Exploring High-Quality ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27701 Compliance with UKAS & ANAB Accreditations

When it comes to pursuing ISO/IEC 27001 (ISO 27001) and/or ISO/IEC 27701 (ISO 27701) certifications, credibility of your audit firm and quality of your final report and certificate are paramount to showing your dedication to security. With many organizations expanding their businesses into international markets, they must navigate compliance laws and regulations around the world.

A-LIGN recognizes the complex compliance needs for businesses that require cybersecurity compliance assessments in the U.S. and EMEA region. To cater to this growing demand, A-LIGN has successfully pursued and obtained accreditation from both ANAB and UKAS specifically to the ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 standards.

With multiple regional regulations to adhere to and multiple certification bodies to choose from, organizations may be wondering which certification route to choose. In this blog, we break down the differences between accreditation bodies such as ANAB and UKAS, and how your business can leverage the power of both accreditations for ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications.

The importance of ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27701 around the globe

Established by the International Organization of Standards (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 are internationally recognized cybersecurity frameworks.

The standards of ISO 27001 focus on establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an organization’s Information Security Management Systems (ISMS).

On the other hand, the ISO/IEC 27701 standard assists organizations in protecting and controlling personally identifiable information (PII), implementing a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), enhancing data protection measures, and ensuring compliance with global privacy regulations.

By showcasing compliance with ISO 27001 and ISO 27701, businesses not only instill confidence in their stakeholders, but also gain a competitive advantage in the marketplace.

The distinction between accreditation bodies – ANAB vs. UKAS

Accreditation bodies play a crucial role in upholding the integrity and credibility of compliance assessments. As many organizations expand their business into different regions of the world, they may be required to pursue ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications with different accreditation bodies.

What is ANAB?

Within the US, there are only three International Accreditation Forum (IAF) recognized accreditation bodies that can certify both ISO 27001 & 27701. Given A-LIGN’s passion for quality, we have committed to being accredited to ANAB.

The ANSI National Accreditation Board (ANAB) is a multi-disciplinary accreditation body, serving more than 2,500 organizations in 80 countries. ANAB provides accreditation and training services and builds assessment structures for programs across many industries.

Established in 1989 as Registrar Accreditation Board (RAB) and considered the most reputable accreditation body in the United States, ANAB strives for a high level of quality when it comes to ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certification standards. Pursuing ISO certifications with ANAB may be the best fit for organizations seeking exceptional compliance frameworks in the United States.   

What is UKAS?

Within the United Kingdom, there is only one IAF recognized accreditation body that can certify both ISO 27001 & 27701.

The United Kingdom Accreditation Service (UKAS) was established in 1995 and is considered the most reputable accreditation body in the EMEA region. UKAS is a government-appointed body that assesses and accredits organizations that provide certification, testing, inspection, and calibration services.

For EMEA-based compliance assessment services, UKAS is a preferred accreditation body to ensure the highest standards of competence and integrity. UKAS brings an unparalleled level of credibility and accuracy of ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 certifications in the EMEA region, instilling confidence in organizations displaying their dedication to security.

How to decide between ANAB and UKAS

The best way to determine which accreditation body you should pursue, is to consider the location of where your organization conducts or wishes to conduct business.

• If your organization conducts business in the United States, you should pursue an ANAB ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications.
• If your organization conducts business in the EMEA region, you should pursue UKAS ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications.
• If your organization conducts business in the United States and EMEA region, you should pursue both ANAB and UKAS ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications.

Investing in quality for ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27701 compliance success

While organizations have many factors to consider when selecting an auditor for ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 certifications, it is imperative for businesses to consider the quality and reputation of the assessor and the accreditation body.

To learn more about choosing the best organization for your ISMS and PIMS certification needs, visit our blog, Examining the Different Certification Bodies for Certification.

With mounting security concerns in this digital age, businesses are required to adhere to even stricter standards to ensure the safeguarding of their sensitive data. Choosing the right assessor can be a critical decision for businesses looking to build a strong compliance program.

To avoid a low-quality, check-the-box audit experience, businesses should only consider working with a third-party assessment organization accredited by a reputable body.

ISO/IEC 27001 & ISO/IEC 27701 with A-LIGN

As an accredited certification body, A-LIGN has worked with 900 customers to complete more than 2,000 ISO audits, earning a customer satisfaction rating of 94%. It is our goal to provide a high-quality and efficient audit experience for every organization, no matter their location in the world.

For this reason, we are proud to be accredited by ANAB and UKAS to provide ISO 27001 and ISO 27701 services for organizations adhering to cybersecurity compliance regulations in the United States, EMEA regions, or both. These accreditation bodies strive to meet the highest standards of quality and impartiality, so opting for ANAB and/or UKAS-accredited audits means embracing a comprehensive and trustworthy compliance journey.

At A-LIGN, we pride ourselves in being a leading cybersecurity compliance partner for over 4,000 organizations across the globe. We provide a world-class audit experience unparalleled in quality and efficiency for a wide variety of security assessments. To learn more about starting your ISO 27001 and/or ISO 27701 compliance journey, contact us today.