Covid-19 might have distracted your attention with issues of remote working and staff connectivity, but this is not the time to ignore I.T. security threats. A greater remote workforce means more potential system vulnerabilities and therefore, a need for better I.T. security. This can all seem daunting at first, especially if you’ve never really thought about protecting your technology infrastructure. However, ignoring the problem will only increase the risk of a successful cyberattack and the resulting reputation loss.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). In simpler terms, it’s a practical guide to implementing a best-practice approach to protect your data and I.T. infrastructure. This internationally-recognised standard is based on industry best practices and is continually updated to reflect the latest technology security challenges, threats, and opportunities.
The ISO 27001 standard covers a far-reaching variety of processes and elements of a business. It is suitable for and adaptable to enterprises of any size, and covers amongst others, security policies, teleworking practices, human resources security, and access control.
This standard forms part of the greater ISO family and is considered to be amongst the most important. Other major standards include ISO 9001 for quality management and ISO 14001 for environmental management.
The benefits of implementing ISO 27001
Imagine your business suddenly fell victim to a cyberattack. Would someone within your organisation be the first to find out or would it start with a customer’s complaint? What steps would be taken to shield sensitive data from the hackers and who would be responsible to ensure that defence mechanisms are in place and updated?
These are just some of the questions asked during ISO 27001 certification. An important aspect of information security is understanding how it is managed by your organisation, including who has access, who takes decisions, and what are potential vulnerabilities. This is an especially important part of certification due to the increased challenges to maintain confidentiality, integrity, and availability (CIA) in a remote environment.
Another important benefit of ISO 27001 is data security. Data breaches are not simply an inconvenience but can have a detrimental impact on a business’ reputation and survival. This international standard ensures that key personnel know what to do, not only to prevent a breach but also in case one takes place.
Let STEP do your ISO 27001 heavy lifting
By choosing STEP to manage your ISO 27001 certification you will benefit from a holistic approach at an affordable cost. We have helped numerous businesses in Malta and abroad to attain and maintain their ISO certification and are ready to help you do the same. STEP can also provide you with a specialised infosec service provider which can run a variety of cyberattack simulations and provide detailed reports on system vulnerabilities.
