Business

ISO 27001 Certification Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Published

2 years ago

November 3, 2022

The ISO/IEC 27001, popularly known as the ISO 27001 certificate is a globally recognized information security standard. It is created by the International Organization for Standardization.

Being ISO 27001 certified means that an organization is following top-notch, internationally-approved security standards. Thus, clients are able to easily trust such an organization because they know that the organization will take good care of their data. It gives the organization a competitive edge and helps it stand out from the crowd.

Applying for the ISO 27001 certification can be confusing, especially if you are doing it for the first time. But don’t worry because we are here to help you out.

This beginner’s guide will help you understand the basics of the ISO 27001 certificate and why is it important for your organization.

So, let’s get started!

The main purpose of the ISO 27001 certificate

The main purpose of this certificate is to provide a robust model for building, implementing, operating, reviewing, and monitoring an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS).

ISO 27001 provides a complete framework for organizations that will help them protect their data and maintain security in a cost-effective way. The ISO 27001 framework applies to organizations of all sizes and belonging to all kinds of industries.

Benefits of ISO 27001 certification

As we mentioned above, being ISO 27001-compliant has numerous benefits for an organization. Let’s have a quick look at some of them:

1. Increases customers’ trust

One of the biggest benefits of having the ISO 27001 certificate is that it helps you gain customers’ trust more easily. When you are handling a large amount of customer data and sensitive information, having the complete trust of your clients is vital.

Owning the ISO 27001 certificate demonstrates that you are capable of handling your customers’ data responsibly and securely. It also implies that you are adhering to the globally-recognized ISO standards.

2. Offers quality assurance

The ISO 27001 certificate follows a strict framework and quality checks. So, it assures your customers that you are following high standards of IT security quality. This goes a long way in helping you secure better and more profitable contracts with large businesses.

3. Strengthens your internal security

Along with giving a quality assistance to your customers, having an ISO 27001 certificate is also helpful to your organization’s internal security. While preparing for this certificate, you will have to strengthen your internal data security practices and conduct internal audits. It helps you in spotting several security loopholes in your infrastructure and remedy them effectively.

Continuous risk assessments also help you in ensuring that your business is operating as per the ISO standards. It also prevents any serious data breaches or other security issues in the future.

What is the process to be ISO 27001 compliant?

Acquiring the ISO 27001 certificate isn’t easy for any organization. It is a rigorous process designed to ensure that only the deserving organizations get it.

Here is a quick breakdown of the ISO 27001 certification process:

1. Determination of scope

To become ISO 27001-certified, an organization needs to prepare its ISMS (Information Security Management System). And for preparing a robust ISMS, the determination of its scope is essential. Businesses need to find out what type of information and assets they need to protect.

2. Analyzing your current security controls and finding gaps

Once you are clear with your scope, you need to analyze your existing security control measures. Evaluate how well your current information security measures are performing and the ways you can improve them.

You can do this by analyzing your internal policies and interviewing your IT security staff. Make sure to document all your findings for the external auditing process.

3. Risk assessment and formation of a Risk Treatment Plan

The next step is the assessment of risk. It is a basic requirement for ISO 27001 compliance and you will have to document everything you discover during the risk assessment.

Along with a thorough risk assessment, organizations also need to come up with a fool-proof Risk Treatment Plan. Devising a Risk Treatment Plan is also a necessary step for becoming ISO 27001 compliant. Such a plan acts as your roadmap and helps you mitigate all future risks effectively.

4. Collection of evidence and documentation

Collection and documentation of evidence is an important part of the ISO 27001 certification process. You will need to present all these documents during the external ISO 27001 certification audit.

How long does it take to become ISO 27001 certified?

As it is an extensive process, it can take anywhere between 3 to 12 months to become ISO 27001-certified. From starting the process to completing the ISO 27001 certification audit, the entire process can easily take one year to be completed.

Summing up

So there you go! That was our ISO 27001 beginners’ guide.

We hope you found the information presented here helpful and that we were able to offer you some useful knowledge. Having an ISO 27001 certificate can help your organization in more ways than one. So, even though the process is a bit complicated, obtaining this certificate is a wise choice.

Business

Top 5 Virtual Assistant Companies to Watch in 2025

Published

2 weeks ago

January 23, 2025

Matthew Wiles

Running a successful business in today’s fast-paced world requires a sharp focus on growth, strategy, and efficiency. However, managing the day-to-day operations can often become overwhelming. That’s where virtual assistant (VA) companies come into play. These companies specialize in providing skilled professionals who can handle everything from administrative tasks to customer service, marketing, and beyond, allowing entrepreneurs and small business owners to focus on what they do best.

