ISO 27001; the global standard for information security, talks about an ISMS. What does this actually mean? And what are the benefits of an ISMS for your organisation? In this blog, we further explain what ISMS means and its relationship to the ISO 27001 standard.
What is an ISMS?
ISMS stands for an Information Security Management System. In short, it is a method for securing all confidential information within your organisation. An ISMS forces your organisation to tackle information security in a structured way and to keep thinking critically about it. In addition to documented information, the ISMS consists of implemented measures. For instance, there are measures in the field of IT, but the ISMS also pays attention to employee behaviour, standard procedures and company guidelines within the organisation. Good to know that ISMS is not a tool, which the name might suggest but a method of working.
ISMS and ISO 27001
The ISO 27001 standard for information security is there to demonstrate that your organisation handles business information responsibly. An ISMS is a way of working and can be set up in your own way if you wish. ISO 27001 imposes a number of requirements on your ISMS to ensure availability, integrity and confidentiality within the organisation. You are also required to set up, implement, maintain and keep improving a management system. So you can ensure that your organisation can comply with the standard.
Benefits of an ISMS
Information security is more important than ever; as an organisation, you want to ensure that your confidential information does not end up in the wrong hands. Information security and the associated ISMS should therefore be standard on an organisation’s agenda. We have listed the benefits of an ISMS for you:
- Improve the structure and focus of your organisation by clearly setting out who is responsible for the various information security risks.
- Fewer risks and therefore fewer incidents because information security processes are well established.
- It gives your customers and suppliers insight into the fact that the risks around confidentiality are properly covered.
- It helps your organisation comply with relevant laws and regulations.
More information?
Want to know more about setting up an ISMS? Or would you like to get started with ISO 27001; the standard for information security? Then get in touch with us. Our consultants will be happy to tell you more.
