We live in a world where offsite data backup is more of a necessity than a consideration. In such a climate where companies’ data and systems are critical to survival and success, it’s vital that any third-party assigned to looking after that data does so in a way which represents best practices where risk assessment and management are concerned.

There is more to information security than anti-virus software, firewall technology and the locking-down of laptops or web servers; the overall approach to information security should be strategic as well as operational. While many providers will claim to adhere to best practices, only those seriously committed will posses an official ISO 27001 certification.

What is ISO 27001?

Published in 2005, ISO 27001 is an Information Security Management System (ISMS) standard, designed to ensure the selection of adequate and proportionate security controls that protect information assets.

Being a formal specification means that it mandates specific requirements, and organisations that have adopted ISO 27001 can therefore be formally audited and certified in compliance with the standard. ISO 27001 requires that a business does the following;

Systematically examines information security risks, taking account of any potential threats, vulnerabilities and associated impacts

Designs and implements a coherent and comprehensive suite of information security controls and/or additional methods of risk treatment (such as risk avoidance or risk transfer) to address any potential risks that are deemed unacceptable

Adopts a management process to ensure that the information security controls continue to meet the organisation's information security needs on an ongoing basis

Why should a provider become certified?

Like other ISO management system certifications, ISO 27001 usually involves an initial two-stage audit process followed by regular assessments. There are also a number of associated costs, but organisations willing to invest time and money into achieving the standard will see it as an investment for the future. While the certification may seem expensive to some providers, it should be noted that security breaches can now carry a fine of up to £500,000, so it pays to protect clients’ data.

Organisations that assume the certification usually find that the staff partaking in the ISO training programme gain a heightened level of security knowledge, making them much more aware of potential security threats.

Overall, ISO 27001 is a stamp of approval that sets certified organisations apart from their competition.

How do clients benefit?

Wherever offsite data storage is concerned, there are a number of potential security risks, for example: physical, such as door access and CCTV; logical, which refers to issues like user privileges and data access; and procedural, including areas such as visitor access protocol. By working with an ISO 27001 certified provider, a business can be safe in the knowledge that their data is safe from these risks.

Other benefits of working with an ISO 27001 certified provider include:

Clearly defined risk ownership

Prevention of damage to brand equity

Consistent security policy across the organisation

Continuous security improvement measures

Minimal risk of data loss through human error.

Data is at the heart of every business and organisation, so when choosing a managed service provider to manage your data, be sure to work with an ISO 27001 certificated partner.