ISO 27001 | Internet Security Management System

What is ISO 27001 Certification 
The ISO 27001 standard was published in October 2005, essentially replacing the old BS7799-2 standard. It is the specification for an ISMS, an Information Security Management System. BS7799 itself was a long standing standard, first published in the nineties as a code of practice. As this matured, a second part emerged to cover management systems. It is this against which certification is granted. Today in excess of a thousand certificates are in place, across the world.

ISO 27001 enhanced the content of BS7799-2 and harmonized it with other standards. A scheme has been introduced by various certification bodies for conversion from BS7799 certification to ISO27001 certification.

The objective of the standard itself is to provide a model for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System. Regarding its adoption, this should be a strategic decision. Further, The design and implementation of an organization's ISMS is influenced by their needs and objectives, security requirements, the process employed and the size and structure of the organization.

The standard defines its process approach as The application of a system of processes within an organization, together with the identification and interactions of these processes, and their management. It employs the PDCA, Plan-Do-Check-Act model to structure the processes, and reflects the principles set out in the OECG guidelines.

Which organization can go in for ISO 27001 certification

The key benefits of 27001 are:

1. It can act as the extension of the current quality system to include security
2. It provides an opportunity to identify and manage risks to key information and systems assets
3. Provides confidence and assurance to trading partners and clients; acts as a marketing tool
4. Allows an independent review and assurance to you on information security practices

company may want to adopt ISO 27001 for the following reasons:

1. It is suitable for protecting critical and sensitive information
2. It provides a holistic, risked-based approach to secure information and compliance
3. Demonstrates credibility, trust, satisfaction and confidence with stakeholders, partners, citizens and customers
4. Demonstrates security status according to internationally accepted criteria
5. Creates a market differentiation due to prestige, image and external goodwill
6. If a company is certified once, it is accepted globally.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Certification

Protecting your organisations information is critical for the successful management and smooth operation of your organization. Completing ISO/IEC 27001 information security management systems certification will aid your organisation in managing and protecting your valuable data and information assets.

By achieving certification to ISO 27001 your organisation will be able to reap numerous benefits such as:

1. Keeps confidential information secure
2. Provides customers and stakeholders with confidence in how you manage risk
3. Allows for secure exchange of information
4. Allows you to ensure you are meeting your legal obligations
5. Helps you to comply with other regulations (e.g. SOX)
6. Provide you with a competitive advantage
7. Enhanced customer satisfaction that improves client retention
8. Consistency in the delivery of your service or product
9. Manages and minimises risk exposure
10. Builds a culture of security
11. Protects the company, assets, shareholders and director