Shipping Containers Changed the World. ISO 27001 Can Too.

Consistency is so underrated.

In a world often enamoured by flashy technological breakthroughs, the unsung heroes of global consistency, shipping containers, and ISO standards are shaping the course of history. The humble shipping container, once a harbinger of chaos in regional logistics, became a catalyst for the transformation of international trade. Now, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) is poised to make a similar impact with ISO 27001, transcending IT jargon to become a cornerstone of global collaboration and innovation.

Before the era of standardised shipping containers, the transport of goods was a logistical nightmare. Boxes, bags, and baskets of various shapes and sizes created chaos in shipyards and depots, fostering disorganisation and rampant property theft. In 1946, the ISO was founded to bring global consistency, eventually leading to ISO/TC 104 in the 1960s, the worldwide standard for the dimensions of 20-foot shipping containers.

The result? A consistent means of shipping goods that revolutionised international trade. Shipping costs plummeted by 75%, and cargo ships, trains, and trucks were all tailored to fit 20-foot containers, propelling an international transformation.

ISO's influence extended far beyond shipping containers, impacting rail gauges, information security with ISO 27001, environmental management, and social responsibility. Agreed-upon standards, a concept often taken for granted, have been instrumental in achieving the seemingly impossible throughout history.

Lucas Szymanowski, Director of Information Security and GRC at Wrike, emphasised the significance of standards, stating, "Standards bring people into alignment, and people that are aligned have been able to do the impossible."

ISO, founded in 1946, has crafted tens of thousands of standards across various industries, with ISO 27001 being a key player in information security. An Information Security Management System (ISMS), ISO 27001 ensures a high level of information security through standardized processes and best practices.

ISO 27001 goes beyond mere digital protection. It encompasses structural and organisational guidelines, taking a holistic approach to reduce the risk of security breaches caused by personnel errors. Szymanowski affirms that ISO 27001 sets an international baseline for protecting customer data, managing information security processes, and ensuring overall protection and security.

In an era marred by large-scale security breaches, ISO 27001 certification becomes a seal of approval, signifying an organisation's compliance with information security best practices and resilience against potential threats. The University of Tampa's experience highlights the tangible benefits, including a decrease in phishing-related incidents, increased data protection capabilities, and the promotion of a security-aware culture.

While ISO establishes standards, certification is bestowed by independent bodies through audits. Once an organisation has prepared, implemented, and analysed its ISO 27001 policies, choosing the right certification body becomes a crucial step in solidifying its commitment to information security.

As shipping containers once unified global trade, ISO 27001 stands poised to unite the digital realm, providing a secure foundation for the interconnected world of technology and information.