Information security has become a board-level priority for organizations across the Philippines. With growing data protection obligations, increased outsourcing activity, and rising cyber risk exposure, businesses are under pressure to demonstrate structured, auditable control over information assets. ISO 27001 remains the most recognized international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), but achieving and maintaining compliance requires more than documentation—it requires continuous internal evaluation.
Global Quality Services provides ISO 27001 Internal Audit and Gap Assessment services in the Philippines to help organizations identify compliance gaps, strengthen controls, and prepare confidently for certification or surveillance audits. Our approach is practical, independent, and aligned with both ISO requirements and local operational realities.
Why ISO 27001 Internal Audit & Gap Assessment Matters in the Philippines
Organizations in the Philippines operate in a unique regulatory and commercial environment. The Data Privacy Act, increasing reliance on cloud services, and the country’s role as a global outsourcing hub make information security a critical trust factor. Many companies adopt ISO 27001 to meet client expectations, contractual requirements, or international compliance standards. However, implementation without structured review often leaves hidden weaknesses.
An ISO 27001 gap assessment provides a clear picture of how your current information security practices compare against ISO 27001 requirements. An internal audit, on the other hand, evaluates whether your implemented ISMS is operating effectively and in line with documented policies and controls. Together, these services reduce audit risk, prevent non-conformities, and improve real-world security posture.
ISO 27001 Gap Assessment Services
Global Quality Services conducts ISO 27001 gap assessments as a structured, evidence-based review of your organization’s current state against the standard’s clauses and Annex A controls.
Scope and Context Review
We begin by reviewing your organization’s scope definition, internal and external issues, interested parties, and information security objectives. Many Philippine organizations struggle at this stage due to unclear boundaries between departments, outsourced functions, or cloud-hosted environments. We ensure your scope is realistic, defensible, and aligned with ISO expectations.
Policy and Documentation Analysis
Our team evaluates existing policies, procedures, risk registers, and records against ISO 27001 requirements. This includes information security policies, access control procedures, asset inventories, incident management processes, supplier security controls, and business continuity measures. We assess not only whether documents exist, but whether they are consistent, applicable, and implementable within your operations.
Risk Assessment & Treatment Review
Risk management is central to ISO 27001. We review your risk assessment methodology, asset identification process, risk evaluation criteria, and treatment plans. Common gaps include incomplete asset inventories, unclear risk ownership, and controls selected without proper justification. Our assessment highlights these issues and provides direction on aligning risks with Annex A controls.
Annex A Control Mapping
Each applicable Annex A control is reviewed against your current implementation. This includes technical, organizational, and physical controls such as access management, cryptography, supplier security, logging, and monitoring. We identify missing, partially implemented, or ineffective controls and explain the compliance and security impact of each gap.
Gap Assessment Report
You receive a detailed gap assessment report that clearly outlines:
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Clause-by-clause compliance status
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Annex A control alignment
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Identified gaps and risks
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Practical recommendations prioritized by impact and effort
This report serves as a clear roadmap toward ISO 27001 compliance or readiness for the next audit stage.
Our ISO 27001 Internal Audit Services
An ISO 27001 internal audit is mandatory before certification and required at regular intervals afterward. Global Quality Services provides independent internal audits that meet ISO 27001 and ISO 19011 auditing principles.
Audit Planning and Scope Definition
We work with your management team to define audit objectives, scope, and criteria. This ensures the audit covers relevant processes, departments, and controls without disrupting business operations. For Philippine organizations with offshore clients, we pay particular attention to outsourced processes, data handling, and contractual security obligations.
Evidence-Based Audit Execution
Our auditors conduct interviews, review records, and sample operational evidence to verify compliance. We assess whether policies are followed in practice, risks are reviewed periodically, incidents are handled appropriately, and controls are monitored and improved over time. The focus is on effectiveness, not paperwork.
