In an era where IT security is paramount, organisations are increasingly expected to demonstrate that they take this responsibility seriously. That is where ISO 27001 comes in – a globally recognised standard that sets the benchmark for managing information security.
While it might seem daunting and potentially unnecessary for small and medium business to undergo this rigorous audit and certification process, it is important that whoever is responsible for information security is aligned with and, better still, certified against these standards.
Recently, Virtuoso was recertified under the latest ISO 27001:2022 standard, marking an important milestone in our ongoing commitment to keeping information secure. But why does this certification matter, and how does it set us apart in a crowded field? Let us take a closer look.
ISO 27001 – Explained
ISO 27001 is the premier standard for information security, designed to help businesses manage the security of assets like financial information, intellectual property, and personal data. It is a framework for establishing, implementing, maintaining and continually improving an information security management system (ISMS), focusing on:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that information is only accessible to those who are authorised
- Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy and completeness of information
- Availability: Ensuring that information and systems are available to those who need them, when they need them.
Compliance with ISO 27001 signifies that an organisation has implemented a robust system to manage risks associated with the security of the data it owns or handles. This system adheres to the best practices and principles outlined in this globally recognised standard.
Recently, Virtuoso completed the transition from the previous ISO 27001:2013 standard to the latest ISO 27001:2022 version. This process was the result of an independent external annual audit that reaffirmed our compliance with the latest, most stringent standards. For businesses partnering with us, this milestone represents more than a checkbox – it is a testament to our dedication to security, continuous improvement, and resilience.
What’s new in ISO 27001:2022?
What sets ISO 27001:2022 apart from the earlier 2013 standard? While the core principles remain the same, the new standard places greater emphasis on:
- Risk Management: Enhanced focus on proactively identifying and mitigating risks to information security
- Updated Control Sets: The 2022 version includes updated sets of security controls that better address the latest threats and challenges, with greater emphasis on cloud security, for example.
Is Your IT Partner ISO 27001 Certified?
Managed Service Providers (MSPs) are essential in managing and maintaining IT Information Security for businesses. However, their unique access to multiple client systems can also make them a prime target.
That is why it is important it work with an ISO 27001-certified provider like Virtuoso – not only will you gain a trusted partner who takes data protection seriously, but your organisation will also see the following benefits:
- Reduced third-party risks: Third-party data breaches can pose a significant threat to your security, creating weak points that could expose sensitive information or serve as entryways into your systems. ISO 27001-certified providers have established strong controls and procedures to address these risks. While no provider can eliminate every cyber threat, a certified provider significantly reduces the likelihood of security incidents or data breaches within their organisation, which, in turn, helps protect yours.
- Support with maintaining compliance: Partnering with an ISO 27001-certified provider means your organisation can easily maintain compliance with industry regulations. If you have specific compliance requirements, working with a certified supplier also reduces the risk of non-compliance, helping to protect your business from potential breaches or violations.
- Reduced operational disruptions: Operational disruptions at your IT provider can potentially have a direct impact on your business. That is why it is imperative to partner with resilient providers that can maintain continuity and minimise the risk of unexpected breaches or data loss. Certified ISO 27001 providers have implemented the necessary controls to prevent and mitigate disruptions, ensuring the services they deliver to your business remain secure and reliable.
- Simplification of Cyber-Insurance or Vendor Assessments: More companies are requesting information about how information security is handled before engaging with a new supplier. Similarly, before insurers provide cyber insurance, they want to know how Information Security is currently being managed.
Committed to Ongoing Security Excellence
When choosing an IT partner, ISO 27001 certification is non-negotiable. This globally recognised standard sets the bar for safeguarding information systems, ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your data at every touchpoint. In addition to ISO 27001, Virtuoso is also ISO 20000 certified, further strengthening our comprehensive approach to data protection through robust processes for service delivery.
Let’s make your security our mission. Reach out to Virtuoso today to find out how we can fortify your business against today’s digital threats.
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