ISO 27001 in 9 months: How thankscoach achieved certification with DataGuard

ISO 27001 in just 9 months 

As a B2B provider working with highly sensitive client data, thankscoach knew trust was non-negotiable. To win enterprise clients and compete in tenders, ISO 27001 certification became a must-have. The company achieved it in record time: just 9 months. With DataGuard, thankscoach managed to streamline the certification process, preserve resources, and build a lasting security culture within their team. 

Challenge

As a digital coaching platform supporting large B2B clients, thankscoach works with highly sensitive leadership and employee data. In this environment, information security is critical. 

But the pressure was mounting: 

• Data sensitivity: Serving clients with 300+ employees demanded a strong security framework. 

• Market pressure: Enterprise tenders increasingly required ISO 27001 as an entry ticket. 

• Lack of documentation: Instead of an ISMS, thankscoach had legally compliant contracts and ad-hoc agreements that were time-consuming. 

• Limited resources: The project had to run alongside day-to-day operations with a lean core team.

Solution

DataGuard combined hands-on expert support with a clear structure and targeted use of its platform, enabling thankscoach to achieve certification efficiently and at speed. The Risk App brought transparency and audit-readiness, the Academy strengthened awareness, and templates made documentation straightforward. Just as valuable was the mix of expert support, and practical tools. 

Why DataGuard?

• Close collaboration: Engaged, reliable expert support with structured guidance through each phase 

• Risk App: Delivered visibility into risks, easy exports, and peace of mind during the audit 

• Academy: Structured, trackable training that boosted security awareness across the team 

• Templates & documentation: Clear starting points for building the ISMS efficiently 

• Mindset as a lever: Adopting a “positive approach to ISMS” helped the team push through even tedious parts of the process 

Results 

The partnership with DataGuard delivered tangible results in record time—from passing the audit to measurable business wins and a stronger security culture. 

• Certified in just 9 months: Compared to the typical 12–18 months 

• Smooth audit: No non-conformities, only minor observations 

• Sales impact: Enabled participation in enterprise tenders 

• 100 % more wins: Roughly twice as many tenders won compared to the previous year 

• Higher maturity: Professionalized processes and clearer structures 

• Efficiency: Achieved certification alongside daily business without overloading the team 

• Lasting awareness: Information security is now part of the company’s culture 

What’s next? 

After achieving certification, thankscoach is focused on maintaining momentum. The Risk App remains key for regular risk reviews, while the Academy continues to strengthen security awareness across the team. DataGuard will also support internal audits adding further confidence ahead of the re-certification audit. 

With this foundation, thankscoach is set to embed information security long term, supported by DataGuard as a partner who is, in the words of CEO Johannes Darrmann:  

“Structured. Reliable. And fast.”