Keeping IT networks and data secure is critical to business. The digital age is creating a digital headache for organizations around the world, with cyber attack and data breaches on the rise.

This is not surprising given the increased sophistication of cyber attacks and the emergence of new technologies which are affecting the way we work (e.g. BYOD - Bring Your Own Device), store and access data (e.g. cloud computing), devices we use (e.g. smart phones/tablets) and the ways we communicate (e.g. social media) – everything is going digital and potentially open to attack.

Through the implementation of ISO/IEC 27001, the most widely adopted international information security management standard, organizations can ensure that they have a full understanding of the risks to their IT systems and data. And by understanding the business impact, they can put in place the necessary controls to protect business critical information.

Cyber security is critical to business and involves the protection of IT systems and data from cyber threats such as computer-assisted fraud, espionage, sabotage, vandalism. Despite businesses increasing reliance on information, many information systems simply have not been designed to be secure.

The security that can be achieved through technical means is limited. Currently, the most effective solution to preventing cyber security attacks is the adoption of the information security management system standard, ISO/IEC 27001. ISO/IEC 27001 enables organizations to put in place the right people, processes, procedures and technology to protect networks and data from attack, theft and destruction.

Plus, by certifying to the standard you can demonstrates to customers and stakeholders that you take their cyber security seriously. And for cloud service providers, third party audits to ISO/IEC 27001 also demonstrate that you have the correct security controls in place.

• Protect networks, computers and data from unauthorized access
• Improved information security and business continuity management
• Improved stakeholder confidence in your information security arrangements
• Improved company credentials with the correct security controls in place
• Faster recovery times in the event of disruption

Cyber security is just as much of an issue for small businesses as it is for large organizations. Cyber attackers are increasingly focusing on small businesses and research shows that more small businesses are being hit by cyber attacks than ever before.

This is why ISO/IEC 27001 is so essential. It takes a risk based approach, allowing small businesses to achieve an appropriate and affordable level of information security which can make a big difference. We can work with smaller organizations to overcome time and financial barriers by providing customized packages tailored to your business – helping you to protect your data, your people and your business. If you are a Cloud Service provider, you may want to consider STAR certification.