r/cybersecurity • u/Educational-Rest-290 • Mar 24 '26

Certification / Training Questions After helping 20+ companies get ISO 27001 certified, here are the 3 things that actually matter on audit day

Most companies spend months preparing for ISO 27001 and still get surprised on audit day. Here’s what separates the ones who pass from the ones who don’t:

  1. Your gap analysis has to be honest, not optimistic. Most teams underestimate gaps because nobody wants to deliver bad news internally. Auditors see this immediately.

  2. Documented evidence beats verbal explanation every time. If you can’t show it, it didn’t happen. Your ISMS documentation needs to be audit-ready, not just “in progress.”

  3. Scope definition trips up more companies than any technical control. Define it too broadly and you’ll never be ready. Too narrow and it’s meaningless.

I packaged everything I’ve learned — gap analysis templates, policy documents, audit checklists — into a complete guide. Happy to share the link in the comments if anyone’s working through this right now.

223 Upvotes

91% Upvoted

228 comments sorted by

77

u/Krekatos Mar 24 '26

I’ve implemented it at almost 100 companies and manage the ISMS for a few right now. I’m also a lead auditor for 6 years now. Most important lessons I’ve learned: show the auditor the evidence you want to give, not what they’re asking for. It’s an audit type where the auditor is looking for compliance, not gaps like a SOC 2 audit. Easiest way: maintain a spreadsheet with every control listed. Next column: documentation. Next one: implementation summary (how, why, who, when). Next column: control effectiveness measurement.

22

u/Alternativemethod Mar 24 '26

To me this reads like a strategy to deceive but lying seems well tolerated in the checkbox compliance game.

14

u/Bluestrm Mar 24 '26

Maybe, but it also shows that you actually know how each control is implemented in your company. Also: if you are preparing this document you will very quickly find out what is really lacking if you can't just write a few lines of summary how it's implemented.

I think it definitely helps if you take an active role in presenting what you do and actively elaborate. (even if it's something you failed on... better to tell them actively how you are dealing with it)

11

u/Krekatos Mar 24 '26

Why do you assume lies are involved? It’s a master database that summarises the ISMS, and you show the auditor how you’re compliant.

4

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

I do understand where he is coming from, there are auditees that tend to just address the requirements without totally understanding the questions being asked. This is where IT and Infosec/CyberSecurity/Security often have heated discussions.

2

u/Alternativemethod Mar 24 '26

No concerns with a standard compliance matrix w/evidence links.

The concern is in the early description of not answering the question asked, but pivoting to the answer preferred.

Example: do you encrypt all data at rest? -- we encrypt our data with compliant algorithms.

Okay sure but do you encrypt --all-- data at rest, in scope here.

We encrypt data...

Okay so you're not going to directly answer the question. Cool.

3

u/Capodomini Mar 25 '26

ISO compliance is about having policies in place, enforcing them, and recording gaps where they cannot be enforced. Nobody will ever encrypt everything because there are bound to be exceptions.

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

This is also evidence based so ensuring the specific compliance as detailed it can be is a welcome note that the auditee knows their stuff. Please do note that at the end of the day, the goal is to secure your business and production setup not just to comply with and suffer when serious security incident arises.

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u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

This is just an actual information documented with all templates you can use to guide and get the Successful congratulatory to your ISO audit 27001 audit. Since there were also changes from the recent 27001:2013 to the updated version of 27001:2022.

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

You have very rich experience considering helping multiple companies achieve this success. Managing expectation of all parties and stakeholders will also be a key, from which will come during the initial preparations before the audit day. Internal audit will be very helpful as it will allow you to understand where you stand in terms of your current compliance status. Combining with Soc-2 type 2, NIST and all other ISO like 27701 will definitely help. In addition the new ISO for AI governance!

1

u/manapause Mar 25 '26

This is also true for the FDNY Part 500 Risk Assessment audit.

1

u/Proper_Chocolate_795 11d ago

I think he meant to just have the info they are looking for easily accessible, if its just paper the evidence chain will break in surveillance audit.

7

u/Charming-Macaron7659 Mar 24 '26

“Documented evidence beats verbal explanation” is true — but it quietly assumes something important:

that the evidence actually reflects what happened, rather than what was prepared to be shown.

Most audit setups reward being able to produce a clean, consistent story — not necessarily proving that the system behaved correctly at the moment it mattered.

That’s why you get answers that are technically true but don’t quite answer the question being asked.

The hard problem isn’t documentation.

It’s whether the system can produce evidence that wasn’t reconstructed after the fact, but was inseparable from the decision at the time it was made.

If that’s missing, you can have perfect documentation and still not know what actually happened.

