How to Choose Tools for ISO 27001: Logging, Access, Asset Tracking, Training, Ticketing

Vector illustration showing a startup team evaluating ISO 27001 tools for SMEs, covering Logging, Access, Asset Tracking, Training, and Ticketing. Highlights cost, scalability, and simplicity for a lean compliance approach.

ISO 27001 implementation can feel complex for small teams. Logging, access management, asset tracking, security awareness training, and ticketing systems may seem technical or costly. However, SMEs and startups often do not need enterprise-grade tooling at the start.

With a structured approach, your team can work toward implementing controls consistently, and developing records that may be useful for audits. You can also select tools that fit your team size and budget.

This guide discusses common approaches to ISO 27001 tooling for SMEs and startups, highlighting where self-serve templates can help manage compliance-related tasks and may help reduce overall effort.

Understanding ISO 27001 Tool Requirements

ISO 27001 focuses on maintaining records and applying controls consistently, rather than using the most advanced tools. Implementing controls involves maintaining records that indicate:

  • Risks are identified, assessed, and addressed.
  • Policies are applied consistently.
  • Controls are implemented and can be traced.
  • The tools and processes provide necessary control coverage for applicable ISO 27001 requirements.

Tip: Even a simple setup may help capture records that support ISO 27001 practices, as long as records are maintained and workflows are consistent. Advanced SIEMs or enterprise platforms are optional and may be considered later.

What SMEs Typically Need

  1. Lightweight, repeatable workflows
  2. Easy-to-maintain evidence
  3. Clear ownership for every control
  4. Tools that can scale with growth
  5. Integration with existing processes

Key ISO 27001 Tool Categories

Below are five core ISO 27001 tooling categories, what the standard generally requires, practical SME implementations, and indicators for considering upgrades.

1. Logging and Monitoring

  • ISO Requirements: Event logging and monitoring (Annex A.8.16 (Monitoring activities), A.5.28 (Collection of evidence)) and incident detection.
  • SME Starting Point: Basic log retention and alerting for unusual events.
  • Typical Tools: Better Stack, Datadog, AWS CloudWatch.
  • When to Upgrade: Teams with ~50+ employees, multiple systems, or SOC-level visibility needs.
  • Where Templates Help: Logging Policy and Monitoring Procedure template can offer a suggested structure for documenting workflows and records.

2. Access Control and IAM

  • ISO Requirements: Role-based access, least privilege (A.5.15 (Access control), A.8.2 (Privileged access rights), and joiner / mover / leaver processes.
  • SME Starting Point: Centralised SSO, MFA, and basic lifecycle workflows.
  • Typical Tools: Google Workspace, Okta, Azure AD.
  • When to Upgrade: Complex roles, multiple systems with sensitive data, or more formal audits.
  • Where Templates Help: Access Control Policy templates and User Access Review logs can provide a structure for documenting User Access Review records.

3. Asset Tracking and Classification

  • ISO Requirements: Inventory of information and assets (A.5.9 (Inventory of information and other associated assets)), classification (A.5.12 (Classification of information)), and risk-based controls. Encryption is a common and often critical control chosen based on risk assessment.
  • SME Starting Point: Asset register, ownership assignments, and basic device tracking.
  • Typical Tools: Intune, Jamf, Freshservice.
  • When to Upgrade: Over 100 devices, mixed OS environments, or when automated enforcement may be helpful.
  • Where Templates Help: Asset Management Policy and Asset Register templates offer a structure that may support tracking and documentation in line with Annex A.

4. Training and Awareness

  • ISO Requirements: Awareness programs and competency tracking (Clauses 7.2 (Competence) and 7.3 (Awareness)).
  • SME Starting Point: Annual role-based training and basic documentation of completion.
  • Typical Tools: KnowBe4, Hoxhunt, or internal LMS.
  • When to Upgrade: Teams needing phishing simulations, multi-team reporting, or extended monitoring.
  • Where Templates Help: Training Policy and Competence Matrix templates can provide a structured method for documenting training completion and competency records.

5. Ticketing and Issue Tracking

  • ISO Requirements: Corrective action records, incident management, and change logging (A.8.32 (Change management)).
  • SME Starting Point: Basic ticketing system for tracking incidents and requests.
  • Typical Tools: Jira, Zendesk, Freshservice.
  • Additional Use Case – Supplier and Cloud Service Oversight: Ticketing tools may also be used to record activities related to suppliers or cloud services, where appropriate, such as approvals, due-diligence checks, or periodic reviews. This can serve as a documented record linked to Annex A.5.23 (Information security for use of cloud services), particularly when teams prefer lightweight systems.
  • When to Upgrade: Multi-team environments, formal CAB processes, or higher audit scrutiny.
  • Where Templates Help: Incident Log and Corrective Action Register templates can provide a structured framework for documenting incidents and corrective actions.

The tools listed above are provided as examples only. Organisations may evaluate or select alternative solutions that better fit their specific requirements.

