ISO 27001 is widely regarded as the gold standard for information security management. For managed services providers, the certification provides a proven, globally recognised framework for managing and protecting sensitive information. It defines the requirements an information security management system must meet, and it shows that security is governed at board level and embedded across the organisation.

Think of it like airline safety

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for managing information security. But it is much more than a data-security certification: it is a defence against today's biggest risks — remote work, supply-chain attacks and cloud breaches. To explain ISO 27001 in broader terms,, I like to compare it to airline safety.

Say you're planning an overseas trip and you want to book a flight. Leaving loyalty points aside, you'll choose an airline that is proven to follow strict, internationally tested safety systems, undergoes routine checks, and is trusted to handle emergencies in a risk-appropriate manner.

As I see it, ISO 27001 works much like airline safety, because both rely on systematic checklists, continuous risk management and procedural accountability. For example:

Independent Inspection

Airline carriers must pass strict government and safety checks before they take off. For ICT MSPs, ISO 27001 certification confirms that information security management practices have been independently assessed against an internationally recognised standard.

Ongoing Maintenance

Crews run mandatory pre-flight checks before every departure, and aircraft undergo deeper scheduled inspections at defined intervals. ISO 27001 works the same way: certification is not a one-off. Certified organisations undergo annual surveillance audits, with a full recertification audit every three years, to keep their status valid.

Trust 

When it comes to airlines, you choose to fly with a major carrier because you trust their safety record. Likewise, ISO 27001 certification verifies an MSP's security framework, giving customers assurance that they can trust the provider with their sensitive data.

What does ISO 27001 mean for our customers?

As a managed services provider, imei takes information security management seriously, and our commitment to ISO 27001 certification is non-negotiable. Our certification covers the imei 360 platform and the supporting services that hold client information, the systems where customer data lives.

This commitment allows companies to trust us with their critical information, because imei has formal systems in place to manage information security risk, and because those systems are independently assessed and maintained over time. ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that information is governed with defined accountability and oversight — critical when multiple parties rely on the integrity, availability and security of project data.

How to find an ideal ICT MSP

If you're looking for a new managed services provider, or assessing your existing one, it's worth checking their ISO 27001 certification status. Ask whether the certification covers the services your company uses, how often audits take place, and for the certificate registration number so you can verify it yourself on the independent IAF CertSearch register.

To find out more about imei, please get in touch.

ISO 27001 FAQs

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for information security management. It provides a structured framework for identifying, managing and reducing information security risks through policies, processes, accountability and continuous improvement. Certification demonstrates that an organisation's information security management system has been independently assessed against the standard.

Why is ISO 27001 important for businesses?

ISO 27001 helps organisations protect sensitive information, manage business risk and strengthen security governance. By embedding information security across the organisation — supported by formal processes and subject to ongoing oversight — it helps reduce the likelihood of security incidents, data breaches and operational disruption, and demonstrates due diligence to customers and stakeholders.

What does ISO 27001 certification mean for customers?

For customers, certification provides confidence that a service provider has established systems and processes to manage information security risks. It also confirms that these controls are independently assessed and maintained over time, helping organisations make more informed supplier decisions.

How does ISO 27001 help protect against modern cyber threats?

ISO 27001 provides a framework for managing the risks associated with remote work, supply-chain attacks, cloud environments and other evolving cyber threats. Rather than focusing on a single technology or security control, it promotes an organisation-wide approach to information security management.

How often is ISO 27001 certification reviewed?

ISO 27001 certification is not a one-time achievement. Certified organisations undergo annual surveillance audits, with a full recertification audit every three years, to ensure their information security practices continue to meet the requirements of the standard. Maintaining certification requires continuous compliance and improvement.

Why should you choose an ISO 27001 certified managed services provider?

An ISO 27001 certified managed services provider has demonstrated that its information security framework has been independently assessed against an internationally recognised standard. For organisations outsourcing critical technology services, certification provides additional assurance around governance, risk management and the protection of sensitive information.

What questions should you ask a managed services provider about ISO 27001?

Ask whether the provider holds ISO 27001 certification, whether the certification covers the services being delivered, how frequently audits are conducted, and for the certificate registration number so you can verify it on the independent IAF CertSearch register. Understanding the scope and maintenance of a certification helps you assess a provider's commitment to information security.

Does ISO 27001 only cover data security?

No. While ISO 27001 is widely recognised for information security, it also addresses broader areas such as governance, risk management, accountability, operational processes and continuous improvement. The standard helps organisations build a culture of security that extends beyond technology alone.

How does ISO 27001 support supplier and third-party risk management?

Many organisations rely on external technology providers, cloud services and managed services partners. ISO 27001 helps establish clear security governance and accountability across these relationships, providing greater assurance that information is managed appropriately throughout the supply chain.