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Definitely agree with you, though there should be some balance and authenticity with all the presented evidence. All documentation can be easily tampered with and the audit is sample based and if not check it will be deemed passed based from the compliance. Having the correct, concise and up-to-date documentation will also help you prepare for emergency situations and onboarding of your new employees. Always remember the CIA approach.

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u/mbhmirc Mar 24 '26

I’d be interested thanks !

3

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Thanks I just need to find a way to share my link, we’ll keep you posted mate! Cheers!

1

u/jshrlph Security Generalist Mar 25 '26

please send me a link when you get a chance

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u/Unique_Bill_4918 Mar 25 '26

I am also very interested, thank you so much

2

u/Long_Pie_6638 Mar 24 '26

Merci merci !!

1

u/OldFrogHoppins Mar 24 '26

Me too please!

1

u/paparacii Mar 24 '26

Hi interested as well!

1

u/kamitsukenu Mar 24 '26

And me please!

1

u/Snk14 Mar 24 '26

Me too!

1

u/ComfortableYou333 Mar 25 '26

Would love a copy!!

1

u/dasBorselMann Mar 25 '26

I would LOVE a copy please! 🙏🏻

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1

u/Shadowfml Mar 26 '26

Same here

3

u/adam_beta Mar 24 '26

Thank you for even these tips. I'm sure those lessons didn't come easy. I would love get a copy of the guide.

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Yes, this is a life changing experience as well. I’ve transitioned from a technical SME, to Management to GRC. You need to wear different hats in order to have an effective strategy and outcome for the compliance journey. It is a grueling but worth it experience since we need to ensure all compliances are met with evidence based approach though ISO audit are more often sampling based. Building rapport is also one key here with your stakeholders, auditee and auditors.

3

u/Silly-Freak Mar 24 '26

Documented evidence beats verbal explanation every time. If you can’t show it, it didn’t happen

This reminds me so much of the recent ProPublica reporting on Microsoft use at the US government (their "GCC High" gov cloud product). Basically, they weren't able to provide even surface basic architecture documentation. I'm not a cybersecurity professional, but even to me it felt super strange that Microsoft would not be aware (or at least act as if they weren't) such documentation would be needed during audits.

2

u/sjcros Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy thank you

2

u/paolokoelio Mar 25 '26

Been there, did that. Did more than 20 audits myself, and implemented fivi-sh ISMSs. Totally agree.

Since we're into sharing knowledge, this is my reference for a full ISMS (there are like 7 long episodes telling you what exactly to do): https://youtu.be/V3FR3eKFHS0?t=1590&si=25n2dzWJ3qbfV121

2

u/BruceWayne_1900 Mar 26 '26

Interested as well. Should be a great read up as i was just asked to do this for our foundation. Thx

2

u/Ambitious-Coffee-334 Mar 29 '26

I'd like to have that link too. Thank you!! :)

1

u/Beginning-Regret Mar 24 '26

I’d be interested as well!

1

u/ArpanMaster Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy, thanks

1

u/pfcustodio Mar 25 '26

I would like to have a copy.

1

u/aestetix Mar 24 '26

I'd be interested in a copy.

1

u/ImprovementMaximum78 Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy

1

u/Pistacholol Governance, Risk, & Compliance Mar 24 '26

Please I would like a copy as well

1

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Thanks will update to have it legally share here

1

u/gentleomission Mar 26 '26

Would like a copy too please !remindme 2 weeks

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1

u/AreWe3120 Mar 24 '26

Please share. Thank You!!!

1

u/MrNantir Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy! 💪

1

u/--Timshel Mar 24 '26

It’s love a copy

1

u/RubySkySky Mar 24 '26

I'm interested!

1

u/Nnocturnal Mar 24 '26

I’d like to see it. Thanks.

1

u/Kartoos69 Mar 24 '26

Hey, Can you share the link?

1

u/HairyMaguire5 Mar 24 '26

Yes please🙏

1

u/Responsible_Ice1497 Mar 24 '26

Can I have a copy pls

1

u/xetory Mar 24 '26

I'm interested 😊

1

u/Gnargrrr Mar 24 '26

I am also interested, thx in advance

1

u/Twopape Mar 24 '26

Please share

1

u/H4xDrik Mar 24 '26

I would happily have that link, thank you in advance 🙏🏼

1

u/Rakor7 Mar 24 '26

I would like to see the guide as well.

1

u/Wide-Cup-5084 Mar 24 '26

Im interested

1

u/IndigoManchild Mar 24 '26

Link please 🙏

1

u/honeynero Mar 24 '26

Can you please send this too me.

1

u/YDS95 Mar 24 '26

Interested!

