What is an Information Security Management System and why should I need it?

An Information Security Management System (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. It can help small, medium, and large businesses in any sector keep information assets secure.

No, really, what is an ISMS?

OK, let’s put it in a simpler way: an ISMS a way to know and control how the company’s data flows, what use your company do of the data, where are the criticalities and what are the risks of having it compromised.

We can think of an ISMS as a comprehensive approach to evaluate all the security risks and the establish practices in order to avoid security incidents in your business.

Here are some key components of an ISMS:

1. Risk Assessment and Management: Identifying and managing risks to the security of information.
2. Security Policies: Establishing policies for handling information securely.
3. Asset Management: Identifying and classifying information assets and defining appropriate protection responsibilities.
4. Human Resource Security: Ensuring that employees understand their responsibilities, including training and managing changes in employment.
5. Physical and Environmental Security: Protecting physical access to information systems and equipment.
6. Communications and Operations Management: Managing technical security controls in systems and networks.
7. Access Control: Restricting access to information to those who need it.
8. Information Systems Acquisition, Development, and Maintenance: Ensuring that information security is a key part of the systems’ lifecycle.
9. Information Security Incident Management: Preparing for and managing information security incidents.
10. Business Continuity Management: Protecting, maintaining, and recovering business-critical processes and systems.
11. Compliance: Ensuring adherence to legal, regulatory, contractual, and business requirements.

Several security frameworks can be used to establish and maintain an ISMS, including:

1. ISO/IEC 27001: This is a global standard for ISMS. It provides a model for establishing, implementing, operating, monitoring, reviewing, maintaining, and improving an Information Security Management System.
2. NIST Cybersecurity Framework: Developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, this framework is used in the United States and provides a policy framework of computer security guidance for how private sector organizations can assess and improve their ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber-attacks.
3. CIS Controls: The Center for Internet Security Critical Security Controls are a recommended set of actions for cyber defense that provide specific and actionable ways to stop today’s most pervasive and dangerous attacks.
4. COBIT: Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies is a framework for developing, implementing, monitoring, and improving IT governance and management practices.
5. GDPR: The General Data Protection Regulation is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union and the European Economic Area. It also addresses the transfer of personal data outside the EU and EEA areas.
6. PCI DSS: The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard is a set of security standards designed to ensure that all companies that accept, process, store, or transmit credit card information maintain a secure environment.

Each of these frameworks has its unique focus and can be chosen based on the specific needs and context of the organization.