Case Study: ISO 27001 Certification Initiative for CellPort Software

How CellPort Software Partnered with Driftpin Consulting to Achieve ISO 27001 Certification, Strengthening Information Security and Gaining a Competitive Edge

Background

CellPort Software, a leading provider of clinical technology solutions, recognized the growing importance of robust information security practices to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance with industry standards. To strengthen its security posture and enhance its market reputation, CellPort embarked on a strategic initiative to achieve ISO 27001 certification. They engaged Driftpin Consulting to lead this comprehensive six-month certification project.

Objectives

• Achieve ISO 27001 certification within six months.

• Develop and update necessary policies, procedures, and work instructions.

• Establish and manage critical security and compliance processes.

• Successfully navigate internal and external certification audits.

• Ensure continuous improvement in information security management.

Scope of Work

Policy and Procedure Development

• Added or updated 15 policies, 25 standard operating procedures (SOPs), and eight work instructions.

• Key areas addressed included access control, data encryption, and incident response.

Process Establishment and Management

• Corrective and Preventive Actions (CAPA): Implemented a robust CAPA process to identify, document, and address security issues.

• Change Management: Established a structured change management process to assess all changes for security impact.

• Security Incident Management: Developed procedures for identifying, reporting, and managing security incidents.

• Vulnerability Scanning: Introduced regular vulnerability scanning to proactively identify and mitigate security risks.

• Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery: Created comprehensive plans to ensure operational resilience during disruptions.

• Backup and Restore: Updated backup and restore procedures to ensure data integrity and availability.

###Audit Representation and Defense

• Represented CellPort in internal audits, ensuring readiness and compliance.

• Managed multiple external certification audits, providing documentation and addressing auditor queries.

• Selected and managed an attack and penetration testing vendor to validate security controls.

• Defended CellPort during the final certification audit, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) and achieving certification.

Challenge

• Communication to the Market: CellPort needed to effectively communicate its commitment to information security to build trust and enhance its market reputation.

• Supplier Management: Managed multiple suppliers with significant roles in the certification process, ensuring all parties met required standards and timelines.

• Resource Allocation: Consolidated substantial ISMS roles into a limited internal headcount. Developed a RACI matrix to distribute responsibilities effectively, avoiding overburdening specific resources and established an Executive Committee to provide hands-on review and oversight of all ISMS-related activity.

Solutions and Outcomes

###Strategic Planning and Execution

• Driftpin implemented a detailed project plan with clear milestones and responsibilities.

• Regular progress reviews and adjustments ensured the project stayed on track.

Collaboration and Communication

• Driftpin established effective collaboration with CellPort’s teams and facilitated smooth implementation of new policies and procedures.

• We instituted comprehensive training sessions that ensured staff were efficiently informed and compliant.

• We created a communication plan that highlighted CellPort’s commitment to information security to external stakeholders.

Audit Success

• An internal audit, overseen by Driftpin, prepared CellPort for the rigorous external certification process.

• Driftpin represented CellPort during external audits, ensuring all auditor queries were addressed promptly.

Certification Achievement

• CellPort Software successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification within the planned six-month timeline.

Conclusion

By gaining ISO 27001 certification, CellPort:

• Enhanced its reputation

• Gained a competitive advantage in the market

• Established a solid foundation for information security and quality assurance, guiding its future growth and development

Driftpin Consulting’s leadership and expertise were instrumental in guiding CellPort Software through the complex ISO 27001 certification process. By developing comprehensive policies and procedures, establishing critical security processes, and navigating the audits successfully, Driftpin ensured CellPort achieved certification efficiently. This partnership strengthened CellPort’s information security posture and positioned them for continued success in the competitive clinical technology sector.

Driftpin continues to oversee all ongoing compliance and information security work for CellPort and is preparing for the annual surveillance audit in Q4 2024 to ensure continued certification.

For more information on how Driftpin can help your organization achieve its certification goals, contact us at info@driftpin.com or visit our website: www.driftpin.com.