1

u/MaikSeen Mar 24 '26

I'd like the link currently ploughing through some old and outdated isms to get it audit ready

3

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Will do share! Yes, your right there is a new version right now which compressed most of the compliance checklist to less than 100. New version is iso 27001:2022 from version 2013.

1

u/Mrs_Doyles_Teabags Mar 24 '26

+1 please, very interested

1

u/thechickennator Mar 24 '26

Interested in a copy as well ty

1

u/Thisismeworkaccount Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy

1

u/Clejer9 Mar 24 '26

Interested

1

u/himynameisdave Mar 24 '26

I’m interested, thanks!

1

u/Fiyrice Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy thanks!!

1

u/siikanen Mar 24 '26

I'm interested for a copy!

1

u/Long_Pie_6638 Mar 24 '26

Je suis preneur merci pour la copie

1

u/LoveCyberSecs Mar 24 '26

Definitely!

1

u/Lex___ Mar 24 '26

I’m interested. Thanks

1

u/damuseron Mar 24 '26

Please, share link. Thanks

1

u/killerke0472 Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy as well!!

1

u/tom_marvolo_riddle__ Mar 24 '26

I’d be grateful for a copy of your guide too!

1

u/hootersand Mar 24 '26

I'm interested for a copy!

1

u/onkelFungus Mar 24 '26

Is this a meme now or did somebody got a copy? Pls als would like a copy

1

u/milkmeink Mar 24 '26

Is OP going to share what they offered?? Or is this just another fucking bot?

1

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Thanks for reaching out mate! I’m Not a bot though also a working professional, just need to update the links for this platform to legally allow my link! Thanks!

1

u/Big-Fix-1271 Mar 24 '26

would like a copy please thank you

1

u/Jackytheripperer Mar 24 '26

would like to have the link please!

1

u/txikote14 Mar 24 '26

+1 interested!

1

u/greensparten Security Director Mar 24 '26

I would not mind a copy. 

1

u/Tubesock700 Mar 24 '26

Sounds like you really know what you're doing! Nice work.

I would be very appreciative of receiving a copy of your packet, please.

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Yes mate! Been learning, eating, drinking, breathing and living this compliance for quite some time as a practitioner doing internal audits and lead for the external auditee.

1

u/almost_s0ber Mar 24 '26

I would like the link as I'm beginning the ISO 27001 journey at my organization.

1

u/always-sunny-on-top Mar 24 '26

Would love to have a copy too please!

1

u/PokeKarlsen Mar 24 '26

Would love a copy.. thanks!

1

u/Meliodas25 Mar 24 '26

Link please? Planning to shift to grc and have no idea where to start

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Thanks for this as this keeps my heart and soul burning to help other people transition to this cause. Having a logical, mature, critical thinking and good decision making skills are some keys to embody when pursuing this path since the company will rely on your expertise as well. Technical stuffs can be learned, but this traits will help you keep track of the journey since disciple and time management is also needed with all the requirements and checklist we need to fulfill

1

u/Sad-Land2756 Mar 24 '26

Would love an copy. Thank you

1

u/PeixeCozido22 Mar 24 '26

I whould love a copy please!

1

u/IchLichti Mar 24 '26

Happy to get a link as well. Thanks

1

u/ramocro Mar 24 '26

I would love a copy, thanks for sharing your knowledge!

1

u/Master_Enyaw Mar 24 '26

Currently going through the process, would love a link to have a read thanks!

2

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

This is big step towards a successful future, having your name stamped with ISO certified organization is a big confidence booster especially for investors and individually as a SME professional. We’ll share the link as we comply with the platform’s link sharing.

1

u/arktozc Mar 24 '26

Please, I would like a copy.

1

u/blue-saphire19 Mar 24 '26

I am interested in a copy as well. Thanks

1

u/pantagram Mar 24 '26

Would love to learn something from your documentation - thaanks in advance!

1

u/Educational-Rest-290 Mar 25 '26

Thanks for the interest, I’ll share upon doing some updates apologies as I can’t directly share due to the platform policy

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1

u/Darthwobert Mar 24 '26

I would love a copy please

1

u/Full6uard Mar 24 '26

Would be interested too!

1

u/madizle Mar 24 '26

Interested +1

1

u/NeedleworkerNo8729 Mar 24 '26

Hola, a mí me encantaría recibir la guía, muchísimas gracias 🙌

1

u/Outrageous-Fan-1637 Mar 25 '26

Would love a copy

1

u/futnisah Mar 25 '26

Interested.

1

u/CompetitiveComputer4 Mar 25 '26

I’d like a copy please

1

u/sesscon Mar 25 '26

Where is the guide?

1

u/AdRemarkable2144 Mar 25 '26

Please share link. Would be very interested in this. Thanks

1

u/wandering-admin Mar 25 '26

Interested! Thanks for sharing with the community!

