Proper Information Security Management, ISO 27001:2022
ISO Standards are created and recognized by the International Organization for Standardization, designed to set a baseline level of quality for businesses providing manufacturing and technological products and services. With over 160 participant countries having developed over 23,300 separate standards, these standards are globally recognized and respected. ISO 27001:2022, Information Security Management System, addresses twenty-first century challenges related to cybersecurity. With the ever-increasing rate of cyber-attacks, information security is among the most critical elements in sustaining a healthy business. Breaches of critical data are on the rise and can destroy clients’ faith in a business’s stability or utility. Thus, maintaining a sufficient information security infrastructure requires several areas of attention.
First, and foremost, is securing information systems. Customer data, internal business data, financial data; all of these must be secured in all forms, including locally or cloud stored digital data, transmitted data, and hardcopy data. Protecting data systems from external intrusion is a key element to protecting data. This includes creating and maintaining a resilient defense against cyber-attacks, storing data in secured format utilizing resources such as encryption, and employing other methodologies. Reduce or eliminate the expense of sustaining inefficient or ineffective defense technologies or systems. It is also important to establish back-ups or other contingency systems in the face of ransomware attacks or pure data theft. Securing systems demands more than simply employing a strong security framework. It requires tracking and responding to evolving security threats.
Second, securing digital data systems also means establishing and maintaining a physical security paradigm. Even highly sophisticated cybersecurity systems suffer increased vulnerability to attackers with physical access. Limiting access to sensitive systems, machinery or even whole areas of a business greatly reduces the chances of a physical breach, particularly cyber breaches conducted with the assistance of unauthorized hardware integration. Moreover, physical security measures enable greater protection of sensitive hardcopy documents and information.
Third, and often most overlooked, involves combatting the greatest vulnerability in all data security systems—the human element. An overwhelming majority of successful cyber-attacks acquire initial access through human mistakes. Cyber-attackers have developed sophisticated social engineering techniques that enable them to obtain crucial information from employees, management, and others possessing key pieces of information. Methods include phishing, spear-phishing, pre-texting, baiting and scareware. Routine training is necessary to provide management and employees the tools for recognizing these types of attempts to acquire information.
The Corporate Counseling and Legal Research Center can assist with all the issues outlined above. Please contact us to speak with our expert consultants.