System for Information Security with help of ISO 27001
The subject of “information security” is becoming increasingly crucial for companies amidst digital transformation. Without adequate security measures, there’s a risk of data loss and theft by hackers, operational disruptions due to web-based attacks, or misuse of data. An alternative for a structured approach is an Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO 27001.
What is ISO 27001?
ISO/IEC 27001 is the leading international standard for implementing a holistic Information Security Management System. It focuses on the identification, assessment, and management of risks for information management processes. The security of confidential information is emphasized as a vital strategic factor. Information surrounds us everywhere and is part of every process. Sometimes it may be trivial, but all too often, it is critical and confidential. To make this important distinction for your organization, it is necessary to classify the information. This is because the protective measures in an Information Security Management System (ISMS) according to ISO/IEC 27001 are based on this classification. An ISMS creates a framework to protect business data and its confidentiality. At the same time, the globally recognized standard ensures the availability of the IT systems involved in the company’s processes. In this context, ISO 27001 certification sends a strong signal to the market: namely, an independent external evaluation and confirmation of the effectiveness of your ISMS. With EN ISO/IEC 27001:2017-06, a version coordinated by the European Committee for Standardization (CEN) has been published. It combines the two corrections (corrigenda) Cor 1:2014 and Cor 2:2015. The changes associated with the correction only involve an improved description of the related requirements, but no new additional requirements. Certificates according to the ISO/IEC 27001:2013 version thus retain their validity.
Who is ISO 27001 certification suitable for?
The ISMS standard ISO 27001 applies worldwide. It provides companies of all sizes and industries with a framework to plan, implement, and monitor their information security. The requirements are applicable to and binding on private and public companies as well as non-profit organizations. For example, in Germany, companies belonging to a critical infrastructure sector (KRITIS) and exceeding a threshold value must demonstrate how they ensure their information security. KRITIS sectors include energy, water, health, finance and insurance, food, transport and traffic, information technology, and telecommunications. Corresponding evidence of implementation can be provided through security audits, testing, or certifications. For this purpose, either recognized standards like ISO 27001 or alternatively industry-specific security standards recognized by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) can be used as the basis for the audit.
What makes the ISO 27001 standard useful for my company?
Implementing an ISMS according to ISO/IEC 27001 is a strategic decision for your company. Compliance with the intentional general requirements of the standard must reflect the specific situation of the company. Implementation in the company depends on the needs and goals, security requirements, and organizational processes as well as the size and structure of the company. Particularly valuable for practice is the implementation of the measures in Annex A to the standard. In addition to the management system-oriented requirements part (chapters 4-10), the ISO standard contains a comprehensive list of 35 control objectives with 114 concrete measures for various security aspects in 14 chapters in Annex A. The measures must be implemented within the framework of the management system. These measures must be implemented as part of the management system, to the extent that they are relevant to your company. A consistent alignment of the company’s processes with ISO 27001 has been shown to lead to several benefits:
- Continuous improvement of the security level.
- Reduction of existing risks.
- Compliance with compliance requirements.
- Increased awareness among employees.
- Increased customer satisfaction
Internal audits and management reviews involving top management are the internal levers for achieving this. Other positive aspects include that stakeholders, such as regulatory authorities, insurance companies, banks, and partner companies, build greater trust in your company. This is because a certified management system signals that your organization manages risks in a structured manner and is committed to continuous improvements (CIP), making it more resilient to unwanted impacts. The international standard ISO/IEC 27001 can also be implemented, operated, and certified independently of other management systems such as ISO 9001 (quality management) or ISO 14001 (environmental management).