In case you didn’t know, ISO stands for International Organisation for Standardisation. Essentially, this is the organisation that publishes standards that are agreed, internationally, by experts in a particular industry. Head over to the website now and you’ll see standards regarding quality management, occupational health and safety, and more.
As you will have seen in the title, this article is all about ISO 27001. In other words, information security management!
What’s ISO/IEC 27001?
Once again, this is a set of standards that have been devised by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).
Firstly, it’s important to note that this standard covers all businesses from not-for-profit companies to government agencies. Therefore, businesses of all natures need to follow the guidelines of ISO 27001.
In particular, this standard deals with information security management systems. With this standard in place, businesses know how to protect their information, as well as learn the steps that they can take to protect the data of consumers.
If you run a business of any kind, you can get an ISO 27001 certification. In short, this tells all customers and partners that your business takes information security very seriously. In an age where consumers are informed and base their decisions on more than just price, this is important.
As well as businesses, individuals can also pass an ISO 27001 course. Once passed, the individual will hold the certification, and this tells all future employers that the individual has this skill and experience.
As an international standard, consumers and businesses recognise IOS/IEC 27001 all over the globe.
Three Security Objectives
Though ISO 27001 has several different aims, it focuses on a three-pronged approach. Firstly, confidentiality. Within any business, only authorised people should have access to sensitive information.
Secondly, integrity; only those with permission should change information. Thirdly, availability; those with permission should be able to access the information whenever required.
To get an ISO 27001 certification, like RP Group, you’ll need to design and implement a leading information security management system (ISMS). This system will identify all stakeholders and lay out the expectations from each as well as identify all risks when it comes to information.
From here, you’ll need to introduce safeguards and methods you have to overcome potential problems. Then, set objectives for your information security system. At all times, you also need to measure the performance of all controls while striving to improve the whole system.
Normally, businesses who want ISO 27001 certification will lay all this information out in a set of procedures and policies. Fortunately, ISO 27001 is clear about which documents a business needs.
Conclusion
When reading this information, some businesses will feel compelled to click away. You might not think that ISO 27001 certification is important, but the benefits you get from a proper ISMS goes beyond the certification. For example, it will help you to meet the ever-changing regulations and laws surrounding information security.
What’s more, it helps you to build a competitive advantage over other services. If consumers were to choose between a brand with an ISMS and a brand without one, they would choose the former. As mentioned, they pay attention to more than just price these days.
An ISMS helps to boost your reputation, lower costs (by preventing security incidents), and improve the organisation of the whole company too. By showing that you take security seriously, this benefits all stakeholders of a brand, and this is why ISO 27001 is so important this year.
