4. Internal Resources and Expertise

Organisations with experienced internal staff who understand ISO 27001 requirements can reduce costs by handling much of the preparation work themselves, however these skills are rare, and often come with higher salaries. Hiring external consultants like Kafico can speed up certification and improve quality and be cheaper than hiring experts in the long term.

5. Certification Body Fees

Certification bodies charge fees for the initial audit and ongoing surveillance audits.

These fees vary depending on the auditor’s rates, the audit duration, and travel expenses if multiple locations are involved.

Breakdown of ISO 27001 Certification Costs

To give a clearer picture, here is a detailed breakdown of typical cost components:

Initial Gap Analysis and Risk Assessment

Before starting the certification process, many organisations conduct a gap analysis to identify what needs improvement. This step helps prioritise actions and estimate costs.

• Cost range: £1,000 to £10,000 depending on organisation size and complexity.

  
  

Training and Awareness

Training employees and management on ISO 27001 principles and their roles is essential. This includes awareness sessions and specialized training for the ISMS team.

• Cost range: £1,000 to £15,000 depending on the number of participants and training format (online or in-person).

  
  

Consulting Services

Many companies hire consultants to help design and implement the ISMS, develop documentation, and prepare for audits.

• Cost range: £10,000 to £50,000 or more depending on the scope and duration.

  
  

Documentation and Implementation

Developing policies, procedures, and controls requires time and effort. If done internally, this cost is mostly labor-related. External help increases expenses.

• Cost range: Variable, often included in consulting fees or internal labor costs.

  
  

Certification Audit Fees

The certification body conducts a two-stage audit:

• Stage 1: Readiness review

• Stage 2: Full certification audit

  
  

Audit fees depend on the auditor’s daily rate and the number of audit days.

• Cost range: £5,000 to £20,000 for small to medium organisations; higher for large enterprises.

  
  

Surveillance Audits

After certification, annual surveillance audits ensure ongoing compliance. These audits are shorter but still incur costs.

• Cost range: £3,000 to £10,000 per year.

  
  
  
  

Examples of ISO 27001 Cost Estimates

Here are some practical examples to illustrate how costs can vary:

• Small IT startup with 20 employees

Minimal existing controls, narrow scope covering core IT systems.

Estimated total cost: £15,000 to £30,000.

• Medium-sized financial services firm with 200 employees

Moderate existing security measures, broad scope including multiple departments.

Estimated total cost: £40,000 to £70,000.

• Large manufacturing company with 1,000+ employees and multiple sites

Complex IT infrastructure, extensive scope, requires external consultants.

Estimated total cost: £100,000+.

How Kafico keeps your costs down

Here at Kafico we are pragmatic, and we care about speed and efficiency which is why we will always focus on these tips:

• Define a clear and focused scope to avoid unnecessary audit time and complexity.

• Leverage existing security controls and policies to reduce implementation effort.

• Train internal staff to handle documentation and processes included in the price.

• Advise you to choose a reputable but cost-effective certification body and compare quotes with you

• Help you plan for ongoing costs such as surveillance audits (cost outlined above) and continuous improvement activities such as subscriptions / technologies you might adopt.

Note: We are not incentivised to use any particular certification body, there are no 'kick backs' or anything like that, it is very against the rules and bad form for anything like that to be happening. If you hear any consultancy saying anything like "This certification body will get us through no matter what" - that is extremely risky and you should run a mile, you're better than that and you deserve better.

Why Investing in ISO 27001 Certification Pays Off

While the upfront costs may seem high, ISO 27001 certification offers long-term benefits:

• Reduced risk of data breaches and associated financial losses.

• Improved customer trust and competitive advantage.

• Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.

• Better internal processes and security culture.

• Prestige - you're a cut above the rest.

  
  

These benefits outweigh the initial investment, making certification a valuable business decision. We're not into scaremongering, but I'm sure you've already seen how much a ransomware or cyber incident costs already, and it is painful to think about, but its true.

Alright, that's all I've got for you today - Lets get that call booked.

Lets get you ISO 27001 Certified!

See you next time,

Jeff Pullen, CISSP, CCSP

Jeff Pullen, CISSP, CCSP

Information Security Consultant