Northwest Nodes: From Happy Customer to Trusted Partner

“The IO platform became our major hub of operations, as all policies and procedures are in one place, and when anything happens, we can update our standards accordingly.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

Key Takeaways

Learn how Northwest Nodes:

• Achieved ISO 27001 certification in nine months
• Used the Assured Results Method to streamline compliance
• Embedded the IO platform in daily operations to manage information security
• Joined IO’s trusted partner network to support their customers’ information security success.

About NorthWest Nodes

NorthWest Nodes is a blockchain infrastructure provider, providing a range of solutions for businesses in the Web3 space, including Chainlink oracle node hosting, RPC nodes, and consulting services. The business builds innovative, secure, and scalable technology solutions for the future of digital infrastructure.

The Challenge

NorthWest Nodes supports over 70 blockchains and various protocols, with a focus on institutional clients. As part of a highly regulated industry, Northwest Nodes required ISO 27001 certification to comply with legal requirements. Certification also promised reputational benefits: it would build trust with customers, prospects, and other stakeholders. The team knew that ISO 27001 certification would demonstrate the business’s comprehensive, dedicated approach to safeguarding sensitive information.

However, NorthWest Nodes lacked a comprehensive framework for ISO 27001 implementation. The business had implemented some information security measures but lacked the tracking and tooling needed to manage them effectively. Zale and the team managed information security using disparate internal documentation rather than in a centralised platform. They knew that leveraging a consolidated platform would be key to streamlining their certification.

The Solution

NorthWest Nodes engaged the IO platform to support their ISO 27001 certification journey. Zale and his team used the ISO 27001 tips, guidance and support included in the 11-step Assured Results Method to streamline compliance, which enabled them to work through requirements strategically and take the process step-by-step as each stage was completed.

“The IO platform was fantastic; we were able to start from step one and work our way through diligently over time.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

The team found the platform’s risk management system particularly useful, enabling them to assess, manage, and view organisational risks in a clear, comprehensive risk tool. The tool was supplied pre-filled with suggested risks the team could choose from, as well as offering a function for them to input their own, organisation-specific risks.

The Result

Northwest Nodes successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification in just nine months; Zale estimates that the platform saved the business a year or more in implementation time. The business has now embedded the IO platform as a key element of daily operations, ensuring information security is maintained and continuously improved in line with the ISO 27001 standard’s requirements.

“The IO platform became our major hub of operations, as all policies and procedures are in one place, and when anything happens, we can update our standards accordingly.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

Zale credits IO’s pre-built ISO 27001 framework and the expertise of our consultants as adding the most value to Northwest Nodes’ certification journey, praising the team’s availability and helpfulness.

“Staff were available all the time and they facilitated our internal and external audits, so we knew we were getting end-to-end support.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

In addition, the business is already unlocking significant value from its ISO 27001 certification:

“Our opportunities have increased massively thanks to this certificate.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

Next Steps

“It is truly a pleasure to work with the team, and it is a no brainer to use IO for all certification standards.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

The team are planning to tackle SOC 2 certification next. Northwest Nodes has also expanded its relationship with IO, and recently become one of IO’s trusted partners. Now, Zale and his team are supporting their own clients as they work to achieve compliance and certification to standards like ISO 27001, SOC 2, ISO 42001 and more.

“IO’s platform and support was so fantastic, and we knew there would be a need for other companies like ours to get compliant. It was an obvious choice to help people get certified.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

Zale shares what he considers to be the biggest benefit for organisations that adopt IO: “Knowing that you have the framework available so nothing is missed, being able to add notes and discussions to all facets of the ISMS, and having the support needed to make a plan and stick to it are all massive benefits on their own.”

“Having it all in one place takes months off the process, and ensures you are audit ready.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes

He explains that, when it comes to referring clients, it’s the simplicity and affordability of the IO platform that makes it stand out to him compared to other platforms.

“You know your business better than anyone else and it should be you who does the work to get your ISMS ready. Many companies add a lot of bells and whistles that are unnecessary and costly.”

Zale Reeves Founder, NorthWest Nodes