There is no doubt about it. All of a company’s technological processes are exposed to security and privacy threats. While it is true that the most advanced technologies can combat cyber-attacks, they alone are not enough. Therefore, organizations must establish policies to further minimize these risks. But what is the information security management system? This is where the ISMS plays a crucial role.

What is an Information Security Management System about?

It is a framework of policies and controls that systematically manages risks across the entire organization. These security controls can follow widely recognized standards or be more industry-specific.

For instance, the  ISO 27001 standard is a set of specifications that detail how to create, manage, and implement ISMS policies. While it doesn’t prescribe specific actions, it does provide a roadmap for developing effective strategies.

Objective: Protection of Information Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability.

The ISMS framework is usually focused on risk assessment and management. Organizations operating in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare and national defense, require a broader scope for their security activities and mitigation strategy.

How is an ISMS Implemented?

According to ISO 27001, an ISMS is implemented by following the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) model for continuous process improvement:

1. Plan: identify the problem and gather useful information to assess security risks. Define the policies and processes that can be used to address the root cause of the problem. Develop methods to establish continuous improvement in information security management capabilities.
2. Do: mplement the policies and procedures that have been devised. Implementation follows ISO standards but also depends on the resources available within the company.
3. Check: monitor the effectiveness of the ISMS policies and controls. Evaluate tangible results as well as behavioral aspects associated with system processes.
4. Act: focus on continuous improvement. Document results, share knowledge, and use the feedback loop to address the implementation of ISMS policies and controls through the PDCA model.

Benefits of an ISMS

• Ensures the protection of information, whether it is in physical format or in the cloud.

• Enhances the organization’s ability to withstand cyber threats through the implementation and maintenance of the system.

• Centralizes information management to keep company data secure and in one place.

• Adapts to environmental changes and evolving risks within an organization, protecting against constantly evolving threats.

• Minimizes costs associated with information security through risk assessment and analytical approaches, eliminating the need for indiscriminate addition of defensive technology layers.

• Safeguards data through a set of practices, procedures, and both physical and technical controls that ensure these key principles.

• The holistic approach of the ISMS covers the entire organization, not just IT. This helps employees understand risks and integrate security controls into their daily routines.

If you’re interested in learning about the tools you can implement to strengthen your current security strategy and align with best practices in an Information Security Management System, icorp can assist you. Contact Us.

Sources: IT Governance UK, BMC, ISMS.online

This article has been translated using AI and may include errors.