The True Cost of Cheap ISO 27001 Certification, According to Chirag Goswami

In a recent LinkedIn post, Chirag Goswami raises critical questions about the value and implications of deeply discounted ISO 27001 certifications. Goswami challenges the notion that a certification, particularly one offered at an extremely low price point like $250, can truly represent the rigorous process required for information security compliance.

Goswami begins by highlighting the stark contrast between the offered price and the actual effort involved in achieving ISO 27001 compliance. He points out the extensive work that should be encompassed by such a certification:

“Months of work. Risk assessments. Controls. Internal audits. Management reviews. Corrective actions.”

This leads Goswami to pose a fundamental question about what is actually being purchased at such a low cost. He elaborates on the potential disconnect between the certificate and genuine security assurance.

Questioning the Value of Discounted Certifications

Goswami argues that businesses should scrutinize the true meaning behind a heavily discounted ISO 27001 certificate. He prompts readers to consider what such a certificate actually signifies:

“If all of that can apparently be replaced by $250… what exactly are you buying? – A certificate? – Compliance? – Trust? Or something that may actually create more questions when a serious customer looks closely?”

According to Goswami, the allure of saving money in the short term can be deceptive. The real cost, he suggests, might be incurred much later when the superficiality of a cheap certification is exposed.

The Long-Term Repercussions

In Goswami’s view, a low-cost certificate might offer immediate financial relief but can lead to significant problems down the line. He emphasizes that while a $250 certificate might seem like a bargain today, its true cost could manifest in damaged trust and potentially greater security risks in the future.

Goswami concludes by posing a direct challenge to potential clients: would they place more trust in a supplier with an inexpensive ISO 27001 certificate, or would they be prompted to investigate further? He implies that a discerning customer would likely opt for the latter, seeking genuine security assurance rather than a mere piece of paper.

Goswami notes that he further unpacked these insights in the latest edition of ‘The Cyber Stories,’ incorporating perspectives from industry experts like Erica Smith, Sarah Kammigan, and the team at ISO Certification Experts, as well as technical insights from Cybernara.