With so many VA companies on the market, choosing the right one can be a challenge. To help you navigate the options, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 virtual assistant companies to watch in 2025. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a startup founder, or a busy professional, these companies offer top-tier solutions to meet your needs.

1. Assist World – The Gold Standard in Virtual Assistance

At the top of our list is Assist World, a U.S.-based company renowned for its personalized approach to matching clients with virtual assistants. Assist World goes beyond the typical “one-size-fits-all” model by taking the time to understand your unique needs and connecting you with highly skilled VAs who align perfectly with your business goals.

What Makes Assist World Stand Out?

Personalized Matching: Assist World matches clients with virtual assistants based on their specific requirements, ensuring the right fit every time.
Comprehensive Onboarding Process: The company’s seamless onboarding process streamlines communication and ensures VAs hit the ground running.
Client Success Management: Dedicated client success managers oversee the relationship, providing ongoing support and ensuring smooth operations.
Flexibility and Scalability: Assist World caters to businesses of all sizes, offering flexible plans that can scale as your business grows.

Who Is It Best For?

Assist World is ideal for entrepreneurs and small-to-medium businesses seeking a reliable, high-quality VA service that delivers consistent results.

Pricing:

Pricing is customized based on your needs, making it accessible for a wide range of budgets. Schedule a free consultation to learn more.

2. Time Etc – Affordable and Efficient

If affordability is your priority, Time Etc is a strong contender. This VA company specializes in administrative tasks and offers services at competitive rates. With a team of experienced professionals, Time Etc focuses on helping clients boost productivity without breaking the bank.

Key Features:

Dedicated VAs with extensive experience.
Transparent pricing with no hidden fees.
Focused primarily on administrative and organizational tasks.

Who Is It Best For?

Time Etc is a great choice for solopreneurs and small businesses looking for cost-effective virtual assistance for basic tasks.

Pricing:

Plans start at $29 per hour, with discounts available for bulk hours.

3. Belay – A Leader in Remote Executive Assistance

For those in need of executive-level support, Belay is a premier option. This company specializes in matching clients with highly skilled remote assistants who can handle complex tasks such as calendar management, bookkeeping, and project coordination.

Key Features:

Focus on executive and specialized assistance.
Rigorous vetting process for VAs.
Excellent client support.

Who Is It Best For?

Belay is ideal for CEOs, executives, and high-level professionals who require top-tier assistance.

Pricing:

Premium services come at a higher price point, starting around $2,000 per month for part-time support (45 hours a month). For 85 hours a month, pricing sits around $3,800.

4. MyOutDesk – Virtual Assistants for Real Estate

Real estate professionals, take note: MyOutDesk is the go-to VA service for your industry. Specializing in real estate operations, MyOutDesk provides skilled VAs who can handle lead generation, transaction coordination, and CRM management.

Key Features:

Expertise in real estate processes.
Comprehensive training programs for VAs.
Proven track record with top real estate agents.

Who Is It Best For?

Realtors, brokers, and real estate teams looking to streamline their operations and focus on closing deals.

Pricing:

Pricing starts at $1,750 per month for full-time assistants.

5. Boldly – Premium Virtual Assistant Services

If you’re looking for high-quality, premium VA services, Boldly is worth considering. This company offers subscription-based plans that provide access to experienced VAs skilled in a variety of disciplines, including marketing, customer service, and project management.

Key Features:

Highly experienced professionals.
Flexible subscription plans.
Focus on long-term client relationships.

Who Is It Best For?

Businesses and individuals willing to invest in premium services for comprehensive support.

Pricing:

Plans start at $39 per hour, with monthly subscriptions available.

How to Choose the Right Virtual Assistant Company

When selecting a VA company, consider the following factors:

Your Business Needs: Identify the tasks you want to delegate and choose a company that specializes in those areas.
Budget: Assess how much you’re willing to invest in virtual assistance and find a provider that aligns with your budget.
Flexibility: Look for companies that offer scalable plans to grow with your business.
Support: Choose a company with excellent client support to ensure smooth communication and problem resolution.

Why Assist World Is the #1 Choice

While all the companies on this list offer excellent services, Assist World stands out for its personalized approach, exceptional client success management, and flexible solutions, and most importantly, their fair pricing. At Assist World, prices generally fall between $1,500 – $2,000 a month for a full-time dedicated executive assistant. With a proven track record of helping businesses thrive, Assist World is the ultimate partner for entrepreneurs and small businesses ready to scale efficiently and effectively.

Ready to take your business to the next level? Schedule a free consultation with Assist World today and discover the difference a high-quality virtual assistant can make.