ISO 27001: A Standard for Information Security
Information security means protecting the data of a business from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction. A breach of information security can have serious consequences, such as reputational damage, legal liability, regulatory fines, or loss of competitive advantage.
ISO 27001 is the world's best-known standard for information security management systems (ISMS). An ISMS is a framework of policies and procedures that defines how a business manages its information security risks and implements controls to reduce them.
ISO 27001 provides a set of requirements that an ISMS must meet to be compliant with the standard. These requirements cover various aspects of information security, such as risk management, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement. By following these requirements, a business can demonstrate that it has a systematic and cost-effective approach to information security, and that it respects the best practices and principles of the standard.
The benefits of ISO 27001 are manifold. By implementing an ISMS according to ISO 27001, a business can:
- Enhance its resilience to cyber-attacks and other incidents
- Ensure the data it holds is accurate, reliable, and accessible
- Protect its data across all platforms, devices, and locations
- Safeguard its reputation, trust, and customer loyalty
- Comply with legal, regulatory, and contractual obligations
- Save costs by avoiding or minimizing the impact of security breaches
- Gain a competitive edge by showcasing its commitment to information security
ISO 27001 is a flexible and adaptable standard that can be applied to any type of business, regardless of its size, sector, or nature. It is also compatible with other standards, such as ISO 9001 (quality management) or ISO 22301 (business continuity management). By adopting ISO 27001, a business can ensure that its information security is aligned with its strategic objectives, and that it can respond to the changing needs and expectations of its stakeholders.
If you want to know how Spoke and Hub can help you meet the ISO 27001 standard, please contact us today.
Cyber Essentials: A Scheme to Protect Your Organisation
Cyber Essentials is a government-backed, industry-supported scheme that helps organisations of any size and sector to protect themselves against common online threats. These threats include malware, phishing, ransomware, and hacking, which can cause serious damage to your data, reputation, and finances.
By following the Cyber Essentials requirements, you can implement basic technical controls to secure your IT systems and data. These controls cover five key areas: firewalls, secure configuration, user access control, malware protection, and patch management.
The benefits of Cyber Essentials are manifold. By achieving certification, you can:
- Demonstrate your commitment to cyber security to your customers, suppliers, and stakeholders
- Gain a competitive advantage and access to government contracts that require Cyber Essentials
- Reduce the risk and impact of cyber attacks by up to 80%
- Save costs by avoiding or minimising the consequences of security breaches
- Comply with data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR
To get certified, you need to complete a self-assessment questionnaire and submit it to an accredited certification body for verification. You can also opt for Cyber Essentials Plus, which involves an additional hands-on technical test of your IT systems.
Cyber Essentials is a simple but effective scheme that can help you to improve your cyber security and resilience. Don't delay - take action to protect your organisation now. Contact us to find out how we can help you meet the standard.