Introduction to ISO 27001:2013

Information Security Management System (ISMS)

What is ISO/IEC 27001:2013?

The ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification is commonly known as the ISO 27001:2013 Certification. It refers to Information Security Management System. As the name implies, it relates to the ISO management system standards for information security management.

It was first published in 2005 by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), which explains why it is called ISO/IEC 27001. Later on, in 2013, it was revised to become the latest version of ISO/IEC 27001:2013.

The international standard applies to all types of organisations, regardless of their size, industry, or the nature of the information they handle. ISO/IEC 27001:2013 follows a risk-based approach, enabling organisations to do information security risk assessment and implement controls (or risk treatment plan) to manage and mitigate those risks effectively.

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 provides a structured and internationally recognised framework for organisations to protect sensitive information, comply with applicable laws and regulations, and build trust with stakeholders. It also enables organisations to continuously improve by regularly reviewing and updating their information security practices.

How can the standard help my organisation?

The Information Security Management System (ISMS) international standard includes detailed requirements for companies to set up, implement, maintain and continually improve their information security management systems. By being certified with the ISO 27001 certification, it is a validation that your organisation is putting resources into protecting the information assets you have painstakingly built or invested in.

 

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 can benefit your organisation in managing and improving information security management systems. Here are some key ways ISO/IEC 27001:2013 can help:

1. Risk Management Process:
The standard helps you identify and assess information security risk management specific to your organisation. It enables you to effectively implement required controls and measures to mitigate those risk assessments. By following a risk-based approach, you can prioritise your security controls and allocate resources where they are most needed.
2. Compliance with Regulations:

ISO 27001 assists organisations in meeting applicable legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements related to information security management standards. It helps you establish processes and controls to ensure compliance with relevant laws, regulations, and industry international standards. This can help you avoid legal and financial penalties and demonstrate your commitment to data protection to prevent breaches and cyber-attacks.

3. Enhanced Information Security controls:

Implementing ISO 27001 provides a structured framework for managing an organisation’s information security. It helps you establish policies, procedures, and other controls to protect sensitive information, ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This can help prevent security breaches, data leaks, and unauthorised access control to information or cyber-attacks.

4. Increased Customer Trust:

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard. Certification or conforming to the standard demonstrates your commitment to information security and can enhance customer trust. It reassures your customer data that their data is handled securely and that you have implemented robust information security practices.

5. Competitive Advantage:

ISO 27001 certification can give you a competitive edge in the marketplace, especially in the information technology industry. It distinguishes you from competitors by showcasing your dedication to protecting information and managing security controls. It can differentiate when bidding for contracts or attracting customers who prioritise security and increase your performance evaluation.

6. Continually Improving:

ISO 27001 promotes a cycle of continual improvement. By regularly reviewing and assessing your information security management system, you can identify areas for enhancement and take proactive measures to address evolving security threats and technological advancements. This ensures that your security practices stay up-to-date and effective.

7. Business continuity planning:

ISO 27001 helps establish incident response plans and business continuity strategies. It guides you in developing processes to handle security incidents effectively, minimise disruptions, and quickly recover from incidents. This enhances your organisation’s resilience and ability to withstand and recover from security incidents or disturbances.

Implementing ISO 27001 requires commitment, resources, and robust information security objectives. However, it provides:

  • A comprehensive framework for managing information security risk.

  • Protecting sensitive information.

  • Enhancing the overall security posture of your organisation.

Who will benefit from an ISO 27001 certification?

Conventionally, when we think about information security, the first things that come to mind are IT systems, on-premise servers and practical anti-virus software implementations.

In this digital age, a company’s assets are no longer purely physical security. It stretches far beyond cloud data, elaborates cloud server infrastructure, and includes the clients’ privacy protection, credit card details and even health data. The company’s information is primarily deemed assets that must also be protected. The ISO 27001 certification provides a framework to manage and control information security risks for businesses to secure such information assets.

 

An ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification can benefit various organisational and external stakeholders. Here are some key beneficiaries:

1. Organisation and Management:

The organisation benefits significantly from ISO 27001 certification. It helps establish a robust information security management system (ISMS), protecting sensitive information, reducing risk, and enhancing overall security posture. A certified organisation benefits from a systematic approach to managing information security, improved decision-making processes, and increased awareness of security risks.

2. Customers and Clients:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification assures customers and clients that their sensitive information is handled with utmost care and security. It enhances trust and confidence in the organisation’s ability to protect its data, fostering stronger relationships and potentially attracting new interested parties who prioritise information security.

3. Business Partners and Suppliers:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to information security, making it an attractive partner for other businesses. It reassures business partners and suppliers that their data and intellectual property will be protected when collaborating or sharing sensitive information.

4. Employees:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification benefits employees by establishing clear policies, procedures, and guidelines for handling sensitive information. It promotes an information security awareness and responsibility culture, ensuring employees understand their roles and responsibilities in safeguarding data. This can lead to increased job satisfaction, better adherence to security practices, and reduced security incidents caused by human error.

5. Regulatory Authorities and Auditors:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification provides evidence of an organisation’s commitment to information security and compliance with relevant legal requirements. It can facilitate interactions with regulatory authorities, simplify compliance audits, and streamline the main processes of demonstrating conformity with applicable legal and regulatory requirements.

6. Shareholders and Investors:

ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification can enhance the organisation’s reputation and value in the eyes of shareholders and investors. It demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to protecting valuable information assets and managing associated risks, which can increase confidence and potentially attract investment opportunities from interested parties.

Overall, ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification benefits multiple stakeholders by improving information security practices, minimising risks, enhancing trust, and demonstrating compliance with industry-recognised standards. It provides a competitive advantage and helps build strong relationships with customers, partners, employees, and other stakeholders who value information security.

Under the certification process of the standard, organisations are to put in place controls ranging from physical security to access rights to communications and supplier management—the fundamental principles of the standard centre on maintaining confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. Information security is crucial to surviving in the digital business world, as customer trust is gained. In turn, providing assurance to customers & business partners and gaining their trust allows for many business opportunities, growth, and expansion. This is all achieved through compliance with the ISO 27001 standard.

Why Work With Stendard?

Our approach to every client organisation’s certification is always structured in a way that would help your team members understand the importance of staying compliant.

Our step-by-step process:

  • Listening to your team, your industry and your market interest to understand the appropriate standard(s) that applies to your company;

  • Scoping of your ISMS, with a detailed explanation of the risk management process, as well as the explanation of the certification process;

  • Ensuring the relevant Control Objectives and Controls are well-established in accordance with best practices;

  • Ensuring the competency of your team regarding ISO 27001 standards and requirements, which includes the conduct of training courses;

  • Providing guidance or performing annual internal audits with the relevant departments; and

  • Setting up links to the third-party auditing body or certification body.
 
Headquartered in Singapore and having offices in Indonesia, we are able to support you and your organisation within this region and beyond.

Related Resources

Find out all the details you need to know about ISO 27001 Certification.

Learn general and in-depth concepts of ISO 27001 online.