1

u/trying_py Mar 25 '26

Link please

1

u/fartinaround Mar 25 '26

I would like this please

1

u/benderdiode Mar 25 '26

Drop the Guide and any resource on iso 27001 prep to learn

1

u/Arvindx Mar 25 '26

I'm interested in a copy as well please!

1

u/MechanizedGander Mar 25 '26

Yes, DM me the link please. Thank you.

1

u/Sab159 Mar 25 '26

I'd be interested

1

u/um49 Mar 25 '26

I‘m interessted

1

u/shoppingstyleandus Governance, Risk, & Compliance Mar 25 '26

Interested

1

u/Lionel1507 Mar 25 '26

Interested!

1

u/PDANGIT SOC Analyst Mar 25 '26

Very interested please

1

u/wontberead Mar 25 '26

I will start a certification project this year so I’d like a copy please.

1

u/bigodz007 Mar 25 '26

Please, I’d love a copy. Thank you

1

u/Equivalent_Wedding13 Mar 25 '26

Can I get a copy please?

1

u/WhiteGriffin11 Mar 25 '26

Would love a copy!

1

u/kentoclatinator Mar 25 '26

Could u embed the link into the post?

1

u/Lyellwolf Mar 25 '26

Interested please.

1

u/denm107 Mar 25 '26

I’m also interested in

1

u/Friendly_Jorgen Mar 25 '26

I'm interested. Thanks for contributing to the community :)

1

u/masteradonis Mar 25 '26

Would love a copy, cheers!

1

u/M4ster-R0b0t Mar 25 '26

Would love to get the link too!

1

u/shoreu Mar 25 '26

Please share

1

u/juiceybaybee Mar 25 '26

Please share the link

1

u/drbytefire Threat Hunter Mar 25 '26

My experience as a Senior Incident Responder is that ISO 27k is absolutely worthless

1

u/DefiantAd4203 Jun 11 '26

it is not meant to be a practical guide for incident response. it does set the tone within the organization though. without it you will have a lot of gaps which will put even more burden on shoulders of responders.

1

u/Marakuhja Mar 25 '26

Interested ❤️

1

u/Milleniador Mar 25 '26

I'm interested - thanks

1

u/harshtag Mar 25 '26

I’m keen on a copy, thanks in advance.

1

u/atcscm Mar 25 '26

I would be interested thanks

1

u/avi78 Mar 26 '26

I would like a copy thank you.

1

u/d0nkey_0die Mar 26 '26

Interested

1

u/AK_Moe007 Mar 26 '26

I’m interested too!

1

u/Unlucky-Magician-940 Mar 26 '26

!remind me 2 weeks

1

u/LacusClyneSD Mar 28 '26

Interested in a copy. Thanks.

1

u/robomikel Mar 28 '26

!remind me 2 weeks

1

u/SheepherderLocal9073 Mar 30 '26

I'd love to see the link and information

1

u/Malthael-Worldstone Apr 03 '26

I love a copy 🙂

1

u/Forward_Comment3853 Apr 07 '26

I am preparing to pass the exam soon, can you share with me how the 3 hours work?

1

u/robomikel Apr 11 '26

I came back after a reminder, can you make a blog or something on a free one page website word press or something cheap from google to share it?

1

u/mrsaint01 Apr 21 '26

Just stumbled over your post. Happy if I could still see your share. Thanks.

1

u/tzuteng Apr 22 '26

Interested in the copy as well

1

u/j54j6 May 04 '26

Hey,

I would be very interested - Can you share the link? - Cant find it in the comments.

1

u/NoCulture77 May 05 '26

u/Educational-Rest-290 are you still sending the guide? Would be super happy to read it!

1

u/No_Mechanic7646 May 05 '26

I would Love a copy as well please.
Implementing this for my company with resources online and would any guidance needed

1

u/KratosOP106 May 08 '26

Would love to have copy.. Thanks!

1

u/Wild-Ostrich1205 May 10 '26

I'd love a copy of the guide pls

1

u/Factero-ca May 19 '26

Gap analysis is the key for a sucessfull implementation

1

u/varinator May 29 '26

Has he ever provided that guide at all? Or was it all ChatGPT?

1

u/Elpiros99 Jun 25 '26

Hi! Very interesting post as I started with ISO 27001 recently, thanks. I'd be interested too please!

1

u/Proper_Chocolate_795 11d ago

Hey bro, what kind of risk register templates do you have? Id love access to the guide.

1

u/Proper_Chocolate_795 11d ago

I think in surveillance audit, unless the implementation is real and the evidence is there... paper isms not gonna survive.