When it comes to data and information protection, your organisation requires an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) built on three fundamental pillars of security. These information security pillars are people, processes, and technology.
These three pillars are further classified into three basic components: logical, physical, and administrative security. Each pillar is as critical as the other, and they work jointly to optimise business security. But according to ISO 27001 standard, human resources is one of the best practices for information security.
Below, we discuss the three main pillars of successful information security in detail.
1. People
People are the most critical pillar of your cybersecurity program. This pillar involves the highest risk in terms of human errors, which are found to cause the majority of cybersecurity breaches. According to research, about 90 per cent of cyber-attacks are aided or caused by human errors.
This goes without saying that your ISMS team should feature well-trained professionals you can trust to help manage data and ensure adherence to best practices. Another great step in mitigating cyber threats is ensuring that your team members understand their cybersecurity roles and responsibilities.
Training in security awareness can foster success in building a robust defence against cyber-attacks. Your staff should be trained on how to spot possible phishing emails. They should also consider the benefits of using only secured devices encrypted with secure passwords. On the other hand, your IT team should possess high qualifications and skills to enable them to perform regular risk assessments.
2. Processes
Processes are among the pillars that define your organisation’s activities, roles, procedures, and documentation used to track and reduce cyber security risks. With the ever-evolving technology, cyber threats have become more sophisticated, so processes should also be constantly reviewed and updated.
Process-related activities involve everything that a company does to achieve information security. This could range from measures implemented to ensure that data and information remain secure to checking whether employees connect their personal gadgets to the network and tracking any unsecure server or network connections.
Different types of documentation can be used to reduce cyber threats, including appointment letters, confidentiality agreements, and company procedures. Your organisation should appoint specific people to carry out security tasks and risk assessments. Conducting staff training can also ensure compliance with business processes.
3. Technology
Technology is vital to controlling and mitigating the risk of cyber risks in your company. IT experts use technology to attain the following goals:
- Data Integrity – This refers to prevention measures required to protect data operating systems and programs from manipulation or modification. Malicious programs can use malicious software to access sensitive data. Firewalls, antivirus programs, and other prevention measures help achieve data integrity.
- Confidentiality – This refers to preventive measures implemented to restrict physical access to servers and computers. Technology also helps you to limit unauthorised remote access to computers. Biometric authentication, password and PIN protections, and encryption programs can help achieve information confidentiality.
- Availability – Successful data integrity helps prevent data loss, ensuring availability. Proper hardware and software management can also help achieve this.
Bottom Line
No matter the type and size of your company, adhering to these three pillars of information security will help you achieve a successful ISMS. The team at Next Practice is well versed in information security and can help you adopt the best practices for refining your business. Get in touch with us to get started.
