6 Advantages of Using An Online ISMS

Do you also have a lack of overview of what you need to do for your ISO certification? You are probably working with all kinds of Excel sheets and Word documents and have appointments in calendars and Outlook? You are not alone!However, this way of working does not make it any easier to get a grip on where you stand and what you still need to do to be ready in time for your external audit. For example, you might request information multiple times, or notice that requests get stuck in colleagues' mailboxes. In this article, we take a closer look at the benefits of having an online Information Security Management System (ISMS).

What is an Information Security Management System (ISMS)?

An ISMS is a systematic approach to managing sensitive business information so that it is permanently secured. It includes people, processes, and IT systems and is based on a risk management process.An ISMS is a requirement from the international standard ISO/IEC 27001, which sets requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving a documented ISMS within the context of an organization's overall business risks.Organizations may choose the way they set up their ISMS. In this article, we explore the benefits of using an online ISMS, specifically ISOPlanner's ISMS.

1. Online ISMS provides structure and overview of ISO project

An ISMS provides a clear framework for managing information security, allowing you to work in a more structured way. If you choose an online ISMS such as ISOPlanner’s, you have the advantage of being able to keep track of what is going on during your ISO certification process. In the dashboard, you can see at a glance what you already have and what still needs to be done.

2. Integration with Microsoft 365 makes the project user-friendly

The big advantage of ISOPlanner over other ISMSs is that ISOPlanner is integrated with Microsoft 365. This enables a link between risks, measures, and associated SharePoint documents and Outlook appointments. That integration provides an overview in a familiar environment and makes the project more user-friendly.

3. Saving time by using sample documentation

If you choose to use a documentation set with examples such as Instant 27001, you get a ready-filled ISMS with all the standard requirements, risks, and measures delivered including policies and processes. This saves you an incredible amount of time because you don't have to create it yourself from scratch.This means you can get certified very quickly. We have had clients ready for certification within three months, whereas organizations normally need 6-12 months.

4. Promotes collaboration and creates support

You have a good overview with an online ISMS and divide the work with colleagues much easier because you easily assign tasks. These tasks end up in a familiar environment and system, such as Outlook. This way, you make it very accessible for your colleagues to work with you and supply the necessary information. And the bulk of the work no longer lies with you as the person in charge.Because what we often see is that ISO 27001 is implemented by one person who understands it and has a good overview of all the documents. But then as the organization grows, it becomes much harder for that one person to keep up with everything.At that point, it is very difficult to divide the work as yet. Because that one person has everything in their head and knows the documents and the systems. Even though those may not necessarily be very transferable.If you use an application like ISOPlanner, you have a central overview, accessible for everyone, of what still needs to be done. This makes it very easy for colleagues to complete tasks via Outlook, for example. If the cooperation on your ISO project improves, you will also notice that support for information security increases throughout the entire organization.

5. Make ISO certification a transferable process

We have experienced many times that a company contacts us because they work in an organization where ISO 27001 has been implemented based on Excel sheets and Word documents.But where the person responsible for the implementation has left for another organization. And where those left behind can barely take over the work because they can't make sense of the jumble of documents. As a result, they have to start all over again.An online ISMS provides structure and consistency and makes ISO certification a transferable process that reduces the dependence on individual employees.

6. Gives stakeholders confidence

An ISMS shows that your organization is serious about information security, which increases the trust of customers, partners, and other stakeholders.At our client DHD, ISOPlanner's ISMS impressed the external auditor.Robert Kerssies, security officer at DH: “An auditor is blown away when he sees our ISMS. And it provides a lot of confidence that you are carefully handling sensitive data,” Robert continues. “The standard offers the freedom to set up the ISMS to your own needs. Since we collect a lot of sensitive healthcare data from and share data with hospital care, it’s important to take this responsibility seriously. ISOPlanner fits well with this ambition.Therefore, we feel it is important to show this care not only during an audit but also every day. Of course, when you have visitors you tidy your home. And the same goes for an auditor. But above all, you want to show that you take it seriously. In the end, we build software and dashboards, we work with Power BI and Azure. All the cream of the crop. Then your ISMS should also be of the highest standard.”Read the case How DHD pushed its information security to the next level with ISOPlanner

7 Tips when implementing an online ISMS

Implementing an Information Security Management System (ISMS) is essential to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information. Here are 7 practical tips to successfully implement your ISMS within your organization.

1. Ensure management commitment

Management commitment and support are crucial to the success of an ISMS implementation. Management must recognize the importance of information security and be willing to invest the necessary resources and time.Ensure that management actively participates in the process and is regularly informed of progress. In addition, you need people in your organization who are also given the time to be involved in this.

2. Call for assistance

Next, you have to consider whether you need help, for example in the form of a consultant who can guide you. This is also the phase to you consider how you want to set up your ISMS and which online ISMS you will use.

3. Conduct a risk assessment

Start by conducting a thorough risk assessment to identify the threats and vulnerabilities to your business information. Determine the potential impact of these risks on your business activities. This will help you prioritize and select appropriate security measures.

4. Develop an information security policy

Establish a clear and concise information security policy that describes your company's information security objectives, principles, and responsibilities. Ensure that the policy is aligned with business objectives and complies with relevant laws and regulations. Communicate the policy to all employees and ensure regular updates.

5. Implement security measures

Select and implement appropriate security measures based on the identified risks. These can be technical measures, such as firewalls, antivirus software, and encryption. As well as organizational measures, such as access control, employee training, and incident management. Take a layered approach to security to maximize effectiveness.

6. Train and engage employees

Employees play a crucial role in ensuring information security. Provide regular training and awareness programs to inform employees about security risks, policies, and procedures.Encourage employees to report security incidents and actively contribute to improving information security.

7. Monitor and evaluate continuously

Information security is a continuous process. Regularly monitor the effectiveness of your ISMS and conduct periodic audits to identify areas for improvement. Keep in mind changing threats, technologies, and business needs. Adjust your ISMS as needed to maintain security.

8. Ensure continuous improvement

Strive for continuous improvement of your ISMS. Analyze security incidents, audit results, and employee feedback to identify improvement opportunities. Establish goals and action plans to further optimize your ISMS.

9. Celebrate your success!

Assuming all goes well and the auditor gives a positive recommendation for issuing the certificate, you are left with only the final step. And that is to celebrate the successful completion of your ISO project!