Information Security Management System, or simply ISMS, describes how an organization has decided to protect its information in a systematic and secure way.
With steadily more complex IT solutions where everything must be connected to the internet, while effective hacking methods have become available and easy to use, the need for ISMS has never been greater. It is not a question of if you will be exposed to a cyber attack, but when it will happen.
Instead of conducting firefighting and handling security incidents when they occur, the purpose of an ISMS is to describe a framework of requirements, processes and controls that the organization must comply with. A process-driven organization that shifts its focus from reactive to proactive security, wants to experience fewer unwanted incidents, in addition to being less dependent on individuals when incidents first occur.
Security is no longer just something that the IT department is responsible for. In order for ISMS to function appropriately, it is absolutely crucial that the system is firmly rooted in top management, and that the entire organization understands and adheres to ISMS. With attentive employees, good processes and controls, in addition to updated equipment and software, the organization will have good protection against cyber attacks.
There are several international standards for ISMS, and the best known is ISO 27001. When ISMS meets the requirements of ISO 27001, and ISMS is followed by the organization, it builds a solid methodology for information security. In order to prove that the ISMS meets the requirements of ISO 27001, the organization can acquire ISO 27001 certification through an authorized auditor.
Information is the new oil. The increasing volume of information and its criticality for the business combined with an extended threat landscape is creating a need for more focus on information security.
The Information Security Management System is the foundation for systematic and structured management in the quest to protect information assets. Focus is normally to ensure protection from external (and for that matter internal) threats and abuse. But it’s also important in order to strengthen your relationship with other organizations e.g. customers, and stakeholders that rely on your ability to protect information assets.
An ISMS might be mandatory or at least help you to comply with laws and regulations (e.g. GDPR, PCI DSS, etc.). You can also create competitive advantages by achieving a certification in for example ISO27001 or SOC 2.
Having an ISMS has probably never been as relevant as it is today. Cegal has extensive experience in both the design and implementation of an ISMS and can help you reach your certification goal. Our consultants are ISO certified and will work with you to ensure, for example, that the ISO 27001 framework is established with minimal friction and maximum value.
Cegal’s consultancy services are flexible, and our consultants can provide guidance and knowledge transfer across the full lifecycle or specific areas. We can provide you with a ‘Cyber Security Manager-as-a-Service’ at a fixed price. We can also provide support in writing policies and procedures to create an ISMS and advise on how to implement security controls to reduce risk to an acceptable level. We can assist with awareness, education, and compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements. Support will be tailored to your specific requirements, dependent on the availability of your internal expertise and current level of information security, as well as timescales and budgets.
Do you need help in creating, validating, or updating your ISMS? Use the contact form on this page, and we will help you maximize your output, and increase the level of your information security management.