People who constantly hear about ISMS might be wondering what it is and be perplexed as to why experts advise them to implement it. Don’t worry. We are here to decode what this technology is and why you should implement it for your organization.
If you are not familiar with ISMS, well, it stands for Information Security Management System. If you need to gain a better understanding, it is essential to go back to the basics and dig in at the fundamentals of information security. In this blog, we will explore what ISMS is, the reasons you should implement it, and the benefits it offers.
Without further delay, let’s dive into the subject.
ISMS (Information Security Management System)
In this dicey online age securing information and systems has been a prime concern for the organization. No matter how much care we take, things go awry where damage and loss become inevitable. Advertently and inadvertently, people tend to mess up with or tamper with information and systems. Controls are required to ensure that only authorized people and systems have access to specific sets of information that can be relied on when needed for authorized purposes.
ISMS is a set of policies and procedures that a company can use to systematically manage its sensitive data’s privacy and security. ISMS’s goal is to reduce the risk of a security breach to ensure business continuity while also protecting clients’ and customers’ private information.
Integrating ISMS into an organization
For any organization implementing new technology, especially one they don’t have much knowledge about can feel like a burden to the staff members. So, they must do some additional activities for the ISMS to be successful. With the addition of any missing elements, such as documented procedures and control performance monitoring, these existing activities can serve as the foundation for the risk assessment and treatment processes central to the ISMS.
Reviewing policies is one of the critical aspects you need to keep in mind. Most organizations (without a systematic approach to information security) do not review their policies. Don’t assume that your existing policies will fit your purposes indefinitely. Instead of doing reactive policy reviews, do a proactive review to be on the safer side.
Since most of the process requirements are the same or very similar, an ISO 27001-compliant ISMS can be easily integrated with other ISO-based management systems such as ISO 22301 (business continuity management) and ISO 20000 (service management).
Reasons to implement ISMS
For a centrally managed framework
While distributed frameworks appear to be the new norm, there are definite advantages to having a centrally managed framework to keep your organization’s information safe. A centrally managed framework is easier to maintain, provides a framework for keeping your organization’s information secure, and allows you to manage it all in one place. Centralized frameworks enable faster risk assessment of security gaps and more effective risk management.
Secures information in all its forms
An ISMS aids in the protection of all types of information, including intellectual property, trade secrets, and personal information, regardless of whether it is digital or hard copy or where it is stored.
Prevention of cyber attacks
We live in a world where unethical hackers are always on the lookout for easy prey. Though ISMS may not eliminate cyber-attacks, it will increase resilience to cyber breaches. DDOS attacks frequently target companies that host cloud services or provide web-based solutions. ISO 27001 provides sufficient documentation to protect against the most basic of these attacks.
Efficient policies and procedures
ITSM helps define procedures, policies, and processes to protect organizations from technological risks and common threats. Breach tends to occur as a result of process inefficiencies or workflow failures. A well-versed in security policies organization will be able to prevent, predict, and minimize damage.
Helps enhance company culture
The Information Security Management System’s holistic approach encompasses people, processes, and technology across the entire organization, not just IT. This enables employees to easily understand risks and incorporate security controls into their daily work practices.
Reduce information security-related costs
Because of an ISMS’s risk assessment and analysis approach, organizations can save money by not thoughtlessly adding layers of protective technology that may or may not work. Data breaches and leaks can cost a company in the millions.
Conclusion
In order to survive in this technology-driven world, both small and large organizations must implement ISMS. Maintaining data security is essential, and plans to alleviate threats should be readily available. People are pursuing information security management certification to realize the importance of data security.
Netlabs Global is one of the leaders in providing state-of-the-art information security, cyber security & compliance services to help enterprises defend against cyber risks and position with a high-level preparedness against looming threats. Talk to us today to learn more about how our solutions can help your business.
