ISMS (Information Security Management System) is a systematic approach to information security. It is a management system consisting of processes, technology, and people that manage the organization's information through effective risk management. ISO 27001 can be used as a starting point for work with information security because although the standard does not directly pose requirements for specific security measures, it describes best practices for handling security internally and externally.
The aim is to protect three important aspects of information:
- Confidentiality - that information is not accessible or disclosed to unauthorized persons, entities, or processes.
- Integrity - that information is complete and accurate and protected against corruption.
- Availability - that information is accessible and usable by authorized users.
Implementing a suitable degree of information security necessitates a comprehensive understanding and insight into the organization's various departments and processes to ensure proper information security. But before we take a closer look, let's dive into the headline question: Why does your organization need an ISMS?
ISMS - Mapping, Structuring and Reporting
The answer to the question above is simple. Whether you like it or not, every organization today is exposed to threats like hacking, ransomware or careless data handling. With an effective ISMS, you can prevent data breaches and cyberattacks while ensuring that all sensitive information is stored properly and inaccessible to unauthorized persons.
The benefits of an ISMS are tangible:
- You get a full overview of all information - whether it's stored digitally, on paper or in the cloud.
- The organization's resilience to cyberattacks is significantly increased.
- All processes are managed from one system, easing administration across departments.
- New risks can be addressed by constantly adapting workflows and controls.
- Policies, procedures and controls optimize your data's confidentiality, integrity and availability.
- A well-functioning ISMS enables employees to easily understand risks and embrace security controls in their everyday lives.
In other words, you create a complete mapping of your organization's information assets with an ISMS. While simultaneously structuring policies and procedures, you also ensure that it is always possible to report and document the work related to information security, enhancing its effectiveness.
Systematized Security
As mentioned above, ISMS gives you an overview of all your information assets. With the right software, you also get a tailor-made action plan that guides you through systematizing workflows and data processing across departments and levels, which is necessary if you want to integrate information security as part of your employees' daily routine.
Thoroughly mapping your present work enables you to pinpoint and address any existing gaps. In addition, the system helps you initiate and maintain controls to ensure that gaps remain closed. By doing so, you can mitigate both internal and external risks. Moreover, utilizing your software allows for the swift and effortless generation of a Statement of Applicability (SoA) document, enabling you to report on progress and obtain comprehensive documentation of your organization's information security.
In short: With a systematic approach to information security, you'll soon achieve full ISMS compliance to be accountable to partners, customers, suppliers and employees.
