The Australian startups guide to ISO 27001

Not sure whether your Aussie startup needs to obtain an ISO 27001 certification? ISO 27001 isn’t legally required, but if you plan on trading internationally or have potential customers who are international, many organisations won’t even open conversation with you if you don’t have an ISO 27001 certification. 

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To put a long story short: if you collect, store, transmit, or process data in any way, you may want to consider it. 

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So if you’re just starting out or are looking to scale, this post will help you uncover:

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• What ISO 27001 is and why it matters
• Why it’s a growth lever and not just a checkbox
• Why it matters in Australia (even for startups)
• Simple steps to getting certified
• How Vanta can help you get there even faster
• Why you need to prove trust to grow globally

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What is ISO 27001 and why does it matter?

ISO 27001 is the world’s leading framework for establishing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This ensures your business has a structured process in place to manage risk, protect data, and demonstrate trustworthiness. 

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ISO 27001 sits alongside other Australian frameworks like APRA CPS 234, however, ISO 27001 carries global recognition and is the gold standard for growing and selling internationally. 

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Investors and customers are becoming increasingly savvy when it comes to data security and risk management processes, and ISO 27001 is quickly becoming one of the secret growth accelerators for scaling Australian startups. But let us elaborate on that…

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The growth lever you may not have expected

At Vanta, we’ve been changing the way the world views governance, risk, and compliance since we were founded. The biggest point we want to drive home is that compliance isn’t just an added cost. Frameworks like ISO 27001 can actually be a growth accelerator by opening doors that would be otherwise closed.

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With an ISO 27001 certification in your pocket, you’ll have a key to new markets, be able to close enterprise clients faster, and position yourself as a trustworthy partner right from the get go. 

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As one Vanta customer—Evan Allitt, Head of Operations at Fireant—put it:

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“Vanta gave us the confidence we could achieve our requirements on time and at a very reasonable price. We have since completed the ISO 27001 certification and are continuing to complete additional security accreditations. This is giving our company a genuine competitive advantage when compared to our SMB competitors.”

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By leading with trust, startups like Fireant Pty Ltd—an Australian-based software solution for emergency services—are scaling faster and competing globally. ISO 27001 becomes less about passing an audit and more about fueling international expansion.

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Why ISO 27001 matters for Australian businesses

For all businesses, Australia’s cybersecurity landscape is evolving fast. Frameworks like APRA CPS 234 and the Essential Eight are setting higher expectations for resilience and risk management. Customers from important industries like banking and the public sector are demanding stronger security proof from their vendors.

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When it comes to startups, this is both a challenge and an opportunity. By aligning with ISO 27001 early, you don’t just meet global standards—you exceed local ones.

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And when you can show enterprise buyers that your systems, policies, and people meet internationally recognized benchmarks, you make their due diligence easier and their buying decisions faster. This gives you a competitive advantage over alternative solutions, while also displaying your seriousness and desire to succeed in this environment. 

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Steps to getting ISO 27001 certified

If you’re just learning about ISO 27001, getting certified might sound daunting—but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s a breakdown of the process and how automation can make each step easier:

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1. Scope your ISMS: Define which systems and data ISO 27001 covers.
2. Assess your risks: Identify vulnerabilities and evaluate the likelihood and impact of security threats.
3. Implement controls: Apply ISO’s 93 controls across people, processes, and technology.
4. Run an internal audit: Test your readiness before engaging an external auditor.
5. Complete certification: Work with an accredited body to verify compliance.
6. Maintain and improve: Monitor continuously to stay compliant and secure.
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With Vanta, these steps become dramatically simpler. The platform automates evidence collection, maps controls to ISO 27001 requirements, and connects directly with audit partners. What once took months of manual effort can now take a few weeks—with fewer spreadsheets, screenshots, and sleepless nights.

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How Vanta can get you there even faster

Vanta simplifies the entire ISO 27001 journey; from scoping to certification to continuous monitoring.

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Here’s how:

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• Automated evidence collection: No more chasing screenshots or spreadsheets.
• Pre-mapped ISO 27001 controls: Instantly align your existing tools and systems.
• Real-time monitoring: Get alerts for gaps before they become audit blockers.
• Seamless auditor connections: Work with accredited partners to complete certification efficiently.
  
  

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“Having a clear path to future certifications through Vanta is huge as we scale.” — Anshul Jain, Co-Founder, Everlab

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Whether you’re a SaaS company building for the enterprise market or a fintech innovating in a regulated space, Vanta helps you automate trust, reduce risks, and scale securely.

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Conclusion: Prove trust & grow globally

ISO 27001 isn’t just a compliance milestone: It’s a foundation for your company’s growth.

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By proving your commitment to security, you open doors to partnerships, customers, and investors worldwide. With Vanta’s automation and expertise, achieving ISO 27001 certification is a strategic growth play.

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Ready to get your Australian startup ISO 27001-ready? Book a demo with Vanta and start your international growth story today.