In today’s digital government, social media is essential – but it’s also a growing risk.
As public agencies engage more actively with communities online, they face increasing exposure to cyber threats, transparency requirements, and reputational damage. According to IBM’s Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023, U.S. organizations lose an average of $4.45 million per incident—with government entities a rising target.

That’s why more agencies are adopting ISO/IEC 27001—the international standard for managing and securing sensitive information.

Here’s what ISO 27001 means for your agency—and why it matters for recordkeeping, compliance, and digital risk management.

What is ISO 27001, and why does it matter?

ISO/IEC 27001 is the global benchmark for building an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It gives public sector organizations a structured, auditable approach to protecting sensitive data—including social media content.

This isn’t just a cybersecurity standard, and it’s not just for IT.

ISO 27001 embeds a culture of security, compliance, and continuous improvement across the entire organization.

At its core is the CIA Triad:

• Confidentiality: Only authorized personnel can access sensitive data

• Integrity: Data is accurate and trustworthy

• Availability: Information is accessible when needed—for audits, FOIA requests, or public inquiries

For agencies using platforms like Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, or LinkedIn, this means capturing, preserving, and protecting all digital interactions as official records.

Why government agencies are turning to ISO 27001

ISO 27001 is not legally required in the U.S.—but it’s fast becoming best practice for public entities at the federal, state, and local level. It supports compliance with:

• Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)

• National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) standards

• State-level transparency laws such as California’s Public Records Act or New York’s FOIL

Many procurement teams are also beginning to require ISO 27001 certification from vendors and partners – especially where sensitive or regulated data is involved.

Social media, FOIA, and digital records risk

Government agencies use social media to engage, inform, and respond. But these interactions often involve:

• Constituent complaints or personal information
• Content that must be retained under FOIA or Sunshine Laws
• Public statements that may carry legal or reputational implications

Without a secure archiving system, your agency risks losing control of these records – or failing to meet compliance requirements.

That’s where Brolly steps in.

Brolly is now ISO 27001 Certified

Brolly provides secure, tamper-proof archiving of your agency’s social media communications—automatically capturing posts, edits, deletions, and messages in real-time.

Now ISO 27001 certified, Brolly meets the strictest international standards for information security – giving you confidence that your digital records are protected, accessible, and audit-ready.

Our systems have long supported compliance with U.S. public records laws. This certification is the formal recognition that our controls, processes, and security culture meet global best practices.

5 Key Benefits of ISO 27001 for Government Agencies

• Procurement-readiness
  ISO 27001 helps your agency meet federal and state procurement standards and vendor due diligence requirements.

• Improved risk management
  An ISO-certified ISMS helps you anticipate, detect, and respond to social media risks – before they escalate.

• FOIA and public records alignment
  Certification reinforces compliance with FOIA and other digital recordkeeping policies.

• Reduced data breach exposure
  With clear access controls, audit logs, and regular risk assessments, you’re better protected against cyber threats and data loss.

• Culture of continuous improvement
  ISO 27001 ensures your information governance evolves alongside shifting technologies, threats, and regulatory expectations.

Your social media presence is public – but your records shouldn’t be left vulnerable.
ISO/IEC 27001 certification is more than a badge—it’s a signal of trust, accountability, and a serious commitment to safeguarding public information.