Cybersecurity in the Laundry Industry: Why ISO 27001 Matters

As laundries embrace digitalisation, the risk of cyber-attacks grows. In this article, Joris Minnaar of ABS Laundry Business Solutions explores how international standards such as ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provide laundries with the tools to protect data, maintain customer trust, and build resilience in a connected world.

Digital Growth Brings New Risks

Digitalisation has reshaped the laundry industry. From automated production lines and RFID-enabled stock tracking to sophisticated ERP platforms and customer self-service portals, technology now underpins nearly every aspect of modern laundry operations. These tools deliver undeniable value – improving efficiency, increasing transparency, and helping providers meet the rising expectations of their clients.

But with progress comes vulnerability. As laundries become more connected, they also become more exposed. Cybercrime is no longer confined to banks or tech companies – it is a universal risk, and the laundry industry is no exception.

“Ransomware, phishing, and data theft may sound like problems for other sectors,” explains Joris Minnaar, Solutions Architect at ABS, “but the reality is that laundries are just as dependent on digital systems. A cyber-attack could halt production, compromise customer data, and erode trust that has taken years to build.”

In today’s environment, where contracts often involve sensitive data from hospitals, care homes, and hospitality providers, the stakes are high. Even a short disruption can cascade into missed deliveries, operational delays, and reputational damage. The question is no longer if laundries will face cyber threats, but when.

Building a Strong Defence

Addressing these risks requires more than installing firewalls or purchasing anti-virus software. True resilience comes from a comprehensive strategy that integrates people, processes, and technology.

According to Minnaar, “The weakest link is often not the technology but human behaviour. An employee clicking a malicious email link, reusing a weak password, or mishandling access rights can undo the best technical safeguards. That’s why training and awareness are essential.”

Clear access policies also play a crucial role. Not every team member needs access to every dataset or system. By restricting access to only what is required for each role – the principle of “least privilege” – laundries can reduce exposure and limit the impact of any breach.

Cybersecurity must also be dynamic. Threats evolve daily, and yesterday’s defences may not hold up tomorrow. Regular risk assessments help organisations anticipate vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. Just as importantly, every laundry should maintain an incident response plan. A well-rehearsed process ensures that, if a breach occurs, it can be contained quickly, customers can be informed responsibly, and operations can return to normal as fast as possible.

Certified to the Highest Standards

International frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001:2022 provide laundries with a proven way to embed these practices. ISO 27001 is the world’s leading standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It defines how organisations identify risks, apply appropriate controls, and continuously improve their approach to data security.

At ABS, certification is a cornerstone of operations. In September 2025, the company underwent a comprehensive audit by DEKRA, resulting in a recommendation for recertification under ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

“The auditors praised our software development processes, our internal audit cycle, and the way we structure risk management,” says Minnaar. “They also highlighted something often overlooked – our people. Low staff turnover and a strong culture of expertise are critical in maintaining consistency and reliability in how we approach security.”

Why It Matters for the Laundry Industry

Why does certification matter? Because laundries today handle more data than ever before. This includes customer addresses, phone numbers, email contacts, and management details. For providers serving nursing and care homes, it may also extend to sensitive resident-related data connected with billing and service records.

“Laundries are custodians of information that is business-critical for their clients,” Minnaar explains. “Protecting that data is not only about compliance, it’s about maintaining trust and ensuring that services continue uninterrupted.”

ISO 27001 helps create that assurance. For laundry operators, the benefits include:

• Reduced risk of disruption – security controls minimise the chance of ransomware or breaches halting operations.
• Safeguarded business information – from customer contracts and pricing models to contact details of managers and directors.
• Regulatory alignment – particularly for laundries serving healthcare providers, where data protection is closely scrutinised.
• Customer confidence – being able to demonstrate compliance with international best practices sets laundries apart from competitors.

“Ultimately, certification means resilience,” says Minnaar. “Our customers know that the risks are being managed, and that they are working with a partner who views security as fundamental to innovation, not an obstacle to it.”

Security as a Foundation for Innovation

This mindset – treating security as a foundation rather than a barrier – is key to the industry’s digital journey. The adoption of RFID, IoT devices, cloud-based reporting, and AI-driven optimisation all depend on reliable, secure data flows.

“Without security, innovation stalls,” Minnaar notes. “Clients won’t use a portal if they doubt its safety. They won’t adopt new digital processes if they think data could be compromised. Security gives laundries the confidence to innovate.”

At ABS, this is embedded into every stage of development. Security considerations shape the design of software modules, guide testing protocols, and underpin deployment strategies. This proactive approach ensures that when new features are released – whether mobile apps for drivers, advanced analytics dashboards, or new customer interfaces – they are built on a solid and secure foundation.

The Road Ahead

The laundry sector is still on its digital journey, but the trajectory is clear. More data, more connectivity, more reliance on technology. This will bring efficiency and service benefits, but it also raises the bar for security.

“The threat landscape is becoming more sophisticated,” says Minnaar. “Attackers are targeting supply chains, exploiting weak points in smaller organisations, and using automated tools to find vulnerabilities. Laundries need to be prepared – not just reactively, but proactively.”

ISO 27001 provides the roadmap. By embedding structured information security practices, laundries can navigate the digital future with confidence. Whether by pursuing certification themselves or by choosing certified partners, operators can ensure that their businesses remain resilient, their customers’ information is safeguarded, and their reputation is protected.

Minnaar concludes:

“The laundry industry has always been about trust. Customers depend on laundries to deliver complete orders on time, ensuring their operations run smoothly. In care homes, that trust goes even further, as laundries are also entrusted with residents’ personal garments – items of real personal value. Today, in a digital world, the same trust applies to information. Customers expect their contact details, contracts, and service records to be handled with the same care and reliability as their textiles. Protecting that data is no longer optional – it’s essential.

That’s why now is the time for laundries to review their cyber weak spots. Attacks have already taken place in our industry. While I cannot share details, I can say this: laundries with strong security measures and response plans in place were able to get back up and running quickly. Others, without those defences, were hit much harder – struggling to recover and facing prolonged disruption. The lesson is clear: preparation makes the difference between resilience and crisis.”