How to Secure Your Qualys for ISO 27001 and Get the Compliance Seal

 

Securing your Qualys platform for ISO 27001 compliance means aligning your vulnerability management process with international information security standards. ISO 27001 is a global standard for managing information security risks. Qualys is a cloud-based security and compliance solution often used in organizations for vulnerability scanning and asset management. To get the ISO 27001 badge/seal for using Qualys, you must not only secure the tool but also prove you are following ISO 27001 processes and controls.

• Understand ISO 27001 Basics: This standard is about building an Information Security Management System (ISMS) that covers people, processes, and IT systems. This means you need documented security policies, clear risk management, and proof of continuous improvement.
• Define Asset Inventory: In Qualys, make sure you have a up-to-date list of assets being scanned. **Asset inventory** is basic for ISO 27001, so ensure all systems in scope are included and maintained regularly.
• Configure Secure Access: Use strong authentication, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all Qualys users. Create strong user roles and only grant permissions that are needed for each person’s job. Regularly review these permissions.
• Data Encryption: Ensure Qualys data—both in transit and at rest—is encrypted. Set policies for transporting scan data securely (like using HTTPS/TLS connections). Data encryption is a direct requirement of ISO 27001’s security controls.
• Continuous Vulnerability Scanning: Schedule frequent scans across your environment. Qualys makes it easy, but you’ll need to show auditors that you have a process for identifying, prioritizing, and remediating vulnerabilities.
• Monitor and Document Everything: Enable logging and audit features in Qualys. Store logs securely for the period defined by your ISMS (often 90+ days). Be prepared to show log retention and monitoring as part of the audit.
• Regular Patching and Remediation: Make patch management a documented process. Use Qualys reports to track vulnerabilities and confirm they are fixed. You must keep evidence, such as screenshots, reports, or tickets for audits.
• Incident Response: Be ready to react to findings from Qualys. Document processes for identifying, investigating, and responding to vulnerabilities flagged by Qualys. Auditors will want to see this policy and examples of follow-through.
• Vendor Management: As Qualys is a SaaS, confirm their compliance by requesting their ISO 27001 certificate. Keep documentation to show you have reviewed third-party security.
• Internal and External Audits: Perform periodic self-assessments against ISO 27001 requirements, including reviews of your Qualys security configuration. If you need help or a readiness assessment, reach out to OCD Tech for professional consulting—many organizations use them for preparation and gap analysis before real audits.

 

Requirements for Passing ISO 27001 Audits with Qualys

 

• Documentation: All your processes using Qualys (like vulnerability scanning, incident response, access control) must be written down. Show policies, procedures, and proof you use them.
• Evidence of Action: Save proof of vulnerability scans, remediation work, log reviews, and decision-making (for example, tickets or reports).
• Access Logs: Auditors often check who accessed which systems and when. Qualys should have user activity logs enabled.
• Regular Review: You need an ongoing process for reviewing vulnerabilities and addressing them. Show you actually fix issues, not just find them.
• Management Involvement: Prove that leadership reviews risk reports from Qualys and understands the security posture. This could be in the form of regular management reports or meeting minutes.
• Readiness Assessment: Consider running a mock audit or readiness assessment with expert consultants like OCD Tech. This step helps you identify gaps before the real external ISO auditor visits.

 

Most Important Tips for How to Get How to Secure Your Qualys for ISO 27001 Badge/Seal

 

• Follow ISO 27001 controls, document everything, and regularly test your process.
• Use Qualys not just for scanning, but as a core part of your ongoing information security management.
• Involve qualified third-party experts, such as OCD Tech, to review your setup and help you prepare all necessary documents.