Defence, defence: is your business prepared for a potential cyberattack?

The second half of 2022 saw several large-scale data breaches impacting millions of Australians’ personal information. And according to the latest notifiable data breaches report conducted by the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner, there’s been an increase of 26 per cent in cyberattacks and breaches. With almost 76,000 cybercrimes reported in Australia last year, we’re asking businesses like yours: what’s your plan if your business has been targeted?

Considering the financial and legal damage a security breach, big or small, can cause, any industry with sensitive or valuable information should consider implementing an information security management system (ISMS). An ISMS is an efficient approach to managing sensitive company information to remain secure, including people, processes, and IT systems.

Proving that you are actively working to keep your assets secure will not only protect your business from becoming a target but also your business’s reputation. Standing out from the crowd is something every business owner wants and being certified in ISO 27001 Information Security Management is one way to do that.

How can I keep my business safe?

It’s not enough to just be aware of the potential threats that exist online, organisations must do everything they can to protect data and store it securely. A single cyberattack could seriously damage your business and its reputation but taking proactive steps can help keep yours safe. These steps include:

• Backing up your data in regular intervals;
• Securing devices and networks;
• Encrypting communications e.g., emails, messages, and documents;
• Utilising multi-factor authentication software;
• Implementing policies to guide staff and set out procedures;
• Mandatory training for all staff to recognise and neutralise potential threats; and
• Staying up to date on the latest risks and cyber security advice.

From assessment to certification: what is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard developed by ISO and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) that provides requirements for an ISMS for businesses. The standards in ISO 27001 outline the criteria that organisations of all shapes and sizes should follow to keep their sensitive information safe and sound.

ISO/IEC 27001 certification can help your business:

• Build market differentiation and competitive advantage;
• Prove your claim to operational quality;
• Reduce your exposure to liability;
• Provide safety system compatibility;
• Boost improvement and cost efficiency; and
• Improve organisational morale.

Undertaking the audit process to gain ISO 27001 Certification will also help your business to achieve the best quality standards by:

• Implementing your ISMS will help to ensure you have safe systems in place to manage your people, process, and IT infrastructure.
• Our experienced team at QMS Certification Services will guide your business seamlessly through the certification process by simplifying the application and auditing process, providing audit outcomes that add value to your business, and ensuring your processes are audited against the highest internationally recognised standard.
• Creating effective and secure processes that manage the security of valuable data and work to build trust in your business.

Experience the QMS difference

Our experienced team will guide you through the certification process by simplifying the application and auditing process. From providing audit outcomes that add value to your organisation to implementing best-practice processes, our auditors aim to help your business achieve its ISO certification goals.

Ready to get ISO 27001 certified? Connect with our trusted and experienced team at QMS Certification Services to discuss your needs.

Considering certification? To find out if your business is ready for certification today, download our self-assessment checklist here: