The most efficient way to avoid making mistakes during the ISO 27001 internal audit is to follow the guidelines to the T. Below are a few things you should keep in mind before kickstarting the audit process; • Make sure you've allotted enough time and resources to the internal audit; set a time limit. • Communicate the audit schedule to management and staff ahead of time. • Choose impartial and qualified auditors to conduct the internal audit. • Avoid any potential areas of conflict between the auditor and the ISMS. • Give internal audits the attention they deserve; this is not a 'checkbox' initiative. • Audits should be performed on a regular and planned basis. • Reduce your reliance on key personnel by designating backups.