What you need to know now! The basics of ISMS certification and operation (Part 1)

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What you need to know now! The basics of ISMS certification and operation (Part 1)

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1. Explanation of the basic steps to obtain ISMS certification
This book explains the process of determining the scope of ISMS application, formulating policies, conducting risk assessments, creating documents, providing training, and conducting internal audits, and provides specific information on what should be done at each step.
2. Presentation of common issues and solutions regarding obtaining and maintaining ISMS certification
We present concrete solutions to issues such as a lack of resources, difficulty in complying with rules, which has resulted in operations becoming a mere formality, and the sole goal being to obtain ISMS certification.
3. The Importance of Continuous Security Enhancement
This book explains the importance of maintaining an effective information security system even after obtaining certification by continuing to conduct regular risk assessments, updating rules and policies, education and training, and audits and evaluations.

1. Introduction
2. What is the most efficient way to obtain, maintain and operate ISMS certification?
- Basic knowledge of ISMS certification
- Benefits of obtaining ISMS certification
- What is required to obtain ISMS certification?
- Issues and solutions for ISMS certification
3. Summary

1. Introduction

Information security is now becoming an increasingly important element in corporate management. As a result, an increasing number of companies are obtaining Information Security Management System (ISMS) certification. However, obtaining ISMS certification requires a lot of knowledge and resources, and many companies feel that maintaining and operating it after obtaining it is also a challenge. This article provides detailed information on basic information for obtaining ISMS certification and efficient operation methods for those in the information systems departments of small and medium-sized enterprises.

2. What is the most efficient way to obtain, maintain and operate ISMS certification?

Basic knowledge of ISMS certification

ISMS is an abbreviation for "Information Security Management System" and refers to a system for managing information security throughout an organization. Its purpose is to identify, evaluate, and appropriately manage information security risks. By obtaining ISMS certification, companies can increase the reliability of their security and gain the trust of their stakeholders. ISO27001 (or JIS927001) is widely recognized as the ISMS certification standard, and companies are required to build an information security system in accordance with this standard.

Benefits of obtaining ISMS certification

The main benefits of obtaining ISMS certification are as follows. First, a company's information security system is established and its credibility is improved. This makes it easier to gain the trust of stakeholders. Second, by clarifying the person responsible and responsible party and establishing an internal system, information security measures will be handled consistently. Finally, the efforts toward obtaining certification will raise the security awareness of each employee, fostering a sense of proactively protecting information security in all employees. These benefits contribute to strengthening the information security system of the entire company and are an important factor in increasing the credibility of business.

What is required to obtain ISMS certification?

There are many steps to obtaining ISMS certification, but it is effective to follow the steps below.

Determining the scope of application
Consider whether to apply it across the entire company or limit it to specific departments or projects.
Establishment of basic policy
An information security policy should be established in the name of the top management, and it is advisable to make this public on the company's official website.
Creating a document
Create various security rules and procedures, such as password management rules, entrance and exit management rules, and backup rules.
risk assessment
We identify and evaluate the information security risks that exist within the company, prioritize the risks, and decide on a response policy.
Employee Education
Provide security training to each employee based on the rules you have created. Using e-learning tools is an efficient way to do this.
Conducting internal audits
We appoint internal auditors to conduct self-checks to see if the company's rules are being followed. The results are then reported to top management for a management review.
Management Review
Based on the results of internal audits and other relevant information, top management will evaluate the effectiveness of the information security system and develop improvement plans. In addition, they will review security policies, procedures, records, etc. that have been created so far, and amend or update them as necessary. They will ensure that all documentation is in order and up to date.
examination
An external audit will be conducted by a certification body to check whether the ISMS operation status and documentation meet the requirements of ISO27001.
Acquisition
If the external audit is passed, the ISMS certification will be issued.

By implementing these steps on an ongoing basis, you will help maintain and improve the effectiveness of your information security posture.

Issues and solutions for ISMS certification

Acquiring ISMS certification is not the end goal. We will introduce the main challenges that many companies face while maintaining and operating the certification, and how to solve them.

Lack of resources
Small and medium-sized enterprises tend to lack the resources necessary to obtain ISMS certification, as one information systems manager may also be responsible for other duties. To address this issue, it is important to strengthen in-house education and training and promote knowledge sharing. Another method is to seek the help of external experts and consultants.
Difficulty in following the rules
It is not easy to ensure that all employees follow the security rules you create. Regular education and training can help raise awareness of compliance with the rules.
Operational formality
After obtaining ISMS certification, operations may become a mere formality. This can be prevented by conducting regular audits and evaluations to check the operation status. In addition, it is necessary to constantly collect the latest security information and update policies and rules.
Acquiring certification is not the sole purpose
Sometimes the goal is to simply obtain ISMS certification, and subsequent operations and improvements are often neglected. It is important to continue to aim for continuous improvement and strive to strengthen the security system even after obtaining certification.

To address these challenges, it is important to create a plan that is tailored to your company's characteristics and circumstances and to proceed steadily with it.

3. Summary

Obtaining ISMS certification is the first step towards strengthening information security. Determining the scope of application, risk assessment, providing education, and continuing to work on operation and maintenance are important, and the benefits will be sustained even after certification is obtained. In the next part, we will explain in detail how to deal with security risks that arise after obtaining ISMS certification, so please look forward to it.

What you need to know now! The basics of ISMS certification and operation (Part 2)