Benefits of Implementing ISO 27001

1. What is Information Security?

The protection of data against unauthorized disclosure, transfer, modification, or destruction, whether accidental or intentional.

ISO 27001 is the international standard documented by ISO to help preserve the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data.

2. What is the importance of Information Security?

• Ensures information within an organization remains secure and effective.
  Within an  Information security management systems framework, you conduct risk assessments around information assets and remediate any develop risk treatment solutions, this ensures that corporate information remains secure from data breaches and effective.
  
• Ensures accurate information is available on time.
  The application of Information security management systems requires implementation of controls around having several instances of the same information available on demand and therefore the right information is accessible.
  
• Prevents loss, abuse and unauthorized modification of information.
  Since the implementation of information security managements systems enforces access controls to be placed within an organization, information can only be accessed and modified by authorized parties and therefore it enables us to eradicate loss of data, misuse of data and data being altered by third parties.
  
• Ensures information is only accessible to authorized persons.
  
• Assists compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
  Through infosec practices organizations are able to avoid penalties and fines as good infosec practices assist in compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, they also reduce the cost of recovering from attacks/breaches as the cost of compliance is often times lower than the cost or recovery.

3. Benefits of Implementing ISO27001

Compliance
by getting certified, organizations achieve compliance with the increasing commercial, contractual and regulatory requirements like the Data protection act of kenya and the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation)

Service delivery
Since The policies and procedures are documented in line with the information security management systems requirements, it enables the organization’s operational processes to be in alignment which allows us to deliver services efficiently and hence improves the performance of the organization.

Stakeholder trust

Through ISMS- Information security management Systems ISO27001 compliance the organization protects and enhances its reputation and furthermore stakeholder trust. It is a demonstration that the organization has taken the necessary steps to protect the business and consequently the stakeholders’ interests

Business resilience

The controls implemented through the standard ensure that the business is resilient even when facing adversity, the recovery time is much faster and cost less than organizations that are not compliant

Gain efficiency

Through certification, the organization is able to set up policies and procedures that give structure and focus to its operations increasing productivity and improving decision making

4. How can Sentinel Africa help?

At Sentinel Africa, we aim to help our clients grow and protect value. Our ISO27001 implementation approach ensures integration of the management system into the operations of your business, leading to a culture change. We have a structured methodology aligned with PDCA process approach (Plan – Do – Check – Act), that helps any organization adopt the standard and tailor it to suit their operations.

We walk the journey through implementation and certification audit together, all while conducting continual knowledge transfer to your staff for continuity of the management system post project mode.

When it comes to maintenance of your ISMS (Information Security Management System), Sentinel Africa offers ISMS as a Service, a product that allows you to continually comply with requirements of ISO 27001 through surveillance audits and recertification audits.

Sentinel Africa also offers certified training bootcamps for ISO 27001 implementers and auditors. The training is suitable for any organization that wants to embark on an implementation journey, ensuring that staff have the prerequisite competence for successful implementation.

For more information feel free to reach out to us via email: [email protected]

Article written by:

1. Faith Mueni – HOD, Operations
2. Carol Muriithi – Consultant