How to Prepare for ISO 27001 and NIS2 Certification

In today’s digital landscape, cybersecurity has become a critical business priority. Organizations across Europe face increasing regulatory pressure to demonstrate robust information security practices. Two key frameworks dominate this space: ISO 27001 certification and NIS2 directive compliance. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the essential steps to prepare your organization for both standards, ensuring robust cybersecurity posture and regulatory compliance.
A Comprehensive Guide for 2025

Understanding ISO 27001 and NIS2

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Published by the International Organization for Standardization, this framework provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information, ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The latest version, ISO 27001:2022, includes 93 security controls organized across four themes: organizational, people, physical, and technological controls.
Organizations that achieve ISO 27001 certification demonstrate to clients, partners, and stakeholders that they take information security seriously and have implemented industry-recognized best practices.
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The Belgian Data Protection

What is NIS2?

The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) is the European Union’s updated cybersecurity legislation that came into force in January 2023. Member states must transpose it into national law by October 2024. NIS2 significantly expands the scope of the original NIS directive, covering more sectors and imposing stricter cybersecurity requirements on essential and important entities.
NIS2 focuses on supply chain security, incident reporting, business continuity, and management accountability. Non-compliance can result in substantial fines and even personal liability for senior management.
Compliance

Why Pursue Both ISO 27001 and NIS2 Compliance?

While ISO 27001 is a voluntary certification and NIS2 is a mandatory regulation for covered entities, pursuing both offers significant advantages:

Comprehensive Security Framework

ISO 27001 provides the structured management system, while NIS2 adds specific regulatory requirements, creating a robust security posture.

Market Advantage

ISO 27001 certification enhances your reputation and can be a competitive differentiator, especially when dealing with security-conscious clients.

Regulatory Readiness

Many NIS2 requirements align with ISO 27001 controls, making dual compliance more efficient than separate efforts.

Risk Mitigation

Both frameworks emphasize risk management, helping protect against cyber threats, data breaches, and operational disruptions.

Customer Trust

Demonstrating compliance with recognized standards builds confidence among customers, partners, and investors.

The cybersecurity leadership

Gap facing Belgian businesses represents a critical challenge impacting security posture and organizational risk exposure.

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Phase 1

Step-by-Step Preparation Guide

Initial Assessment and Gap Analysis

The foundation of any successful certification journey begins with understanding where you currently stand.

Conduct a Preliminary Audit

Engage internal or external experts to assess your current security practices against ISO 27001 controls and NIS2 requirements. This gap analysis identifies areas requiring improvement.

Scope Definition

Clearly define what will be included in your ISMS scope. This might cover specific departments, systems, locations, or processes. For NIS2, determine whether your organization falls under essential or important entity classification.

Stakeholder Identification

Identify key stakeholders including senior management, IT teams, legal counsel, and department heads who will be involved in the compliance journey.

Resource Allocation

Determine the budget, personnel, and timeline required for the project. Consider whether you'll need external consultants or can manage the process internally.

Phase 2

Leadership Commitment and Governance

Both ISO 27001 and NIS2 emphasize the critical role of leadership in cybersecurity.

Management Buy-In

Secure executive sponsorship and commitment. NIS2 specifically holds management bodies accountable, making top-level engagement essential.

Establish Governance Structure

Create an information security committee or appoint a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) to oversee the program.

Define Roles and Responsibilities

Clearly document who is responsible for each aspect of information security, from policy creation to incident response.

Allocate Resources

Ensure adequate budget and personnel are dedicated to achieving and maintaining compliance.

Phase 3

Risk Assessment and Treatment

Risk management forms the core of both ISO 27001 and NIS2.

Asset Inventory

Create a comprehensive inventory of all information assets including hardware, software, data, and personnel.

Risk Identification

Identify potential threats and vulnerabilities affecting your assets. Consider cyber threats, natural disasters, human error, and supply chain risks.

Risk Analysis

Evaluate the likelihood and potential impact of identified risks. Use qualitative or quantitative methods based on your organization's needs.

Risk Treatment

Develop a risk treatment plan that specifies how each risk will be addressed through mitigation, acceptance, transfer, or avoidance.

Document Everything

Maintain detailed records of your risk assessment methodology, findings, and treatment decisions. This documentation is crucial for certification audits and regulatory inspections.

Phase 4

Policy and Procedure Development

Comprehensive documentation demonstrates your commitment to systematic security management.

Information Security Policy

Develop a high-level policy approved by top management that outlines your organization's approach to information security.

