What Is an Information Security Management System?

An information security management system (ISMS) helps to safeguard your organization’s data through both technological security measures and policies that establish guidelines for employees who handle sensitive data. This includes implementing cybersecurity procedures and conducting information security training sessions and encouraging the culture of taking responsibility for data protection.

ISMSs can also be audited to ensure compliance and then certified. They are designed to meet the requirements of your business and industry standards. ISO 27001 is the best-known standard for ISMS however there are other standards that may be more appropriate to your business and industry, such as the NIST framework for federal agencies.

Who is responsible for Information Security?

As opposed to being a solely IT-based initiative, ISMS involves a wide range of staff and departments which include the C-suite marketing and sales, as well as customer service. This ensures that everyone is on the same page with regards to security of information and that all necessary protocols are adhered to.

An information security management Web Site ISMS requires an extensive risk assessment. This is best accomplished by using a software like vsRisk, which allows users to complete assessments in a short time, present the results for an easy analysis and prioritization, and maintain consistency year after year. An ISMS can also help reduce expenses by allowing you to prioritize the highest-risk assets and prevents the indiscriminate expenditure on defense technologies and cuts down on downtime triggered by cybersecurity incidents. This means lower OPEX and CAPEX.