You dont need to be a large corporation or an established consulting firm to start offering ISO 27001 consulting services. Starting your own ISO 27001 consulting business can be a lucrative and rewarding venture. Small and medium-sized companies often prefer working with independent consultants as they offer personalized services at a lower cost.
Small businesses also account for 43% of annual cyber breaches. As a result, more companies are seeking ISO 27001 certification not just to protect data, but to win client trust, meet vendor requirements, and enter new markets.
It is the perfect time to break into this industry and start your own consulting business. In this guide, we will provide you with all the necessary steps to become an ISO 27001 consultant and build a successful consulting business.
Why Start an ISO 27001 Consulting Business?
The demand for ISO 27001 consulting is growing fast as companies prioritize data security and compliance. The increasing number of data breaches and cyberattacks has necessitated that organizations implement robust security measures. The global information security consulting market is expected to reach $59.80 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.50% from 2024 to 2032.
ISO 27001 is not a one-time project, but rather an ongoing process that requires continuous monitoring and improvement. Organizations need to regularly review and update their security measures to maintain compliance with the standard. Additionally, ISO 27001 certification must be renewed every three years to ensure ongoing compliance.
Another important aspect of information security consulting is risk management. This involves identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities, assessing their likelihood and impact, and implementing measures to mitigate or eliminate them. The retainers, renewals, and long-term contracts can open the doors for ISO 27001 consulting as well.
If you offer expert guidance in risk management, your clients may be interested in your services to help them achieve ISO 27001 certification. You can assist in conducting risk assessments, developing risk treatment plans, and implementing security controls to address identified risks.
Prerequisites Before You Begin Your ISO 27001 Consulting Business?
Before starting your own ISO 27001 consulting business, there are a few things you should have in place to ensure success.
Technical knowledge and ISO 27001 expertise
ISO 27001 framework is complex and requires in-depth technical knowledge and expertise to implement effectively. You must have a strong understanding of the standard, its requirements, and how to interpret them for different organizations.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 is the latest version of the standard. As a consultant, you should be familiar with its requirements and any changes or updates from previous versions. The clauses and Annex A controls should be thoroughly understood, and you should have the ability to guide organizations on how to comply with them.
Gap analysis, Statement of Application (SoA) creation, Information Security Management System (ISMS) design, and risk assessment are some of the key components of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 implementation. These processes are essential in identifying and addressing any gaps in an organization’s current information security practices and designing an effective ISMS.
Formal qualifications and certifications
To become an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 lead auditor, a person must possess the necessary qualifications and certifications. These include having a thorough understanding of information security management principles, experience in conducting audits and risk assessments, and knowledge of relevant laws and regulations.
Some of the certifications that may be required for an ISO/IEC 27001:2022 lead auditor include.
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
- Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
- Certified Information Systems Auditor (CISA)
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Auditor Certification
- ISO/IEC 27001 Lead Implementer Certification
These certifications demonstrate a thorough understanding of information security principles.
Soft skills for consulting success
In addition to technical knowledge and certifications, a successful ISO/IEC 27001:2022 lead auditor must also possess strong soft skills. These skills are essential for effective communication, collaboration, and problem-solving in a consulting role.
Communication, project management, and critical thinking are all necessary skills for a lead auditor to possess. The stakeholders of a company will expect clear and concise communication from the lead auditor. This includes both written and verbal communication, as well as active listening.
A lead auditor must also be able to conduct client workshops and meetings, facilitate discussions, and provide training as necessary. With effective communication, the lead auditor can build relationships with clients, understand their needs and concerns, and communicate effectively.
Networking and relationship building
Success in consulting often hinges on who you know. As an ISO consultant, build a strong network and maintain relationships with clients, other auditors, and industry professionals. The better your connections, the more opportunities you may have to work with new clients or gain referrals.
Attend conferences and industry events to expand your network and stay up-to-date on industry trends. Connect with professionals through social media and online communities, where you can participate in discussions and share your expertise.
Building strong relationships with clients is essential for maintaining a successful audit career. This includes not only providing high-quality services but also being proactive in communicating with clients and understanding their needs.
How to Build Your ISO 27001 Consulting Service Offering?
Offering core ISO 27001 services is essential for any consulting firm looking to build a successful practice in this area.
- Conducting gap assessments and risk assessments
- Developing an information security management system (ISMS) based on ISO 27001 requirements
- Implementing technical and organizational security controls
- Conducting internal audits to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 standards
- Assisting with the certification process
In addition to these core services, there are also optional add-on services that can improve your offering and provide additional value to your clients. Add-on services can be vulnerability assessments, penetration testing, and incident response planning.
Your pricing model can also be tailored to your clients’ needs, whether it’s based on a fixed cost or a subscription-based model. This can also include tiered pricing for larger organizations or multiple locations.
Marketing your cybersecurity consulting services is a top priority. You can utilize digital marketing strategies such as creating a strong online presence through a website and social media platforms. You can also attend relevant industry events, conferences, and trade shows to network and showcase your services.
Delivering Value and Scaling Your ISO 27001 Business
Once you’ve delivered successful projects, document every step—from initial assessments to implementation and audit prep. Develop SOPs, templates, and checklists that can be reused and refined. This not only increases your efficiency but also enables you to serve more clients without compromising on quality.
For example.
- Create ready-to-use risk assessment templates
- Build SoA and ISMS documentation kits
- Standardize onboarding and reporting workflows
Repeatable systems also help you delegate and scale when the time comes to grow a team. Many clients also need help with.
- SOC 2 or GDPR compliance
- Vendor risk management
- Policy development
- Security awareness training
By bundling related services or offering them post-certification, you increase client lifetime value while making their compliance journey easier.
You can also package your knowledge into products, such as online ISO 27001 training courses, audit preparation tools, or consulting retainers. These products can be used internally for employee training or sold to clients as additional resources.
By continuously refining and improving your repeatable systems, you can establish yourself as a trusted and reliable compliance partner for your clients.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a big firm to make a big impact in information security. Small and mid-sized businesses are actively looking for trusted advisors who can guide them through ISO 27001 certification with confidence and clarity. The market is growing. The demand is real. And the barriers to entry are lower than ever, if you have the skills, systems, and strategy.
By following the roadmap laid out in this guide, you’ll be equipped to.
- Deliver high-impact ISO 27001 consulting services
- Build a profitable, flexible business
- Position yourself as a trusted authority in a high-growth market
Because in a world that runs on data, being the expert who protects it is one of the most valuable roles you can play.