Case Study: ISO 27001 Certification Audit for a Leading Technology Company in Morocco
Client Background
Our client, headquartered in Casablanca, Morocco, is a prominent player in the talent transformation and digital learning space. The company designs and delivers cutting-edge experiential assessment and development solutions tailored for enterprise clients. With a strong reputation for innovation and client-centric services, the leadership recognized the growing need to formalize its information security practices. As the company began attracting more global clients, particularly in the EU and GCC markets, it became essential to showcase robust compliance with international standards.
The leadership team decided to pursue ISO 27001 certification, the globally accepted Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) standard. This decision aimed to strengthen their data security posture, ensure stakeholder confidence, and build a secure foundation for future growth.
Project Objective
The goal of this engagement was to conduct a comprehensive certification audit of the client’s ISMS implementation against ISO 27001 requirements. The audit scope included reviewing all relevant departments, verifying the implementation of policies and controls, and assessing overall risk management practices.
The desired outcome was to:
- Determine the organization’s readiness for ISO 27001 certification.
- Identify areas of strength and potential improvement.
- Ensure that risks related to information security were being effectively addressed.
- Make a recommendation on certification status based on audit results.
Audit Scope and Methodology
Scope Statement: Talent transformation using experiential assessment and development solutions.
The certification audit followed ISO 19011 auditing guidelines and covered the following departments:
- Information Security (CISO)
- IT Infrastructure
- HR & Administration
- Product Development
- Business Development
An opening meeting was held with department heads, followed by detailed interviews, document reviews, system walkthroughs, and on-site observations. The audit process was based on a sampling method and focused on evaluating control implementation and documentation.
Audit Summary & Observations
1) Information Security (CISO):
The ISMS framework was well-established, with documentation such as the ISMS policy, scope, and Statement of Applicability (SOA) in place. Key observations:
- The internal audit report dated 5th December 2023 was reviewed and found compliant.
- Management Review Meeting (MRM) records were up to date.
- Management commitment was demonstrated through regular evaluations and resource allocation.
Positive Practices: Documentation completeness, internal audits, and leadership engagement.
Types Of Certification
- ISO Certification
- ISO 9001 Certification
- ISO 14001 Certification
- ISO 45001 Certification
- ISO 22000 Certification
- ISO 27001 Certification
- ISO 17025 Certification
- ISO 13485 Certification
- ISO 20000-1 Certification
- ISO 22301 Certification
- ISO 50001 Certification
- ISO 37001 Certification
- IATF 16949 Certification
- ISO 29001 Certification
- ISO 31000 Certification
- ISO 20121 Certification
- ISO 10002 Certification
- ISO 41001 Certification
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2) IT Infrastructure:
The IT department showcased a mature implementation of controls:
- The IT asset register was available, but needed to include mobile device tracking.
- A risk register existed but could be expanded to include non-IT departments.
- Annual VAPT (Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing) was conducted.
- Firewall policies and role-based access control were implemented effectively.
Positive Practices: Network controls, asset management, and security policy adherence.
Improvement Areas: Extend risk assessment across all departments and enhance asset tracking.
3) HR & Administration
Personnel and facility-related controls were well-documented:
- Comprehensive employee files with contracts, credentials, and assessment records.
- Skill matrices and job descriptions were updated for all roles.
- Exit procedures and interviews were regularly conducted.
- Facility maintenance and pest control were documented and scheduled.
Positive Practices: Employee lifecycle management, training records, and admin operations.
4) Product Development
The development team followed Agile SCRUM methodology with defined processes:
- Documented product development lifecycle.
- Separate QA team for manual and automated testing.
- Change requests are managed through JIRA.
- Defect tracking and testing documentation were well maintained.
Positive Practices: Development control, QA separation, change and issue management.
5) Business Development
Contractual and client engagement records were managed efficiently:
- Contracts are prepared collaboratively by the BD and Finance teams.
- All agreements are stored in secure, centralized repositories.
Positive Practices: Contract management and documentation security.
ISO 27001 Internal Audit Checklist
Key Findings and Recommendations
While no major non-conformities were identified, a few Potential Improvements (PI) were noted:
- Include mobile phones and other smart devices in the IT asset register.
- Expand the Risk Register to include risks across HR, BD, and Admin departments.
These improvements were not critical, but they were recommended to be implemented within 90 days to enhance the ISMS’s effectiveness and ensure continued compliance.
Outcome and Certification Status
Following a full review of evidence, documentation, and on-site observations, the auditor concluded that the organization had implemented an effective Information Security Management System.
Recommendation: Issue ISO 27001 certification.
The client was advised to:
- Close minor improvement points.
- Maintain documentation and conduct periodic reviews.
- Prepare for the next surveillance audit within 12 months.
Business Impact and Value Delivered
By achieving ISO 27001 certification, the client:
- Enhanced its reputation and trustworthiness with global clients.
- Strengthened internal processes and risk mitigation strategies.
- Demonstrated proactive commitment to data protection and security.
- Positioned itself for expansion into regulated markets such as Europe and the GCC.
This audit marked a critical step in the company’s growth journey, laying a foundation for secure, scalable business operations.
Need ISO 27001 Certification or Audit Support in Morocco?
Popularcert specializes in helping businesses across Morocco and the wider MENA region implement ISO standards easily and confidently. Our audit and consulting services cover:
- ISO 27001, ISO 9001, ISO 22000, and more
- Gap assessments and risk analysis
- Internal audits and pre-certification readiness
- Staff awareness training and documentation support
Contact us today to find out how we can help protect your information systems and get ISO certification Morocco.
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FAQ
What is the importance of ISO 27001 certification for tech companies in Morocco?
ISO 27001 certification helps tech companies in Morocco protect sensitive data, meet international client expectations, and enter global markets like the EU and GCC with confidence.
How long does an ISO 27001 certification audit typically take for mid-sized companies?
For mid-sized companies like the one in this case study, an ISO 27001 certification audit usually takes a few days of on-site assessment, followed by reporting and certification issuance within a few weeks.
How can businesses in Morocco get support for ISO 27001 certification?
Businesses in Morocco can partner with experienced consultants like Popularcert, who offer audit readiness, documentation support, risk assessments, and end-to-end ISO 27001 certification services.