Information Security Management System

What is an Information Security Management System?

An Information Security Management System (short ISMS) is the basis for a standardised information security in your company. An ISMS defines certain rules, measures and processes in order to ensure information security and to continuously control, maintain as well as improve it.

An Information Security Management System can for example:

• Identify information security risks
• Implement measures for risk reduction
• Review implemented measures to their effectiveness
• Define an information security guideline and align it with the company’s goals
• Embed information security in all company processes
• Improve information security continuously and thereby long-term

The goal is to ensure a consistently high level of protection for the confidentiality, availability and integrity of information in your organisation. A certified Information Security Officer supports you during the implementation. Get to know us and receive further information about the Information Security Management System in an initial meeting.

What is the difference between information security and IT security?

In this context we must differentiate between the terms information security and IT security. IT security only describes the safety of the technologies used while information security additionally refers to organisational areas such as access permissions. Therefore, information security is not only a matter for the IT department but concerns various areas of your company starting with the company management.

Development and implementation of an Information Security Management System

The implementation of a certified Information Security Management System is based on different standards that already exist and are recognised throughout the industry due to their practicability. The differences among the required processes are defined by four standards such as for example the international ISO 27001 certification and the TISAX certification. The final result will always be a certified Information Security Management System that is tailored to the respective company and its intended information security goals.

You will be supported during the implementation and development of an Information Security Management System by an Information Security Officer, the Information Security Act, the basic IT protection developed by the Federal Office for Information Security as well as established standards such as the recognised ISO 27001 standard.

Essentially, the process follows these steps:

• Defining information security objectives: First it needs to be determined what the ISMS is supposed to achieve for your company. Further, it also needs to be clear what information security objectives you have and for which scope the information security objectives should apply. Normally the entire company is affected, but individual areas can also be addressed.
• Determining the information security organisation: In order to achieve the information security objectives you need certain responsibilities and measures, also called information security organisation. The basis of an information security organisation is the appointment of an Information Security Officer. Which we would be happy to assist you with.
• Determining information values (assets): Now get an overview of your existing information values, also called assets, which are to be protected by the Information Security Management System. Every company has assets, for example software, computer, customer databases, controlling reports, services, production information, HR data from employees such as qualifications and skills but also the reputation of your company.
• Identifying risks: All assets worth protecting must be classified according to their specific risks and compliance requirements. This is where you determine whether and how certain risks would be acceptable and which risks are essential to address due to their impact on the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of information.
• Developing a security concept: Following the risk assessment, a security concept is developed and suitable organizational and technical measures are selected to mitigate the risk. Responsibilities and accountabilities will be defined precisely.
• Information Security Management: Once the ISMS is established the implemented measures need to be monitored continuously and checked for their effectiveness. Information security incidents that lead to a breach of the information security guideline are being recorded and analyzed to improve the information security organization continuously.

By introducing an ISMS nothing stands in the way of your information security. Get qualified advice and arrange an initial meeting with us.

The advantages of an Information Security Management System

The introduction of a certified Information Security Management System brings a number of advantages:

• The introduction of a certified Information Security Management System brings a number of advantages:
• Information security: With an Information Security Management System, the information security can be guaranteed in your company and you ensure that all necessary information security guidelines are compliant.
• Business continuity: With an Information Security Management System, you increase your security levels continuously and minimize the probability of occurrence of security incidents. Thereby, you counteract the risk that any security incidents could interfere with your business continuity.
• Competitive advantage through standardized information security concepts: With a certified Information Security Management System in accordance with the ISO 27001 certification or the TISAX certification, you show a safe handling of sensitive information to third parties. This makes you a trusted business partner which, in turn, means you have a competitive advantage over your fellow campaigners.
• Compliance: Thanks to standardized processes in the introduction of Information Management Systems, compliance requirements are met.
• Cost reduction through risk management in information security: A structured information management helps your company to set priorities and use your resources efficiently. Hereby, the costs can be reduced in the long run.

Do you have questions concerning the benefits? We will explain to you everything around the most important aspects of your Information Security Management System. Arrange your initial meeting with us now.

The Information Security Management System does not replace a Data Protection System

An Information Security Management System cannot replace any Data Protection Management System (DPMS). While it helps to protect the core values of the information security it still treats all information essentially the same and thus does not necessarily meet the essential requirements for processing personal data. The DPMS is ideally an extension of the ISMS according to the data protection requirements. Hence, it is recommended to also appoint a Data Protection Officer in addition to the appointment of an Information Security Officer.

The next step to your Information Security Management System

To ensure long-term information security, the implementation of an Information Security Management System is necessary. Would you like to find out more about the implementation of an ISMS? What are your questions regarding the benefits? Get an overview of what to expect and get to know us in an initial meeting. You will receive further information from our team. Arrange your initial meeting with us now.