Ensuring your business backups align with ISO 27001 standards means setting up a reliable, secure system that protects your critical data and supports your overall information security management. ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised framework that helps organisations manage risks related to information security, including how data is backed up, stored, and recovered. For UK SMEs, meeting these standards is not just about ticking a box; it's about reducing the risk of costly downtime, data loss, and reputational damage.
Why this matters for UK SMEs
Imagine a typical UK business with around 50 employees that relies heavily on customer data, financial records, and operational information stored digitally. If their backup process is inconsistent or unsecured, a cyber attack or hardware failure could lead to significant data loss. This would disrupt daily operations, reduce staff productivity, and potentially breach UK GDPR or the Data Protection Act 2018, attracting regulatory scrutiny from the ICO. ISO 27001-aligned backups help ensure that data is regularly saved, securely stored, and can be restored quickly, minimising disruption and helping maintain customer trust.
A practical example
Consider a regional accounting firm that experienced a ransomware attack. Their previous backup routine was ad hoc and lacked proper encryption. Because backups were stored on-site without access controls, the attackers also encrypted the backup files. After engaging a managed IT provider, the firm implemented ISO 27001-compliant backup procedures: encrypted backups stored off-site, regular testing of restore processes, strict access controls, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for backup system access. This approach ensured that if a similar incident occurred, they could recover data quickly without paying a ransom, maintaining compliance and client confidence.
Checklist: How to ensure your backups meet ISO 27001 standards
- Ask your IT provider: How often are backups performed and verified? Are backups encrypted both in transit and at rest?
- Check backup locations: Are backups stored off-site or in the cloud with appropriate security controls? Avoid relying solely on local backups.
- Access control: Who has access to backup data? Is access limited and protected by MFA?
- Testing and restoration: Are regular restore tests conducted to confirm backups work and data integrity is maintained?
- Retention policies: How long are backups kept? Do these periods align with your business and compliance requirements?
- Logging and monitoring: Are backup activities logged and reviewed to detect any unusual or unauthorised actions?
- Supplier due diligence: If using third-party backup services, do they comply with ISO 27001 or equivalent standards? Request evidence or certification.
- Documentation: Is there clear, documented backup and disaster recovery policy aligned with your wider information security management system?
Next steps
Backing up your data to ISO 27001 standards is a key part of managing information security risks and maintaining business continuity. Speak with a trusted managed IT provider or IT advisor who understands the practical requirements of UK SMEs and can help tailor backup and disaster recovery plans to your specific needs. This will help you stay prepared, protect your data, and support compliance efforts without unnecessary complexity.