Free CPD-accredited course gives the people actually responsible for implementing ISO 27001 the practical knowledge to do it — without a dedicated security team
Following the passing of the EU's NIS2 Directive compliance deadline, mandatory cybersecurity requirements have extended to tens of thousands of organisations across Europe that previously had no legal obligation to have a formal information security framework in place. While the European Commission has introduced targeted amendments to simplify compliance burdens for smaller entities, the core reality remains unchanged: for most captured organisations, the path to compliance runs directly through ISO 27001 — the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS). The question many are now asking is not whether they need it, but who in the organisation is going to make it happen.
The answer, in most cases, is not a dedicated security professional. It's an IT manager, an operations lead, a compliance officer, or an office manager who has been handed a new set of responsibilities and told to get on with it. Alison has launched a new free, CPD-accredited course — ISO 27001: Information Security Management Systems — built specifically for that person.
The Real Cost of Getting It Wrong
According to the latest IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report, the global average cost of a data breach stands at $4.44 million. While faster threat containment times driven by automated defenses have caused a slight decline from historic highs, the financial toll remains catastrophic for small and mid-sized businesses. For the organisations newly captured by NIS2, a single incident can be existential. Furthermore, IBM's data highlights a massive vulnerability in human risk—particularly with the explosion of "Shadow AI" (the unsanctioned use of commercial AI tools by employees)—which adds an average of $670,000 in additional penalties and remediation to the cost of a breach.
ISO 27001 is not a bureaucratic exercise: it is the practical framework that determines whether an organisation can identify these internal and external risks before they become breaches, respond effectively when they do, and demonstrate to clients, regulators, and auditors that it takes data security seriously.
The course covers every stage of building and maintaining an ISMS: risk identification and management, security controls, audit preparation, incident response procedures, and the continuous improvement cycles that keep a system effective over time. It is designed for intermediate-level learners who are already working in or around information security and need to translate that knowledge into a functioning, compliant system — not for specialists who already have one.
Compliance Without a Security Department
The gap between ISO 27001 as a standard and ISO 27001 as something a real organisation actually implements has always been the problem. The documentation is dense, the requirements are broad, and most of the people responsible for delivery learned about it the week they were assigned to it. This course closes that gap — providing step-by-step guidance on how to build, run, and evidence an ISMS in a real workplace, with a focus on what auditors actually look for and what most organisations consistently get wrong.
Mike Feerick, Founder and CEO of Alison, stated: "ISO 27001 compliance is no longer optional for a significant portion of European businesses — it is a legal requirement. But regulations don't come with a budget for a security team, and most organisations are relying on existing staff to make it work. This course exists to give those people the knowledge and confidence to do exactly that, for free."
The course is available now through any desktop browser or the Alison App on Android and iOS, with a free digital Certificate on completion.
To learn more or enrol, visit: https://alison.com/course/iso-27001-information-security-management-systems
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About Alison
Alison is a global leader in free online learning and skills development. With over 50 million registered learners across 193 countries (as of October 2025), Alison empowers individuals, communities, and organisations to upskill quickly and effectively – at zero cost.
The Alison platform provides immediate access to over 6,000 free, CPD-accredited courses, covering essential areas such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Digital Marketing, Project Management, Business Operations, Healthcare and Sustainability. Courses are created by a mix of independent experts and global leaders, including IBM, Stanford and Microsoft.
For organisations, Alison offers a Free Learning Management System (LMS) that enables unlimited learners to access thousands of courses with no upfront cost. A premium version with advanced analytics and customisation is also available. Alison's offering includes a full suite of assessments and psychometric tools, including a Workplace Personality Assessment, Mental Health & Wellbeing Assessment, English Language Proficiency Test, as well as Numerical, Verbal, and Abstract Reasoning tests.
To further support career development, learners also gain access to a Career Guide, a Resumé Builder, and the ability to study offline through the Alison App. The platform is also expanding its reach with multilingual versions, starting with complete Spanish, French, and Hindi offerings — reaffirming its mission to make education accessible to anyone, anywhere.
Founded in 2007, Alison pioneered the concept of free, large-scale online learning and is recognised as the world’s first MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platform. Today, its mission continues: to break down barriers to learning, helping people gain skills, build confidence, and improve their lives — no matter where they live or what they earn.
