Security companies have predominately gained certification in ISO 9001 to endorse their management system, however the ISO 18788:2015 provides a framework for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining and improving the management of security operations, which ensures that other key elements that are security specific are also tested during the audit process.

It provides the principles and requirements for a security operations management system (SOMS). ISO 18788:2015 provides a business and risk management framework for organisations conducting or contracting security operations and related activities and functions while demonstrating:

a) conduct of professional security operations to meet the requirements of clients and other stakeholders;

b) accountability to law and respect for human rights;

c) consistency with voluntary commitments to which it subscribes.

ISO 18788:2015 is applicable to any organisation that needs to:

a) establish, implement, maintain and improve an SOMS;

b) assess its conformity with its stated security operations management policy;

c) demonstrate its ability to consistently provide services that meet client needs and are in conformance with applicable laws and human rights requirements.