Identification of Non-Conformities and Observations
We classify findings clearly as major non-conformities, minor non-conformities, observations, or opportunities for improvement. Each finding is supported by objective evidence and linked to specific ISO 27001 clauses or controls. This clarity helps organizations respond effectively without confusion or rework.
Corrective Action Support
While maintaining audit independence, we provide guidance on how to address findings in a structured and sustainable way. This includes advice on root cause analysis, corrective action planning, and documentation updates to prevent recurrence.
Internal Audit Report
You receive a comprehensive internal audit report suitable for certification bodies and management review. The report reflects professional audit methodology and demonstrates due diligence, which is critical during external audits.
Who Needs ISO 27001 Internal Audit & Gap Assessment Services
Our services are designed for organizations across the Philippines, including:
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IT and software development companies
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BPO and KPO service providers
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Financial services and fintech firms
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Healthcare and data-driven organizations
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Manufacturing and logistics companies handling sensitive data
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Startups preparing for international clients or investors
Whether you are preparing for initial certification, surveillance audits, or recertification, our services adapt to your maturity level and business size.
Our ISO 27001 Audit Methodology
Global Quality Services follows a structured methodology to ensure consistency, transparency, and audit credibility.
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Initial discussion to understand business context and objectives
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Scope confirmation and audit planning
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Document and risk review
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On-site or remote audit execution
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Findings classification and reporting
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Management briefing and next-step guidance
This methodology ensures audits are thorough without being disruptive.
On-Site and Remote Audit Options in the Philippines
We offer both on-site and remote ISO 27001 internal audit and gap assessment services across the Philippines. Remote audits are conducted using secure communication tools and are suitable for organizations with distributed teams. On-site audits are recommended for environments with significant physical security controls or complex operations.
Organizations that undergo structured gap assessments and internal audits consistently perform better during certification audits. They face fewer non-conformities, shorter audit cycles, and reduced certification delays. More importantly, they build a functional ISMS that supports business growth rather than becoming an administrative burden.
Global Quality Services helps Philippine organizations move from uncertainty to audit readiness with clarity and confidence.
Get Started with ISO 27001 Internal Audit & Gap Assessment Services
If your organization is planning ISO 27001 certification, preparing for a surveillance audit, or reviewing the effectiveness of your ISMS, Global Quality Services is ready to support you. Our ISO 27001 Internal Audit and Gap Assessment services in the Philippines are designed to protect your business, strengthen trust, and support long-term compliance. Contact Global Quality Services today to discuss your requirements and schedule an assessment tailored to your organization.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the difference between an ISO 27001 gap assessment and an internal audit?
A gap assessment is typically done before certification to compare your current practices against ISO 27001 requirements and identify what is missing or weak. An internal audit is a formal requirement under ISO 27001 and checks whether your implemented ISMS is functioning as planned. Many organizations in the Philippines start with a gap assessment and then move into internal audits once controls are in place.
2. Is an ISO 27001 internal audit mandatory before certification?
Yes. ISO 27001 requires at least one internal audit to be completed before the certification audit. Certification bodies will verify that the internal audit was conducted properly and that non-conformities were addressed. Global Quality Services conducts internal audits that meet certification body expectations.
3. How long does an ISO 27001 internal audit or gap assessment take?
The duration depends on your organization’s size, scope, and complexity. For small to mid-sized companies in the Philippines, a gap assessment or internal audit typically takes between a few days to two weeks, including reporting. Larger or more complex environments may require additional time.
4. Can the audit be conducted remotely for Philippine-based companies?
Yes. ISO 27001 allows remote audits, and many Philippine organizations opt for this approach, especially for documentation-heavy reviews. However, on-site audits may still be recommended where physical security controls, data centers, or sensitive operations are involved.
5. Will you help us fix the gaps after the audit?
While internal audits must remain independent, Global Quality Services provides clear, actionable guidance on corrective actions after the audit or gap assessment. This helps organizations understand what needs to be improved and how to address findings effectively before certification or surveillance audits.