It is already known that Brazil currently faces – with a low probability of any future change – an escalation of cyber threats, with a 21% increase in the number of attacks compared to the previous year, totaling an average of 2,667 weekly incidents per company. In light of this reality, the demand for ISO/IEC 27001 certification, which establishes stringent requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS), has been growing.
Although market surveys indicate that only 165 Brazilian organizations held ISO 27001 certification by the beginning of 2023, the trend has been one of growth, driven by the need to strengthen information security and meet regulatory requirements.
And companies’ motivation goes beyond mere technical protection. ISO 27001 certification has also become a strategic response to compliance demands. With the enactment of the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and the firmer actions of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), companies have realized that adhering to recognized standards can facilitate legal compliance.
ISO 27001, in fact, aligns with various data protection laws, such as the LGPD, helping companies meet legal requirements for information security. In regulated sectors and companies handling large volumes of personal data, the pursuit of certification has increased as a way to demonstrate to audits and stakeholders that best practices are in place.
Strategic benefits of implementing the standard
Holding ISO 27001 certification has been seen as a key factor in securing and retaining contracts, especially in sectors highly sensitive to digital security, distinguishing certified companies in a competitive and demanding environment.
Another relevant benefit is regulatory compliance. With the tightening of enforcement on data protection, particularly regarding the LGPD and other regulations, companies certified under ISO 27001 find it easier to demonstrate compliance with laws and regulations. The standard establishes a robust framework that covers various legal requirements, reducing the risk of sanctions and strengthening companies’ image before audits and authorities, confirming their commitment to rigorous security standards.
Finally, ISO 27001 certification promotes a significant reduction in risks and security incidents through proactive management of digital threats. Certified companies continuously identify and address vulnerabilities, enhance resilience against attacks, and optimize internal governance and security culture processes. This not only prevents financial and reputational damage but also improves overall operational efficiency, facilitating business and expanding opportunities in domestic and international markets that demand high levels of information protection.
Future trends
The dynamics of information security point to a continuation – and possibly an acceleration – of current trends. Experts predict that the adoption of management systems (such as the ISMS of ISO 27001) will continue to rise in the coming years, keeping pace with both the evolution of threats and the tightening of compliance requirements. Globally, projections indicate robust growth in security certifications: the demand for ISO 27001 has increased by about 45% recently due to stricter global data protection laws.
An important point on the near horizon is the transition to the new version, ISO/IEC 27001:2022. Published in October 2022, the updated standard reflects changes over the past decade – incorporating new controls for cloud risks, threat intelligence, and secure software development, among other aspects. The reasons for the revision included technological evolution and increased business digitalization, along with lessons learned from the practical application of the standard in recent years.
Certified companies will have until October 2025 to migrate their systems to the new edition.
Another important factor is the integration of information security with other dimensions of corporate governance and management. Topics such as data privacy and business continuity are increasingly intertwined with security.
Complementary standards – such as ISO/IEC 27701, focused on privacy as an extension of 27001, and ISO 22301, focused on business continuity management – have been gaining traction alongside 27001. The joint adoption of these frameworks creates an integrated governance ecosystem, capable of addressing everything from personal data protection to resilience against disasters or unavailability.
In essence, information security management will no longer be treated as a one-off certification project but as a dynamic and ongoing process, an integral part of business strategy. In today’s business environment, where trust and digital resilience are competitive differentiators, this commitment becomes not only desirable but essential for the sustainability and success of companies in Brazil.
Sylvio Sobreira Vieira is CEO & Head Consulting at SVX Consultoria
