Your security and compliance glossary

All the terms you need to know when you’re trying to get compliance audit ready, fast.

Show filters

What is the ISO 27001 Stage 1 Audit?

The ISO 27001 Stage 1 Audit is the first part of the two-stage external ISO certification process. The Stage 1 Audit consists of an extensive documentation review in which an external ISO 27001 auditor reviews an organization’s policies and procedures to ensure they meet the requirements of the ISO standard and the organization’s Information Security Management System (ISMS). After completing the Stage 1 audit, the auditor will provide feedback outlining whether the organization is ready to move to the Stage 2 audit

If the auditor determines the ISMS fails to meet the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard, the auditor will typically outline areas of concern—referred to as nonconformities—and will require corrective action or corrective action plans before proceeding to the Stage 2 audit.

An ISO 27001 certification is valid for three years; however, ISO requires surveillance audits be performed each year to ensure the ISMS and its implemented controls continue to operate effectively. Every 12 months during the three-year cycle, an organization’s ISMS must undergo an external audit, where an auditor will assess portions of the ISMS.

{{cta_withimage2="/cta-modules"}}

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
SOC 2 Basics: A 30 Minute Guide for Startups

Register to get a clear, founder-friendly intro to SOC 2 in just 30 minutes.

Compliance
Blog
Government contracting compliance 101: Everything you should know

Understand the regulations and standards government contractors must meet—and the challenges involved.

SOC 2
Events
Learn How to Automate Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Register to see how Vanta helps fast-moving startups and security teams get audit-ready fast and stay continuously compliant, turning compliance into a deal accelerator, not a blocker.

Additional resources you might like:

SOC 2
Events
SOC 2 Basics: A 30 Minute Guide for Startups

Register to get a clear, founder-friendly intro to SOC 2 in just 30 minutes.

Compliance
Blog
Government contracting compliance 101: Everything you should know

Understand the regulations and standards government contractors must meet—and the challenges involved.

SOC 2
Events
Learn How to Automate Compliance for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and More

Register to see how Vanta helps fast-moving startups and security teams get audit-ready fast and stay continuously compliant, turning compliance into a deal accelerator, not a blocker.

Compliance
Events
Beyond the Checkbox: Scaling Compliance Across European Regulations

Register to learn how to scale your compliance program across NIS2, DORA, and the EU AI Act — without duplicating controls or overwhelming your team.

GDPR
Blog
How to make your website GDPR compliant in 8 steps

Learn the essential steps to achieve GDPR compliance for your website. Click here to learn the requirements and organizational benefits of GDPR compliance.

Compliance
Blog
Compliance risk: A guide to assess and manage it effectively

A guide to help you navigate the growing complexity of managing compliance risk.

Product updates
Events
Goodbye, Audit Chaos. Hello, Calm-pliance.

Watch this edition of Vanta Delivers to see how we’re putting audit chaos behind us and moving forward into Calm-pliance.

Product updates
Blog
New in Vanta | February 2026

Vanta’s latest releases give teams more control over audits, automated TPRM evidence collection, and more.

Comparisons and reviews
Blog
The best TPRM software for 2026

Discover the best third-party risk management software solutions for 2026.