Information Security Management
Information Security Management is a vital area for any size of business. Protecting critical information assets should be high on the list of concerns for any business. As a business owner, you should be knowledgeable in how to identify, assess and treat risks to your information security, or have external guidance from someone that is. This will allow you to keep your information safe and secure and protect you from damaging your reputation and potentially being fined for any breaches.
With the increase of regulations and legislation in the UK and Europe, information security has never been so important. It is not uncommon to hear of major data breaches on the news on a regular occurrence. These reports identify breaches in large organisations where personal data has been stolen. A recent case includes NHS patient data being compromised in a university cyber attack.
Following a widely published cyber attack earlier this month at the University of Manchester, it has now been suggested that NHS data could also have been accessed maliciously.
The University of Manchester holds information on 1.1 million patients from 200 hospitals, after the information was gathered by the university for research purposes. It is likely that some of the patients involved in the breach will be unaware they were even on the database – as they did not need to give specific consent to be included on it. (Digital Health, 2023).
This is just one of many cases where an organisation has been targeted and a breach has occurred. Social media companies, utility companies, schools and even government departments have all been targeted with varying levels of data breaches occurring. This article will hopefully highlight the importance of Information Security Management.
Information Security & Operational Knowledge
It is key to fully understand the operational functions of the organisation in order to identify how data is used within the business. This mapping process requires a competent person with knowledge of information security to decipher what information is used and then how it may be at risk. The value of having a competent person conduct any type of information security assessment is that they will have the knowledge to assess and manage information security risks, including what controls to put in place. They will also have an understanding of industry best practices and important legislative and regulatory frameworks.
Ever Evolving Landscape
The digital landscape is one that is ever-evolving and this means keeping up with such changes. Whether your organisation is looking to attain the ISO 27001 standard for Information Security Management or looking to improve your information security in line with this standard, then an initial assessment is vital. From conducting an assessment of your current information security approach, a detailed view of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities can be captured. This information can then help guide the type and level of controls needed to keep your information safe and secure. A working document can be created and this will be a live document as it will change as the digital landscape changes. This document will then be your guidance document on everything relating to information security for your organisation. It can also be of great assistance if you choose to attain ISO 27001.
ISO/IEC 27001 Information Security Management Systems
It may be that your organisation is required to hold ISO 27001 due to the clients or industry you operate within. If you are an SME and wondering where to start this process then we can offer expert guidance on how to prepare your organisation to achieve the ISO 27001 certification. Our project consultants are best placed to advise and guide you to becoming compliant. We will simplify the jargon normally associated with information security and ISO standards and help you design and implement a project plan ready for your audit.
We can also assist with communication and awareness of the importance of information security management as we understand that there may be some resistance to change. By including all employees and contractors in the process we are able to highlight the reasons why information security practices are being evaluated and strengthened which in turn creates a positive culture around information security.
Continual Improvement & Support
Getting your business safe and secure in terms of information security is just the start as there will be a need to deliver continual improvement throughout the organisation. Undertaking periodic reviews of the Information Security Management System including the policies, procedures and controls in place. As discussed previously, the digital landscape is constantly changing and hence it is important to review any systems in place to ensure ongoing information security.
If you want your organisation to be competent in its capability to secure information and data and want to know how to go about this then reach out to one of our team. We can offer on-demand guidance through to a fully managed information security review and consultation solution. Ensure your organisation remains compliant in terms of information security and data protection.
