How organisations manage information security has become a defining factor in trust with customers, partners and regulators. As cyber threats evolve and regulatory expectations increase, organisations are expected to demonstrate not just technical controls, but robust governance, accountability and continual improvement.
That’s why we are proud to share that Sharp’s European Technology Support Centre (ETSC) has achieved ISO 27001 certification, the internationally recognised standard for an Information Security Management System (ISMS).
For Sharp’s ETSC, this certification is the culmination of several years of work to build a structured, repeatable approach to information security: with clearly defined policies, documented processes, accountable governance, and the operational discipline to demonstrate it under audit.
What ISO 27001 means for Sharp’s European Technology Support Centre
ISO 27001 is the internationally recognised standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). Rather than focusing on individual tools or technologies, it defines how organisations systematically identify, assess and manage information security risks.
For ETSC, achieving ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that information security is managed through a formal, documented ISMS that meets ISO/IEC 27001 requirements and is independently audited by an accredited certification body, aligned with internationally recognised information security practices.
Certification confirms that:
• Information security risks are assessed using a structured, repeatable approach
• Appropriate organisational, technical and procedural controls are in place
• Responsibilities and governance mechanisms are clearly defined
• Security practices are reviewed and improved on an ongoing basis
The accreditation applies to a clearly defined scope within ETSC, which is reviewed regularly through independent surveillance audits.
Independent, on-site scrutiny – assurance you can evidence
ISO 27001 is not achieved through documentation alone. As part of the certification process, external auditors conducted an extensive on-site audit at ETSC to validate that controls are implemented in practice, not just described in policy.
This includes speaking directly with teams, asking for evidence of how processes are followed, and validating that technical controls operate as expected across the agreed scope. That level of scrutiny is exactly what makes ISO 27001 meaningful: it provides assurance based on evidence, not assertions.
Why this matters to customers and stakeholders
As a European shared services organisation supporting multiple Sharp entities and customers, ETSC plays a central role in delivering IT and technology services consistently and securely across Europe.
ISO 27001 certification provides independent assurance that information security within ETSC is not handled on an ad-hoc basis but is governed through an established ISMS. For customers and internal stakeholders, this means:
• Increased confidence in how information is protected
• Greater consistency and standardisation in security processes across teams and services
• Clear accountability for how risks are identified, assessed and managed
• Faster and more consistent responses to security due diligence requests
• Reduced risk and clearer evidence during supplier assessment and audits
• Alignment with customer and regulatory expectations (including GDPR and emerging resilience requirements such as NIS2)
• A structured approach to managing security incidents, corrective actions and continual improvement
ISO 27001 does not claim that incidents can never occur. Instead, it demonstrates that ETSC has the governance, oversight and processes in place to manage information security risk proactively and respond effectively when issues arise.
Supporting, not replacing, regulatory compliance
ISO 27001 helps establish a strong foundation for meeting wider regulatory and contractual expectations, including data protection and cybersecurity requirements. However, it is not a substitute for legal or regulatory compliance in its own right.
For ETSC, the certification reinforces an approach that supports compliance efforts by ensuring controls are documented, risks are reviewed, and responsibilities are clearly assigned, rather than relying on informal practices or individual knowledge.
A focus on continuous improvement and why the annual audit matters
One of the defining features of ISO 27001 is its emphasis on continuous improvement. Certification is not a one-off achievement, but an ongoing commitment.
To maintain certification, ETSC is required to:
• Regularly review information security risks
• Monitor the effectiveness of controls
• Conduct internal audits and management reviews
• Address lessons learned from incidents and assessments
Crucially, ISO 27001 includes regular independent surveillance audits. For customers, that matters because it means the certification is continually re-tested as ETSC grows, changes and expands its services.
Building trust through independent assurance
In today’s environment, trust is built through evidence, not assurances alone. ISO 27001 certification provides that evidence through independent assessment and ongoing audit.
In an increasingly regulated and security-conscious market, by achieving ISO 27001 certification, ETSC is demonstrating a clear commitment to structured information security governance, risk-based decision-making and continual improvement, reinforcing trust with customers, partners and Sharp’s European organisation as a whole.
