There is no straightforward answer to this question as it depends on the size and complexity of your organisation, what systems and processes are already in place and what resources are available.
However, in URM’s experience it typically takes between 6 and 9 months for a small, low complexity organisation to fully implement ISO 27001.
With larger, more complex environments, 9 to 18 months is closer to the norm for fully establishing an ISMS. This naturally assumes that the appropriate resources are made available to achieve the desired outcomes.
It’s one thing having the required technical knowledge, it’s another thing for a consultant to apply that knowledge to the context of our organisation. To use a sporting analogy, we view cyber and information security as a marathon not a sprint. I am not a believer in doing everything all at once. Our approach has been risk based and incremental, remediating our biggest risks first before moving on. I believe this approach is far more sustainable and effective. And URM’s consultants fully understand this and are very pragmatic and tailored in their guidance and advice. They know we are not implementing ISO 27001 purely for the certificate, but more as a framework for continual improvement, and at a pace where new systems and processes can be fully understood and absorbed by our team and be business as usual.
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