An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a structured approach to managing sensitive organizational data by implementing policies and procedures to minimize risks and ensure business continuity by mitigating the impact of security breaches.

Typically, an ISMS monitors the behaviors and processes used by employees, as well as the data and technologies involved. Network and security experts can configure the system to monitor specific types of data, such as customer information, sales data, or data leaving the organizational network, to provide comprehensive and integrated information. This data can be used to develop business or security policies.

How Does an ISMS Work?

An ISMS provides a framework for business continuity aimed at ensuring the security of an organization’s information. Information security encompasses broad policies that control and manage various levels of security risks surrounding an organization.

ISO/IEC 27001 is a well-known international standard related to the configuration of ISMS. This standard, jointly developed by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC), does not prescribe specific actions but offers guidelines for documentation, internal audits, continual improvement, and corrective and preventive actions. Organizations seeking ISO 27001 certification first need an ISMS capable of accurately identifying organizational assets and providing the following evaluations:

– Identifying risks that could lead to vulnerabilities in the organization’s information assets.

– Implementing measures to protect information assets.

– Assigning specific responsibilities for information security.

The goal of an ISMS is not necessarily to maximize information security but to achieve an acceptable level of security within an organization. Depending on the industry’s specific needs, these control levels may vary. For example, in the highly sensitive field of healthcare, an organization might develop a system to ensure that patient information is fully protected from hackers and unauthorized access, ensuring that databases are secure from theft or manipulation.