Information security

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a solution that ensures the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, the protection of which is currently an essential requirement for any organization, regardless of its size. ISO 27000 defines an Information Security Management System (ISMS) as a set of policies, procedures, guidelines, and allocated resources and activities, managed collectively by the organization to protect its information assets. However, it should be emphasized that information security is primarily based on people, which is why it is so important to consider personnel in this entire setup, who, according to defined roles, are responsible for maintaining and achieving the objectives set for the organization in terms of information protection. Their actions gathered within the Management System, which consists of policies, processes, procedures, instructions, and information, define the information security management system.

Organizations often decide to implement an ISMS due to the desire to enhance information security. They also frequently cite the desire to implement standards arising from the application of the PN-ISO/IEC 27001 norm, which standardize information security management systems. An important reason is to exclude or limit the effects of incidents related to violations of information security and to raise the awareness level of personnel regarding the knowledge necessary in the field of information security. For many contractors and clients, this is a clear signal of appropriate protection of all information, which affects business cooperation issues, e.g., in tender procedures.

The main benefits for organizations resulting from the implementation and certification of an information security management system are the reduction of risks associated with the loss of key information. By implementing an Information Security Management System, each organization manages the area of information security in a fully conscious, organized, and predictable manner. It meets the requirements of clients as well as legal and normative requirements, including the regulations required by the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) (EU) 2016/679 or the new Cybersecurity Directive (EU) 2016/1148. Effective information security management reduces the risk of loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, thereby preventing potential financial and reputational losses. Through risk analysis, the organization becomes aware of the real threats that exist for it and can effectively and cost-efficiently manage the materialization of these threats.

ISO 27001 is an international standard developed for information security management. By obtaining ISO 27001 certification, an organization confirms compliance with the best global practices in information security management. Thus, your clients, suppliers, and stakeholders can be assured that you prioritize security in your operations. Properly obtaining ISO 27001 certification indirectly attests that the organization meets mandatory regulatory requirements specified by the legal system.

The aim of the security policy is to support management in managing information security and to define its directions of action. The security policy contains a set of principles and practices along with documentation on how the organization should protect its assets. Such a document is approved by the company’s management and presented to all employees. If the information security policy is to be compliant with the ISO 27001 standard, it should include, among other things, the definition of information security, the emphasis on management’s intentions, and definitions of general obligations regarding information security management, etc.

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