Information is one of the most valuable assets of any organisation, and it needs to be protected from various threats such as cyberattacks, theft, misuse, vandalism, fire, and natural disasters. Information security is not only a technical issue, but also a business and governance one, as it affects the reputation, trust, and compliance of an organisation with its stakeholders, such as clients, shareholders, regulators, and society as a whole.
ISO 27001 is the international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS), which provides a comprehensive framework for managing the risks associated with information and data. It is applicable to any organisation, regardless of its size, sector, or nature of business, where the loss, corruption, or misuse of its information could result in a major commercial or operational disaster.
What is ISO 27001 and how does it work?
ISO 27001 is a standard that specifies the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS. An ISMS is a systematic approach to managing the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets, based on the principles of risk management. An ISMS consists of the following elements:
- A policy that defines the scope, objectives, and roles and responsibilities of the ISMS
- A risk assessment that identifies and evaluates the threats and vulnerabilities to the information assets and the impact of potential incidents
- A risk treatment plan that selects and applies the appropriate controls to mitigate the risks and achieve the desired level of security
- A set of procedures and processes that ensure the effective operation and monitoring of the ISMS
- A continual improvement process that reviews and updates the ISMS based on the results of audits, incidents, and feedback
The standard also provides a list of 114 controls, grouped into 14 domains, that cover various aspects of information security, such as asset management, access control, cryptography, physical and environmental security, operations security, communications security, system acquisition, development and maintenance, supplier relationships, incident management, business continuity, compliance, and information security aspects of human resource management. Demonstrating the value of this, you can choose the controls that are relevant and applicable to its context and needs, based on the risk assessment and treatment.
What are the benefits of ISO 27001?
By implementing an ISMS according to ISO 27001, you can achieve the following benefits:
- Enhance the protection of its information assets from various threats and reduce the likelihood and impact of security incidents
- Improve the trust and confidence of its stakeholders, such as clients, shareholders, regulators, and employees, by demonstrating its commitment to information security and compliance
- Gain a competitive edge and increase its market share, especially in sectors where information security is a key requirement or a differentiator
- Optimise its resources and costs by adopting a risk-based approach and applying the controls that are proportionate and appropriate to its needs
- Improve its performance and efficiency by streamlining its processes and procedures and eliminating redundancies and inconsistencies
- Enhance its innovation and growth by fostering a culture of security awareness and continuous improvement
How to gain an ISO 27001 accreditation
To gain ISO 27001 accreditation, you must first define the scope and objectives of the ISMS. The scope should include the information assets, processes, and stakeholders that are relevant to your security objectives. The objectives should be aligned with your strategic goals and legal and regulatory requirements.
Next, conduct a risk assessment to identify the sources and impacts of potential threats and vulnerabilities to the information assets. The risk assessment should consider the likelihood and severity of the risks, as well as the existing controls and mitigation measures.
Select and implement appropriate controls to address the identified risks. The controls should be based on the best practices and guidance provided by ISO 27002, which is a code of practice for information security controls. The controls should cover the technical, organisational, and human aspects of information security, such as encryption, access control, policies, procedures, training, and awareness.
Once complete, establish a management system to support the operation and maintenance of the ISMS. The management system should include the roles and responsibilities, documentation, communication, and resources for the ISMS. The management system should also define the processes for monitoring, reviewing, auditing, and improving the ISMS, as well as for managing incidents and nonconformities.
Obtain an independent certification from an accredited body. The certification process involves an initial audit to verify the compliance of the ISMS with the ISO 27001 requirements, and a surveillance audit to confirm the effectiveness and continual improvement of the ISMS. The certification is valid for three years, subject to periodic audits.
How to maintain an ISO 27001 accreditation
To maintain your ISO 27001 accreditation, you must monitor and measure the performance and effectiveness of the ISMS. To achieve this, you can use various indicators and methods, such as metrics, logs, reports, surveys, and feedback. Once completed, you should also analyse the results and identify any gaps, weaknesses, or opportunities for improvement.
Conduct periodic reviews of the ISMS to ensure its suitability, adequacy, and alignment with the changing internal and external environment, and update the ISMS to reflect the changes in the scope, objectives, risks, controls, and management system, as well as the findings and recommendations from the monitoring and measurement activities.
Perform internal audits to assess the conformity and effectiveness of the ISMS, and external audits to maintain the certification and demonstrate the compliance and improvement of the ISMS. Implement corrective and preventive actions to address the root causes of any nonconformities, incidents, or risks, and to enhance the performance and maturity of the ISMS.
