Who is responsible for the protection of information?

In reality, information security is a business responsibility and not just an IT problem. When you first look at information security, you might assume that because IT departments manage computer systems, they are responsible for controlling cyber risks and threats. As times have changed, so have cyber threats to daily business; cyber criminals are now using new methods to put anyone in your business at risk; therefore, securing and protecting information has become everyone’s responsibility.

As everyone in your company has a role to play in securing data and information, understanding that cyber security is a business risk and not simply a technology risk allows your business to approach cyber protection holistically and adopt security throughout your company.

What risks and cyber threats are businesses facing today?

With the business world vastly online and growing in digital performance, cyber security has never been more critical. Even if your business isn’t selling online or offering downloadable products, your company may still have an online presence, leading to potential risks. Day to day tasks such as online banking, video meetings, social media updates, website management, or simply backing up data on cloud servers could open your company to risk. These everyday actions highlight how vital cyber security is. It only takes one breach, which could result in large fines and sometimes irreversible damage to your business’s reputation and credibility.

With so many digital threats, it can be hard to track everything happening and the latest trends. There is more and more advanced hacking technology being released worldwide. Hackers have developed professional plans and are not targeting businesses for fun, but for lucrative results. Cyber-crime has evolved so much that competitors have gone as far as hiring cyber criminals for industrial espionage, influencing the markets, or even disrupting infrastructures.

How do I protect my business from cyber-crime?

Learning about cyber-crime and security threats might sound scary or dramatic, especially when personal or business data is potentially on the line. Still, there are ways to reduce your risk and protect your business.

Luckily technology is adapting, and with businesses becoming more aware of potential risks, the movement to invest in new security systems to help protect financial and personal information is progressing. Cyber security has become a factor when customers decide whether to interact and purchase a product or service through online stores and banking. Being more aware of these threats and putting systems in place to address concerns and protect data and information should be at the heart of the business.

How can ISO certification help to manage threats?

Developing a secure cyber environment requires cohesion from all levels of the company and is not solely the responsibility of the IT department, nor the business alone. However, understanding each person’s specific roles and responsibilities, and having a contingency plan for any risks will help evaluate your company’s information security commitment.

In recent years, we have seen a significant shift with forward thinking, security conscious companies adopting ISO 27001. Incorporating an ISO 27001 information security management system (ISMS) into your business can help you manage security threats by giving you the necessary processes and controls to ensure your data and information is protected.

ISO 27001 serves as the ultimate benchmark for businesses to establish, implement, operate, monitor, review, maintain, and continually improve an information security management system (ISMS). As the internationally recognised standard for information security management, ISO 27001 helps you establish watertight information security throughout all aspects of your business. With ISO 27001, you can demonstrate your commitment to information security, instilling trust in potential customers and suppliers, knowing their data is protected.