Mandatory Procedures

Create required procedures including access control, change management, incident response, business continuity, supplier management, and internal auditing.

NIS2-Specific Requirements

Address specific NIS2 obligations such as supply chain security measures, incident notification procedures (24-hour early warning, detailed report within 72 hours), and vulnerability disclosure policies.

Employee Guidelines

Develop user-friendly guidelines covering acceptable use, password management, remote work security, and data handling.

Regular Review Process

Establish a schedule for reviewing and updating all policies and procedures to ensure they remain current and effective.

Phase 5

Implementation of Security Controls

Transform policies into action by implementing appropriate security controls.

Technical Controls

Deploy firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption, multi-factor authentication, vulnerability management, and security monitoring tools.

Organizational Controls

Implement security awareness training, define clear reporting lines, establish change management processes, and create incident response teams.

Physical Controls

Secure facilities with access controls, surveillance, environmental protections, and secure disposal procedures for sensitive materials.

Supply Chain Security

For NIS2 compliance, implement measures to assess and manage cybersecurity risks in your supply chain, including vendor assessments and contractual security requirements.

Phase 6

Training and Awareness

Human factors represent one of the greatest security risks and opportunities.

Management Training

Ensure leadership understands their responsibilities under both ISO 27001 and NIS2, including potential liability.

Security Awareness Program

Develop ongoing training covering phishing awareness, password hygiene, data classification, incident reporting, and social engineering threats.

Role-Specific Training

Provide specialized training for IT staff, system administrators, and anyone with privileged access or security responsibilities.

Crisis Management Exercises

Conduct tabletop exercises and simulations to test incident response and business continuity plans, a specific NIS2 requirement.

Measure Effectiveness

Track training completion, conduct phishing simulations, and measure security incident trends to gauge program effectiveness.

Phase 7

Internal Audit and Continuous Improvement

Regular auditing ensures your ISMS remains effective and compliant.

Internal Audit Program

Establish a schedule for internal audits covering all areas of your ISMS and NIS2 requirements.

Audit Team

Train internal auditors or engage external experts to conduct objective assessments.

Corrective Actions

Document findings and implement corrective actions for any non-conformities discovered.

Management Review

Conduct periodic management reviews to evaluate ISMS performance, review audit results, and make strategic decisions about security improvements.

Continuous Improvement

Treat your ISMS as a living system that evolves with changing threats, technologies, and business requirements.

Phase 8

Certification Audit Preparation

The final step is preparing for the external certification audit for ISO 27001 and demonstrating NIS2 compliance.

Pre-Assessment

Consider engaging your certification body for a pre-assessment to identify any remaining gaps before the formal audit.

Documentation Review

Ensure all required documentation is complete, current, and accessible. Create a document index for easy reference.

Evidence Gathering

Compile evidence demonstrating implementation of controls, including logs, training records, incident reports, and management review minutes.

Staff Preparation

Brief employees who may be interviewed during the audit about what to expect and how to respond to auditor questions.

Stage 1 Audit

The certification body reviews your documentation to ensure it meets requirements before proceeding to the implementation audit.

Stage 2 Audit

Auditors assess whether your ISMS is effectively implemented and operational. They will interview staff, review evidence, and test controls.

Challenges

Common Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Resource Constraints

Start small with a limited scope and expand gradually. Focus on high-risk areas first.

Resistance to Change

Communicate benefits clearly, involve stakeholders early, and demonstrate quick wins to build momentum.

Complexity

Break the project into manageable phases. Consider engaging experienced consultants to guide the process.

Maintaining Compliance

Treat certification as the beginning, not the end. Establish processes for continuous monitoring and improvement.

Integration with Existing Systems

Look for synergies with existing quality, environmental, or other management systems to avoid duplication.

ISO 27001 certification

Conclusion

Preparing for ISO 27001 certification and NIS2 compliance represents a significant investment in your organization’s security posture and regulatory readiness. While the journey requires commitment, resources, and systematic effort, the benefits extend far beyond mere compliance.
Organizations that successfully implement these frameworks enjoy reduced security incidents, improved customer trust, competitive advantages, and better risk management. Most importantly, they build resilience against the ever-evolving cyber threat landscape.
Start your preparation today by conducting a gap analysis, securing leadership commitment, and developing a phased implementation plan. Whether you choose to manage the process internally or engage external expertise, the key to success lies in systematic execution, continuous improvement, and unwavering commitment from top management.
The cybersecurity landscape will continue to evolve, but organizations with robust information security management systems and regulatory compliance will be best positioned to navigate future challenges while protecting their most valuable assets: information and customer trust.