Implementing an ISMS - an acronym for Information Security Management System - is a major challenge for the company.
The data that it possesses and handles represents a valuable asset that must be secured.
In a context where information is volatile, since the digitization of data, the implementation of the ISMS imposes to refer to certifying standards: the company thus relies on a proven process to guarantee the reliability of its system, on the long term.
WSIS: definition
The ISMS encompasses the processes and tools put in place within the company to manage the security of its data. The objective of the Information Security Management System : . to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.
Did you know that? The concept was born before digitalization. The company that has its data on paper as proof, also has an interest in implementing an ISMS.
In this example, the ISMS might look like this: to protect against theft and destruction, the company keeps its paper documents in a locked, fireproof safe protected by a code that is changed weekly.
Today, information is mostly digitized. The security system must take into account the new computer threats and anticipate future risks.
ISMS: Why implement an ISMS?
#1 Securing your data 🔐
Numerous cyber threats have already been identified: ransomware, phishing and denial of service .
In addition to malicious hackers, the company's own employees can be the cause of data destruction or leakage. A simple handling error is enough.
With the development of new technologies, risks are diversifying and as yet unidentified practices are putting company data at risk.
In case of an attack, the consequences can be disastrous. The impact is heavy on the financial level and, more pragmatically, the company is paralyzed until it recovers its intact data.
This is why implementing an ISMS is essential: the company protects itself against attacks, and remedies them quickly and cheaply when they cannot be avoided.
#2 Inspire confidence 👌
The company that has implemented an ISMS strengthens its brand image.
Its customers and partners are assured that their personal data remains confidential and that their contracts are safe: they contract more favorably with the company, convinced of its reliability.
🧠 To meditate
The level of digitalization of the company has long been a major factor of attractiveness. Gradually, the company's partners and customers are becoming interested in the way the company secures data.
In the very short term, it is likely that the WSIS will become the priority attraction factor.
#3 To make it easier for employees
Internally, the implementation of the ISMS facilitates the work of the teams.
👉 On a daily basis: data is available and has integrity. Each employee knows where to find the updated information, and accesses it only if authorized.
👉 In case of an attack: the management system is designed to establish a strict cybersecurity policy. The relevant employees rely on the clearly defined processes and tools to act in case of an attack, the organization is fluid.
🎁 Download: Securing corporate legal data in the cloud
How to set up an ISMS?
To implement an ISMS, the company develops an information security policy adapted to the data it possesses and handles, and to the uses in place in the company.
Particularly sensitive data, and therefore coveted, require enhanced security processes.
The company's operations also dictate the development of the ISMS: the larger the number of employees, for example, the more complex the processes to be deployed.
In any case, the implementation of the ISMS involves the following steps:
- A risk audit The company lists existing cyber threats and anticipates future risks.
- Identification of solutions Identification of solutions: the company defines with precision the solutions to be implemented to prevent risks and remedy attacks. This may involve concrete actions, such as regular computer monitoring, methods or tools such as anti-virus, for example.
- Assignment of tasks The company designates the people responsible for data security and assigns them their tasks in a very controlled manner. In the event of an attack, everyone knows what to do to minimize losses.
- Implementation and continuous updating of the ISMS Once developed, the system is implemented in the company. The team in charge ensures that the ISMS is always effective and relevant, and updates it when necessary.
Implementing an ISMS is a major project. To ensure the security of its information system, the company can rely on the service provider whose solution it uses.
💡 Did you know?
To ensure the effectiveness of the ISMS, the company relies on a standard. The most widely used standard is ISO/IEC 27001. It is known to adopt the Deming Wheel approach, or PDCA for Plan-Do-Check-Act.
In its latest version of 2013, the standard no longer refers to PDCA, preferring instead the formulation: "establish, implement, maintain, improve". The company establishes its ISMS, implements it, maintains it and then improves it, respecting the steps developed above.
👀 Also read: when should you start a certification process? 🍅🍊🍏
Hyperlex is equipped with an ISMS
The Hyperlex contract management solution allows you to manage and monitor your contracts throughout their life cycle. In addition to its enhanced management features - intelligent contract generation, dematerialized signature workflows, document recognition, automated deadline reminders, etc. - Hyperlex is a high-performance solution for securing your documents and data.
By using Hyperlex, you rely on a certified provider ISO/IEC 27001:2013 and ISO 27701:2019 to delegate the implementation of your ISMS: your most valuable intangible assets are secured, in accordance with the highest market requirements.
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