It is already known that Brazil is currently facing – 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 search for ISO/IEC 27001 certification has been increasing, which establishes strict requirements for an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
Although market surveys indicate that only 165 Brazilian organizations held ISO 27001 certification by early 2023, the trend has been one of growth, driven by the need to strengthen information security and meet regulatory requirements.
And the motivation of companies 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 more assertive actions of the National Data Protection Authority (ANPD), companies have realized that adhering to recognized standards can facilitate legal compliance.
ISO 27001, inclusive, aligns with various data protection laws, such as LGPD, helping companies meet legal information security requirements. In regulated sectors and companies that handle large volumes of personal data, the pursuit of certification has increased as a way to demonstrate to audits and stakeholders that good practices are implemented.
Strategic benefits in the implementation of the standard
Having ISO 27001 has been seen as an important factor in winning and retaining contracts, especially in highly sensitive digital security sectors, highlighting certified companies in a competitive and demanding environment.
Another relevant benefit is related to regulatory compliance. With the advancement of data protection enforcement, especially regarding LGPD and other regulations, companies certified in 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 the company's image before audits and authorities, confirming the commitment to rigorous safety standards.
Finally, ISO 27001 certification promotes a significant reduction in risks and security incidents through proactive management of digital threats. Certified companies identify and address vulnerabilities continuously, strengthen 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 require high standards of information protection.
Future trends
The dynamics of information security point to a continuation – and possibly acceleration – of current trends. Specialists foresee that the adoption of management systems (such as ISO 27001's ISMS) will continue to rise in the coming years, following both the evolution of threats and the tightening of compliance requirements. Worldwide, 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 ISO/IEC 27001:2022 version. Published in October 2022, the standard update reflects the changes that have occurred over the past decade – incorporating new controls for cloud risks, threat intelligence, and secure software development, among other aspects. The reasons that led to the review included technological evolution and the increase in business digitalization, as well as the 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 governance and corporate management. Topics such as data privacy and business continuity are increasingly intertwined with security.
Complementary standards – such as ISO/IEC 27701, focused on privacy, an expansion of 2700, and ISO 22301, focused on business continuity management – are gaining ground 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 outages.
Essentially, information security management will no longer be treated as a one-time certification project, but as a dynamic and ongoing process, an integral part of the business strategy. In the current 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 of Consulting at SVX Consulting
