The information security framework is all about protecting user data. In today`s world, securing data is not as easy as locking up all files in a cabinet or keeping them in a safe as information is scattered in physical and virtual environments, it needs advanced protection. One way of safeguarding information is by setting up an Information Security Management System.
What is an Information Security Management System, you ask? You may call it a set of policies and/or procedures for managing sensitive data/information of an organization. This system aims to minimize risk and ensures business continuity, limiting the impact of a security breach.
This system also addresses employee behaviour, processes, data, and technology in use. It can be implemented in a comprehensive way and become a part of the company’s culture. In fact, most organizations have already made it a part of their culture!
Are you ready to implement an ISMS as per the ISO270001? This guide explains how to set up and improve your organization’s information security and meet the regulatory requirements at the same time. Let’s begin.
Which Companies Need Information Security?
It is voluntary for a business to implement an ISMS based on the ISO270001 standard. However, if an organization is able to obtain this certification, this is a proof that it meets all mandatory industry standards.
Some organizations do require to have a subset of information security system in place such as:
- INDUSTRIAL system operators, electricity, oil and gas companies, air, railway and transport sector, water companies, health care, and distribution system operators
- Suppliers of specific digital solutions
- All entities processing personal data
With an ISMS, an organization is able to stay on top of the threats and vulnerabilities, minimizing risks, mitigating, and ensuring business continuity. The rise in security threats has made the implementation of this security management more important than ever. By formulating security policies, organizations can take the first steps towards developing an ISMS.
Your work isn’t done by simply implementing this system; it must be updated and improved to meet the technical, managerial, and organizational demands and keep the sensitive information safe.
In short, organizations have to implement an information security system either to comply with the industry standards or to win customer trust.
Setting Up an Information Security Management System
When defining or setting up an ISMS for your business, it’s always a good idea to involve an experienced information security consultant for support. You can either build your own package or purchase ready-make packages containing ISO270001 documents templates as a guide. Regardless of what you choose, the implementation constitutes the following steps:
Step 1: Set Objectives
First off, always involve your organization’s top management when deciding to implement the ISMS as per the ISO270001 industry standard.
They will set the allocation of resources, budget and set objectives. This step will also determine the supervision and communication.
Objective setting requires annual updates. The top management must determine the objectives, reflecting the business as well as the regulatory needs of the organization.
Step 2: Define the Scope of the System
The ISO/IEC 27001 standard defines the reality and technical requirements of information security. Therefore, every organization must choose the security measures and requirements outlined by this standard.
This standard also defines all processes making up the management system and security measures to be implemented by the organization to combat cyber security threats and enhance security.
Step 3: Evaluation of Assets and Risk Analysis Risk
Once the scope is defined, it’s time to evaluate your information processes assets and perform risk analysis.
These are the assets that are evaluated:
- Hard (phones, computer, data storage devices)
- Server (physical and virtual servers storing the ICT infrastructure of the company)
- Cloud services (Dropbox, JIRA, Amazon web services, banking services, 365, etc.)
- Customer information
- Other
Only the assets which are important for information processing must be evaluated. As per the personal data protection regulation, an organization must indicate and manage filling systems where PI is stored.
For each asset, a risk analysis must be carried out to identify the loss of information. Each asset must be assigned to an individual with a risk management plan to follow.
Step 4: Define the Information Security Management System
By this time, the risk analysis reports are already generated and a risk management plan is ready to be implemented as well.
Now the organization is ready to define an information security management system by specifying the security measures tailored to the business’s needs. This iterative process consists policies, procedures, processes, and instructions, training guides, normative sources and other domains.
A consultant is responsibility for defining scope of these activities. They must introduce the know-hows wherever necessary. Know-how is defined as specifying the individuals about their responsibilities. These individuals work in groups and are responsible for maintaining and updating the information as well as passing it on to people within the organization.
Step 5: Training and Competency Building
The organization must specify the skills and competencies required by the people who will be involved in ISMS. Each employee within the organization must know how they affect information security.
Their roles and competencies must be defined. Knowledge and training must also be passed on to others. The information security roles found in implementation include:
- Employee (An individual employed at an organization)
- Internal auditor (An individual who audits the management system)
- IT administrator (An individual who manages the IT infrastructure of the organization)
- Top management (An individual or a group of individuals responsible for setting directions and managing top-level employees)
As per the Personal Data Protection Regulation (EU) 2016/679, an organization must select a DPO (Data Protection Officer). He is an individual who protects the personal data of an organization.
Step 6: Maintenance and Monitoring
Before starting the ISMS certification audit (at least a month or two prior), a fully defined system must be maintained within the organization. This would provide time for conducting training and carrying out management system reviews. It will make it easier to implement the security measures, adjust risk analysis, and a risk management plan.
The first action sets out infrastructure maintenance as well as security management should be carried out simultaneously. When the audit starts, the organization will already have documentation and records of the safe execution of information security management systems.
Any management system’s basic requirement is to ensure continuous improvement via monitoring, internal audit, corrective actions, and reviews of the system in place.
Step 7: Certification Audit
This stage is the final stage where the ISMS is implemented successfully, and the organization receives a certification of compliance with the ISO270001 standard.
The audit is conducted by a body that certifies management systems. This audit takes place in two phases. The first phase involves checking the scope and complementing of the management system. The elements of the management systems are also assessed in the stage. The second phase is the implementation of the system within the company is verified.
Once the audit is complete, the organization receives an ISO certification. The organization must maintain this compliance by maintaining and improving its security management system. Follow-up audits will be needed. After every three years, a re-certification is required.
Summing Up
Cybercrimes are on the rise. The top-level management’s responsibility is to implement top-notch security systems to keep the customer and business data protected. This would win the organization’s trust of its stakeholders, customers and gain a competitive edge.
An organization that protects valuable information and meet regulatory compliance are called the industry leaders.
It is not always easy to implement an information security management system and get an ISO270001 certification. You might need professional help to implement and maintain an adequate system like this, but this investment is worth it.