Choosing ISO 27001 Tools – Considerations and Framework

Selecting ISO 27001 tools often involves balancing simplicity, cost, and potential scalability. For SMEs and startups, practical choices may focus on supporting processes and capturing control evidence rather than on enterprise-grade features.

Key Considerations

  • Integration with existing processes: Tools that work with current systems (e.g. Google Workspace, Jira, internal workflows) may reduce setup effort and support smoother adoption.
  • Control-Feature Mapping: Evaluate the tool's specific features (e.g. automated logging, MFA enforcement, reporting) against the applicable Annex A controls you have determined. Confirm the tool provides the necessary control coverage and evidence output.
  • Time and effort to maintain evidence: Subscription cost is only part of the picture – consider ongoing monitoring, logging, and updates that may be needed to keep records current.
  • Staff capability and training: Select tools that your team can operate comfortably. Lightweight systems or templates may reduce reliance on external expertise.
  • Scalability: Tools that start simple but allow incremental upgrades may support growth as teams or processes expand.
  • Documenting evidence: Even minimal setups may produce useful records. Pairing tools with self-serve templates may help capture processes, responsibilities, and data consistently.
  • Cost-effectiveness: Consider total cost of ownership, including subscription, setup, maintenance, and staff time, rather than only upfront pricing.

Practical Framework for Selection

  1. Map controls to responsibilities: Identify who may be responsible for each control, determine which specific tool provides the necessary control coverage, and where the evidence should be maintained.
  2. Start small: Lightweight tools, spreadsheets, or basic systems may support documentation and process tracking initially.
  3. Document processes and records: Policies, procedures, and captured evidence may matter more than the tool itself. Templates may help structure this clearly.
  4. Upgrade strategically: Consider scaling tools when team size, process complexity, or compliance needs may warrant more advanced functionality.
  5. Leverage templates: Ready-made templates may assist in maintaining clarity, consistency, and efficiency in evidence collection.

Tip: Combining simple tools with self-serve templates can provide a structured method for organising documentation needs while keeping processes manageable and flexible for future growth.

Beyond the Subscription: Evaluating Integration Effort

When considering ISO 27001 tools, the subscription fee is only part of the picture. For lean teams, the practical cost often comes from setup, integration, and ongoing maintenance. Evidence that tools are used and maintained may be relevant for audits, depending on the ISMS scope and auditor expectations.

Key Considerations:

  • Setup Time: How long does deployment take, and what internal resources might be needed?
  • Integration Gaps: Does the tool connect smoothly with your existing stack (e.g. Google Workspace, Jira), or would custom scripting be necessary?
  • Maintenance: What is the ongoing administrative effort for monitoring, addressing issues, and generating reports?
  • Staff Training: Can non-security personnel handle daily operations, or is specialised knowledge needed?

Tip: Selecting tools with lower integration overhead may help keep ISMS processes manageable and flexible, while supporting consistent evidence collection.

Summary – Choosing ISO 27001 Tools for SMEs and Startups

Selecting ISO 27001 tools may involve weighing simplicity, cost, and scalability. Smaller teams often look for options that support repeatable processes and make evidence collection more manageable without relying on complex platforms.

Key points:

  • Common Tool Categories: Logging and monitoring, access control and IAM, asset tracking and classification, training and awareness, and ticketing or issue tracking.
  • Factors to Consider: How well tools fit into existing workflows, the maintenance effort involved, available staff capability, potential scalability, the tool’s control coverage capabilities, and overall total cost of ownership.
  • Approach to Selection: Teams may start with lightweight options, document processes and records, confirm control coverage, and align responsibilities with relevant controls. Templates can help organise evidence in a structured way.
  • Cost and Integration: Setup, maintenance, and staff onboarding may influence long-term usability. Pairing simple tools with templates can help manage operational effort.
  • Practical Focus Areas: Focus on consistent processes and practical evidence collection. Organisations may consider more advanced tools as operations expand or compliance requirements evolve.

Next Step: Explore our ISO 27001 template collection – practical tools to support processes and structured evidence collection.

Next Article: In ISO 27001 Scope Statement Guide: Practical Templates for SMEs, SaaS, and Remote Teams, we provide practical examples of how SMEs and startups may define ISMS boundaries and control applicability for different operational contexts.

Related Guides

Explore these ISO 27001 resources to help your SME build a practical, lean ISMS:

Start Here: Complete Guide

Templates, Tools, and Service Comparisons – Detailed Guides by Topic

Please Note: This article provides general information only and does not constitute legal, regulatory, or compliance advice. Using our products or following this guidance cannot guarantee certification, improved business outcomes, or regulatory compliance. Organisations remain responsible for ensuring all actions meet certification and compliance requirements.

This article also mentions examples of commonly used tools. Chill Compliance does not endorse any vendor and has no commercial or affiliate relationship with the providers listed. These examples are for general information only, and readers may wish to evaluate each tool independently, as features and pricing can vary.