In today’s information driven economy, success hinges on having and providing access to information via the Internet and remote access and through sophisticated, ever-evolving e-business applications. Yet, increased reliance on information technology (IT) and highly integrated networks present significant and ever-evolving cyber-security and information security risks. Gaps in cybersecurity security can lead to negative publicity, lawsuits, and loss of customers’/ clients’ confidence and market share. Moreover, failure to comply with new regulations mandating verifiable information security and privacy capabilities can trigger significant penalties.
Effective protection against information theft, corruption, unauthorized disclosure, or denial of service requires an objective, managed approach to information security, one that inspires trust and supports the highest standards of performance. Furthermore, effective cybersecurity is a prerequisite for sustainable, directed, and continuous improvement for an organization.
Despite significant reliance of day to day operations on information systems, many organizations are still not fully aware of:
Approach to implement an effective Cybersecurity Risk Management Program;
How to align information systems with business objectives; and
How to implement information system controls based on regulatory requirements & best practices.
Some of the most common ambiguities faced by organizations, with regards to cybersecurity management are:
How to demonstrate that organization is protecting its and customers’ data;
How to ensure that investment in cybersecurity will provide business benefits that will differentiate the organization from its competitors;
How to effectively deploy information system controls;
How to ensure that organization's business processes are aligned with cybersecurity requirements;
How to ensure continuous improvement in information security across the organization; &
How to identify, manage and track information risks faced by the organization.
Due to these reasons, there has been a global surge of interest in ISO 27001 – Information Security Management, as companies seek to have an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) and an independent assurance over their information security controls. ISO 27001 certification is a way to demonstrate that an organization is committed to managing cyber and information security risks.
ISO 27001 information security management system standard is an international benchmark for security capabilities. It provides a catalog of elements that should be considered in designing, implementing, and operating a secure IT infrastructure and processes. Deploying a security framework based on ISO 27001 helps organizations to address statutory requirements and industry regulations and provide key stakeholders with an objective measure of cybersecurity capabilities. The standard establishes a series of ‘best practice’ controls and processes which require that a high level of discipline be brought to the management and operation of an IT and business environment. Moving to adopt these practices would mean establishing formal processes, documents, and internal review of many key security controls along with a commitment to developing, implementing, and supporting processes based on risks.
ISO 27001 is the best-known standard in providing requirements for an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS is a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. It includes people, processes, and IT systems by applying a risk management process. The ISO 27001 standard’s broad coverage, flexibility, and business-led approach also mean it has relevance across all industries and jurisdictions. It can help small, medium, and large businesses in any sector to keep information assets secure.
Information Security Management System (ISMS) helps to:
Effectively identify, manage and track information system risks;
Protect corporate information security assets, infrastructure, and networks;
Safeguard the organization’s data based on value;
Protect customer information from internal and external threats;
Establish a framework for managing cybersecurity on an ongoing basis.
ISO 27001 certification provides benefits of leading information security practices. Organizations may need certification to reassure customers, clients, vendors, and internal management that information security risks are identified and managed in accordance with business expectations. ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that an organization is responsible for handling and managing the associated risks of sensitive information and assets. 4CISO offers an automated solution to effectively and simply build and manage the organization's ISMS and meet the standard requirements.
A robust approach to implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) and achieving certification to ISO 27001 can demonstrate to relevant stakeholders, such as key business partners and executive and non-executive directors, improvement in the overall state of security in the organization. Being certified to ISO 27001 means that organizations can provide independent assurance to their management team, regulators, suppliers, business partners, and customers that they are complying with the internationally recognized standard for information security management.
As the extent and scope of regulatory control with regards to information security continue to increase, a recognized certification would provide significant comfort to regulators that the organization has designed, operates, evaluates, and maintains stringent systems of control over the handling of information.
Customers have already increasingly been focusing on organizations to protect the information that they provide, during the course of an engagement. Customers require to verify compliance with recognized cybersecurity industry standards such as ISO 27001 as a prerequisite to doing business. An industry-recognized security certification provides a high level of credibility on the information systems. It demonstrates the organization’s commitment to protecting confidential and sensitive information, not only in the words and policies but in actions as well.
The organization will need an independent third party to conduct certification audits. This can be accomplished through interviews with organizational management and performing testing of controls to determine how ISMS is addressed. This helps business and cybersecurity leaders to understand if the organization’s cybersecurity program performs well. 4CISO’s iManager system helps organizations to prepare and certify against ISO 27001 certification, by providing automation solutions to meet standard requirements. One of such requirements is risk and response management. Customers can use iManager to automatically identify and document risks. The system eliminates manual action and automates processes for systematically recording risks, planning risk response, and maintaining a risk database up to date.
Another important requirement of ISO 27001 certification is building and maintaining a cybersecurity framework. This requires developing and maintaining documents, records related to cybersecurity management and keeping appropriate people informed. iManager automatically identifies and creates required documents to keep the document management process simple and effective.
4CISO’s iManager is designed for cybersecurity managers who have the technical skills and business knowledge to address gaps and deficiencies in the organization’s ISMS. From basic process improvements and fine-tuning to the design and deployment of an overall enterprise security architecture. The system helps cybersecurity managers to use the organization's cybersecurity capabilities in a structured fashion that balances “quick-hit” improvements with long-term enhancements to information security practices.