ISO 27001 without the headache: A practical ISMS guide for IT teams

In any management system, there needs to be encouragement and leadership from top management, even if senior leaders are not deeply involved in day‑to‑day operations. In smaller Canadian organizations, the CEO may take a very hands‑on role; however, as the business grows across provinces and sectors, it becomes increasingly difficult for one person to stay deeply engaged with all activities. Even so, leadership must remain visible, actively interested, and aligned with the expectations they set for employees. Leaders can explain the risks to reputation, operational performance, and regulatory compliance that come with weak information security management, particularly important as cyber incidents continue to rise across Canada, as highlighted in DNV’s findings on information security maturity.

Leadership from the top in ISO 27001 Information Security Management

At the outset, a leader’s role is to understand the subject matter, ideally with support from internal personnel and external experts such as an accredited certification body. Leaders must understand the application and implications of ISO 27001 for their organization and effectively communicate this to employees. They must also understand how current processes work and how risks are identified and managed.

With information security management, this understanding begins with obtaining a copy of the relevant standard, ISO/IEC 27001, and related guidance documents. A cross‑functional team must then be assembled to move development forward. In Canadian organizations, it is important that this team includes representation from all operational areas to ensure alignment with provincial regulations, industry requirements, and recognized best practices.

By its nature, information security requires significant input from IT and technical professionals. They are best positioned to identify risk areas and propose protective measures. In the event of a cyberattack, they will also be responsible for restoring systems and maintaining business continuity. The tech team should implement backup practices that align with Canadian expectations for cyber resilience, such as isolating backup systems to reduce exposure to ransomware, an approach emphasized in numerous industry insights, including DNV’s reporting on evolving cybersecurity threats.

IT specialists may consider other employees the “weak link,” and to some extent this may be true. However, all staff contribute to the organization’s success, and they may require additional guidance on recognizing and reporting attempted cyber threats.

Engaging employees at every level

Although the technical team will build the system’s framework, they must understand the working practices and needs of other departments. A system that is as secure as Fort Knox but prevents employees from doing their jobs becomes a barrier to success. It is equally important that the system aligns with ISO 27001’s requirements; otherwise, it may not meet certification criteria.

Quality managers and staff will want to ensure the Information Security Management System (ISMS) integrates with other existing management systems. For Canadian organizations, many of which operate integrated ISO 9001, ISO 45001, or ISO 14001 systems, alignment reduces audit time and cost and supports a more efficient conformance assessment process.

Customer‑facing and supplier‑facing teams often connect with external information networks. These areas can become weak points if either organization takes information security less seriously. Employees working in fast‑paced environments must be properly trained to manage these risks. DNV’s survey results show how ISO/IEC 27001‑certified systems improve preparedness and enhance trust across supply chains.

Ensuring the system is fit for purpose

When building the system, future management and refinement must be considered. This may include adopting new software platforms; however, documenting and determining relevant processes is essential at this stage. Cross‑functional team engagement is critical, and collaboration with the certifying body can help ensure the system is fit for purpose.

Implementation can be the most challenging stage, as it often requires changes in work practices. Continuous review and evaluation of processes are essential, and when issues arise, all parties must work together to resolve them. After the system has operated for a reasonable period and at least one internal audit has occurred, the organization may consider applying for certification.

To help Canadian businesses evaluate their readiness for ISO 27001, DNV provides a self‑assessment tool, an effective starting point for organizations across all sectors.

Your relationship with the certification body will likely span many years, as certification must be maintained over time. To keep a management system effective, continual improvement is essential.

DNV supports Canadian organizations through a partnership approach that combines risk-based auditing, training that builds internal competence, and digital tools designed to support efficiency and long-term value.

For further context, you may find DNV’s Canadian article on the evolving landscape of information security maturity insightful:
https://www.dnv.com/ca/assurance/articles/the-evolving-landscape-of-information-security-maturity/

2/10/2026 7:09:00 p.m.