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ISO/IEC 27001 is a comprehensive framework for managing information security risks, and it plays a crucial role in today’s rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape. With businesses increasingly adopting hybrid and remote work models, the traditional security perimeter has expanded, making it more challenging to safeguard sensitive information. Employees working from various locations and using different devices can expose organisations to new threats such as data breaches, phishing attacks, and unauthorised access to critical systems.
This is where ISO/IEC 27001 comes in. It offers an internationally recognised set of guidelines for establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS), helping organisations assess and address security risks comprehensively. This framework not only helps mitigate the risks posed by hybrid work environments but also supports businesses in maintaining compliance with industry regulations and ensuring the long-term security of their data and infrastructure. In this blog, we will explore how ISO/IEC 27001 remains relevant in 2025, its role in strengthening cybersecurity across distributed work environments, and how it enables businesses to build a robust, resilient security posture in a world where the threat landscape is constantly evolving.
As businesses continue to embrace hybrid and remote work models, the threat landscape is rapidly evolving, with cybercriminals becoming increasingly sophisticated in their tactics. New attack vectors, such as social engineering, ransomware, and advanced persistent threats, are on the rise. Organisations can expect a surge in phishing attacks, as the shift to digital communication has made these attacks more targeted and difficult to identify. Additionally, the increase in remote work has exposed businesses to a greater risk of ransomware, particularly when remote security practices are not adequately implemented. The widespread adoption of cloud-based solutions has also expanded the attack surface, creating new vulnerabilities and increased the potential for sensitive data breaches. The consequences of these cyberattacks can be severe, ranging from financial losses and reputational damage to regulatory penalties. To proactively address these threats and ensure compliance with industry standards, businesses must adopt strong cybersecurity frameworks, such as ISO/IEC 27001, which provides a structured approach to securing critical information and maintaining resilience in the face of emerging risks.
Real-world cyber threats highlight the value of ISO/IEC 27001 in mitigating risks. In one case, a ransomware attack on remote employees was swiftly contained due to ISO 27001 controls like regular backups, employee training, and an incident response plan, enabling quick recovery and minimising downtime. In another instance, a retail company’s cloud data breach was prevented by implementing ISO 27001’s access control policies, secure cloud configurations, and stronger user authentication, reducing the likelihood of unauthorised access. These examples showcase how ISO 27001 helps businesses effectively address modern cybersecurity challenges.
To address the specific risks associated with hybrid and remote work environments, ISO 27001 offers a series of controls to secure remote access:
Opting for a UKAS-accredited certification body, such as Risk Associates – accredited by UKAS (10720), is essential for confirming your organisation's compliance with ISO 27001 standards. They can stay ahead of evolving information security trends and mitigate risks like remote access vulnerabilities, ransomware, and data breaches. By implementing a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) tailored to modern workspaces, businesses can ensure their employees remain secure, no matter where they work.
ISO/IEC 27001 provides a framework for managing information security risks, ensuring secure access to company data, and maintaining compliance with security standards, essential for hybrid work settings where employees work from multiple locations and devices.
ISO/IEC 27001 mandates encryption, multi-factor authentication, and secure VPN usage, ensuring that personal devices accessing corporate data are secured, mitigating the risks associated with varying levels of device security in a hybrid work setup.
By implementing ISO/IEC 27001, businesses can establish robust data protection controls, ensuring compliance with regulations like GDPR, and safeguarding personal and sensitive information across remote and office-based operations.
ISO/IEC 27001 outlines processes for regular risk assessments, incident management, and business continuity planning, helping organisations quickly respond to cybersecurity incidents and minimise operational disruptions in a hybrid work environment.
