Many organisations spend significant time on ISO 27001 and information security, yet still face a high level of risk. This is often because the work is focused more on satisfying audits than on supporting the organisation’s actual objectives. The result is a paper tiger. Polished documentation, but little real resilience.
For leaders and boards, it’s crucial to distinguish between being compliant and being secure. This article explains how to move from ISO on paper to true operational robustness, where security actively guides and supports the business.
What is an ISMS and why ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems, often referred to as an ISMS (Information Security Management System). An ISMS is not an IT system or a collection of technical measures, but a management system:
a framework for how the organization identifies risks, prioritizes actions, monitors responsibilities, and improves over time.
When used correctly, ISO 27001 provides a framework that helps management to:
- understand what is important to protect
- take informed decisions about risk
- ensure that measures are actually implemented
- create continuous improvement
The problem arises when the standard is treated as a goal in itself.
The Paper tiger. When ISMS loses it's value
The term paper tiger is used to describe something that looks impressive on the surface but has little real effect. In information security, it refers to an ISMS that:
- is full of policies and documents
- satisfies the auditor's checklists
- but to a small extent actually affects operations and decisions
- It gives a false sense of security
- It does not reduce the likelihood or consequences of events
- It provides little support for strategic decisions
In other words: The paper tiger looks safe, until something goes wrong.
Compliance is not security. Resilience is
- funderstands its most important risks
- detects and handles incidents quickly
- can maintain operation when something fails
- protects trust among customers, partners, and owners
ISO 27001 can support resilience, but only when the ISMS is linked to business objectives and not just to certification and audit requirements.
An applicable ISMS starts with the business
- What is most critical for our value creation?
- What events can we least afford?
- Where will failure have the greatest consequences, economically, operationally, or in terms of reputation?
When security work is built around these questions, the ISMS becomes a management tool rather than a compliance project.
Example: Spenn Group. When trust is the very business model
For Spenn, information security is not just a support function. Trust is the very foundation of the business. Stable operations, control over data, and clear risk management are crucial for both commercial success and further growth.
"We wanted to implement information security early on, as certification would be a competitive advantage."
Therefore, the security objectives were directly linked to the business strategy, not treated as a separate compliance track.
Structure and overview without document chaos
At the same time, the IO platform from ISMS.online was chosen as the common solution for the entire ISMS. Dunamis Technology is an ISMS.online partner and used the platform to consolidate all ISMS themes in one place: risk, assets, controls, responsibilities, incidents, and documentation.
"The platform serves as a common hub for risks, assets, and controls, making it easy to gather evidence and providing a clear audit trail."
For management, this means oversight and control, and not more administration.
From paper tiger to management tool
- Paper tiger: focus on documentation and revision
- Anvendbart ISMS: focus on risk, prioritization, and decision support
When the ISMS is actively used in management and governance, certification becomes a confirmation of maturity, rather than the main goal.
How Dunamis Technology can help
- vCISO services that support management and governance
- establishment of a risk profile with clear relevance to the business
- use of ISMS.online as a common platform for management
- clarification for ISO 27001 certification without building paperwork
Conclusion and a simple test
👉 Is your ISMS a management tool or a paper tiger?
Contact Dunamis Technology for a non-binding conversation. We help you build robust information security that actually supports the business.