ISO/IEC 27001:2013 or ISO 27001 provides a framework to help organisations, of any size in any industry, to protect their information in a systematic and cost-effective way, through the adoption of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). It specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an ISMS. It also includes requirements for the assessment and treatment of information security risks shaped to the needs of the organisation.
What is an ISMS?
An ISMS is a set of policies, procedures, processes and systems that manage information risks, such as cyber-attacks, data leaks, breaches or theft.
ISO 27001 is an auditable international standard that defines the requirements of an information security management system (ISMS). Certification to this standard helps an organisation demonstrate that it has defined and put in place good information security processes and practises. This helps improve working relationships and retain existing clients. It can also give an organisation a marketing edge against its competitors.
Should we get certified for ISO 27001?
Not all organisations choose to get certified to ISO 27001, they use the standard as a framework for a best practice approach to information security. Cyber-attacks are increasing in number and type daily and the financial and reputational damage caused by a weak information security posture can be devastating for an organisation.
Implementation of an ISO 27001-certified ISMS helps protect organisations against such threats and also demonstrates that it has taken the necessary steps to protect the business and its information and data assets.
Legal Compliance and ISO27001
The Standard is designed to ensure that an organisation has selected both adequate and proportionate security controls and tackled the information security risks. These help to protect its data and information in line with increasing regulatory requirements such as the EU and UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Directive on Security of Network and Information Systems (transposed into UK law as the NIS Regulations.)
Reasons an Organisation should adopt ISO 27001
- To gain an advantage over its competitors.
- To control risk within the organisation.
- Increase resilience to cyber-attacks.
- To give confidence to clients and prospective clients in the organisation’s security arrangements.
If you want to know more about the benefits of ISO 27001 to your organisation please let us know, we would be happy to help.
