Glossary

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management that has been published by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). This framework offers a comprehensive set of controls, based on best practices in information security, that organizations can adopt to secure their information assets. Its goal is to help entities protect client and employee information, manage risks to information security effectively, and achieve compliance with regulations.

Why ISO 27001 Exists?

The purpose of ISO 27001 is to provide a framework for managing information security risk. In today's digital age, information is an invaluable asset that can be susceptible to a wide range of threats - from cyber attacks and data breaches to system failures. ISO 27001 was established to provide a comprehensive approach to information security that goes beyond just setting up firewalls or anti-virus software. The standard covers both the technological aspects of security and the organizational processes and systems that support it.

Who Needs ISO 27001?

Any organization, regardless of its size or the sector it operates in - whether it's a small business, a not-for-profit organization, or a large multinational corporation - that manages sensitive information can benefit from implementing the ISO 27001 standard. Typically, organizations that must comply with legal and contractual requirements related to data protection such as healthcare institutions, banks, IT companies, government agencies, and companies dealing with consumer data often choose to get ISO 27001 certified.

How ISO 27001 is Used?

Implementing ISO 27001 involves establishing an Information Security Management System (ISMS), a systematic approach to managing sensitive company information so that it remains secure. This includes identifying potential risks, designing a set of controls to manage those risks, and implementing an overarching management process to ensure that the controls continue to work effectively. Once the ISMS is in place, the organization can get certified by an accredited certification body that assesses whether the ISMS complies with ISO 27001 requirements.

ISO 27001 and Cybersecurity

In the context of cybersecurity, ISO 27001 plays a key role by providing a holistic approach to secure information. Cloud infrastructure often involves storing and processing large amounts of sensitive data, making it a potential target for cyber threats. Therefore, a cloud provider that is ISO 27001-certified offers reassurance of its commitment to robust security practices. In the realm of Software as a Service (SaaS), an ISO 27001 certification demonstrates that the service provider has implemented internationally recognized security standards and processes. With the rise of modern technology practices like DevOps, ISO 27001's approach ensures optimal security in software development and operations. From IAM to permission management, temporary access, and least privilege access, ISO 27001 covers all aspects of information security management.

ISO 27001

FAQ

1. How does ISO 27001 apply to cloud infrastructure and SaaS?

ISO 27001 applies to all types of organizations, including those using cloud infrastructures and SaaS. The standard prescribes a risk-based approach towards evaluating and managing the security of these solutions. It ensures a secure data transfer and storage, user access control, vulnerability management, and a regular security audit to protect sensitive data from cyber threats.

2. How does ISO 27001 relate to IAM and permission management?

ISO 27001 includes best practice guidelines for identity and access management (IAM) and permission management as part of its control objectives and controls. Adhering to the standard ensures robust management of user identities, appropriate access granting according to the principle of least privilege access, and controls for managing access rights to protect information from unauthorized access.

3. How does ISO 27001 handle temporary access management?

ISO 27001 doesn't explicitly define how to handle temporary or just-in-time access but it does emphasize adequate access control based on the organization's risk assessment results and needs. The exact method of handling temporary accesses can be determined by the organization itself, provided that there's a solid handling process that minimizes potential risks and can demonstrate compliance with the standard.

4. How can DevOps benefit from ISO 27001?

Through the implementation of ISO 27001, DevOps can benefit by integrating security more thoroughly into their workflows. The need for ongoing audits and compliance checks can encourage closer collaboration, more standardized procedures, and better documentation, leading to higher quality and more secure systems. Furthermore, ISO 27001 can improve the confidence of stakeholders by enhancing the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of data.

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