Is Achieving ISO 27001 Difficult?

This is a question we get asked a lot at Kafico by potential customers and during our training courses, they ask is ISO 27001 difficult / Is ISO 27001 hard? and you’ve already guessed it:

“Well…. It depends…”

I know, I know! That’s a boring answer but hear me out!

For some organisations, achieving ISO 27001 feels like a natural step. They already have policies, procedures, and controls in place; their teams are used to working in a structured way; and leadership is engaged with information security. In those cases, the process is more about fine tuning and aligning existing practices with the standard.

For others, it can feel like a bigger leap. If you are starting from scratch with very little documented, it will take more time and effort. The good news is that ISO 27001 is designed to scale. Whether you are a small business or a large enterprise, the framework can be applied in a way that is appropriate to your size and risk profile.

The hardest part of ISO 27001 probably isn't what you expect

The real challenge is not in the paperwork, or the clever whizz-kid cyber security technology... but in the mindset.

ISO 27001 is not just a certificate to hang on the wall; it is a way of thinking about how you manage risks, protect data, and continuously improve. If your team can embrace that, the rest follows much more smoothly.

At Kafico, we often say that ISO 27001 is a journey rather than a destination. There will be moments where it feels frustrating, but there are also plenty of quick wins. Seeing staff become more confident, processes becoming clearer, and risks being managed more effectively is incredibly rewarding.

So, is achieving ISO 27001 hard?

Not if you have the right guidance, a clear plan, and a team that understands why it matters. Our job is to make the process as painless as possible, and sometimes even enjoyable. Yes, you read that right!

If you are considering starting your ISO 27001 journey and are unsure of the effort involved, the best first step is simply a conversation. We are always happy to talk through what it would look like for your business and help you decide whether now is the right time.

Wait, before you go, take this freebie:

The 5 Most Common Pitfalls in ISO 27001 (and how to avoid them)

The 5 Most Common Pitfalls in ISO 27001 and how to avoid them.pdf

Download PDF • 739KB

Jeff Pullen CISSP, CCSP, ACIIS Information Security Consultant Kafico