Free Isms

Implementing and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a significant investment that is regularly underestimated by organizations. The average cost of obtaining and maintaining an ISMS can range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the size and complexity of the organization. Industry reports consistently highlight that a substantial portion of this cost is attributed to personnel, consulting fees, and audit expenses. With these costs in mind, small and medium-sized firms naturally explore open-source alternatives, seeking a more budget-friendly approach to achieving ISO 27001 compliance.

A vulnerability management policy is a key component of an Information Security Management System (ISMS). This is especially true for SaaS companies selling cloud products. Before buying such products, customers will seek proof that product security vulnerabilities are consistently managed.

While a vulnerability management policy, on its own, cannot offer bullet proof guarantees, it is still considered a must-have. Any customer needing assurance that proper vulnerability management practices are being followed by suppliers will expect one.

To carry out business, today’s SaaS organisations must demonstrate some level of compliance with internationally recognised cybersecurity standards. For SaaS companies, ISO 27001 is the certification that is most requested by customers. Obtaining such certification allows companies to demonstrate a systematic approach to information security supported by a credible commitment to employ best practices and continuously improve.

To obtain the certification companies must put in place an Information Security Management System (ISMS) conforming to the ISO 27001 standard. For SaaS companies, creating a basic ISMS should not require large investments. Knowing how to obtain ISO 27001 efficiently and an understanding of what a minimal implementation looks like is all that is required.

If you work in cybersecurity governance, risk and compliance (GRC), chances are you’ve been asked to run rapid risk assessments. The story is often the same: you are going about your day when suddenly a manager asks you to run a security risk assessment for a new tool or project. Unsurprisingly, deadlines are often tight as everything stops while stakeholders wait for security approval. When this happens, how can we deliver risk assessment as fast as possible?