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Information Security Management System (ISMS)

What is an ISMS? 

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a set of policies, processes, and procedures that help organizations to protect their information assets. It helps to identify, analyze and manage the security risks associated with the use, processing, storage and transmission of an organization’s sensitive data. 

An ISMS agreement is between two parties that outlines the security protocols and procedures they will follow to protect their information assets. It includes policies, processes, and technical measures that are implemented to prevent unauthorized access, use, disclosure, modification, or destruction of sensitive data.

The ISMS contains all the necessary controls for managing these risks in order to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. 

The ISMS acts as a cybersecurity management system which includes controls such as access control measures, including authentication; encryption techniques; system hardening; network segmentation; vulnerability management activities such as patching or antivirus scanning; monitoring systems for detecting malicious activity or suspicious behavior; incident response plans for dealing with cyberattacks or other security incidents; user awareness training programs to educate staff about secure computing practices; and audits to verify that the ISMS is being properly implemented.

What is an ISMS policy?

An ISMS (Information Security Management System) policy is a document that outlines an organization’s approach to managing and protecting its information assets. It provides a framework for ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information through appropriate security controls. 

The policy should include objectives and responsibilities as well as guidance on risk management processes, access control measures, data handling procedures, incident response plans, physical security protocols and other relevant topics.

How does an ISMS benefit my organization? 

Maybe, before we get into the benefits, we should discuss why it is critical. An effective ISMS can help your business in many ways – this is especially true in today’s threat-heavy and ever-changing environment, where having robust information security is now a necessity in many organizations. 

A fortified ISMS ensures that your organization is provided with multiple security layers intended to protect business-critical data. Remember, that it just takes one ransomware attack to grind your business to a halt, resulting in a negative impact to customers, and potential damage to your organization’s reputation. 

The key benefits are pretty straightforward:

  • Provides a secure environment for storing and processing data
  • Improves the efficiency of internal processes, reduces the risk of data breaches, and helps organizations meet regulatory compliance requirements
  • Win over new business, while entering new markets as a strong competitor
  • Strengthens existing relationships with your consumer base, enabling you to build a brand that is compliant and well trusted
  • Protects your network from security breaches
  • Minimizes the risk of data loss or misuse
  • By implementing an ISMS, organizations can be sure that their sensitive information is kept safe and secure

What is ISMS software?

ISMS software is a type of computer program or software designed to help organizations develop, manage and streamline their Information Security Management System (ISMS). An ISMS is an extensive framework for managing information security risks within an organization. It includes policies, processes, procedures, standards, and guidelines that are used to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. ISMS software helps organizations quickly create, manage and customize their own ISMS according to industry-specific regulations or internal risk management objectives.

Making the most out of your ISMS!

If you’re undergoing ISO 27001 certification, Scytale’s cloud-based platform makes creating and managing your ISMS a simple and speedy task. It comes with everything needed to get you to compliance, certification and beyond. 

Scytale’s expert team also works with organizations of every type, size, and level of information security expertise, guiding you on each step to ISO 27001.