Your security and compliance glossary

All the terms you need to know when you’re trying to get compliance audit ready, fast.

Show filters

What is an ISO 27001 internal audit?

An ISO 27001 internal audit involves examining an organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS) before undergoing an ISO audit with an external auditor. The internal audit aims to help identify gaps or deficiencies that could affect an organization’s ISMS and impact its ability to meet its intended objectives and complete an initial or annual ISO 27001 certification audit.

The internal audit function is a requirement under the ISO 27001 standard. However, unlike a certification review where an organization must use an external third party to conduct the audit, either staff within an organization or an independent third party—such as a consulting firm—can perform an audit. 

When determining its approach to the execution of an internal audit, a company must:

  • Ensure the auditor is objective and impartial, meaning there are no conflicts of interest and that appropriate separation of duties are in place (i.e., the auditor has not implemented or does not operate or monitor any of the controls under audit).
  • Ensure the auditor is qualified and competent regarding auditing processes and procedures, as well as the ISO 27001 standard.


The internal audit results, including nonconformities, should be shared with a company’s ISMS governing body and senior management to ensure oversight and identify issues before proceeding to the external audit.

{{cta_withimage2="/cta-modules"}}

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
Live Demo: Automating Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Discover how automation can transform your compliance efforts into a streamlined, efficient process. Join the live demo to see it in action and get your compliance questions answered.

Compliance
Events
Demystifying the EU AI Act

Discover how Vanta can streamline your journey through this new regulatory landscape, ensuring your AI operations are secure and future-ready.

Compliance
Blog
The founders guide to accelerating growth with compliance in ANZ

Proactively investing in security compliance can help ANZ startups unlock bigger deals and build trust with customers long before compliance becomes mandatory.

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
Live Demo: Automating Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Discover how automation can transform your compliance efforts into a streamlined, efficient process. Join the live demo to see it in action and get your compliance questions answered.

Compliance
Events
Demystifying the EU AI Act

Discover how Vanta can streamline your journey through this new regulatory landscape, ensuring your AI operations are secure and future-ready.

Compliance
Blog
The founders guide to accelerating growth with compliance in ANZ

Proactively investing in security compliance can help ANZ startups unlock bigger deals and build trust with customers long before compliance becomes mandatory.

Compliance
Events
Live Demo: Automating Compliance for ISO 27001, GDPR and more with Vanta

Unlock the power of automated compliance and streamlined security workflows—join our live demo to see how Vanta can save you time, money, and help build trust with your customers.

Compliance
Events
Live Demo: Automating Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and More

Discover how Vanta’s automation tools can simplify compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and more, helping you build a stronger security foundation with ease.

Compliance
Events
Live Demo: Simplify ISO 27001 and SOC 2 Compliance to Fuel Growth

See how Vanta can simplify and automate your compliance efforts, helping you scale your business while building trust with customers!

Product updates
Events
Trust is a Team Sport

Jeremy Epling (CPO at Vanta) introduces new product capabilities designed with teamwork in mind. Watch to see how Vanta can help you collaborate easily with your extended team of employees, vendors, auditors, and customers—and win together.

Compliance
Events
Live Demo: Automate compliance to fuel your startup's growth

Discover how automating compliance can streamline processes, save time, and fuel your startup’s growth.

ISO 42001
Events
Compliance for AI in Europe: Preparing for Emerging AI Laws and Regulation

Explore how ISO 42001 and the EU AI Act help your company stay compliant, secure, and ahead of evolving AI regulations with expert insights and practical strategies.