Why is information security so essential?
Data and information form the backbone of a successful company. Your protection is therefore essential to avoid damage to your image or financial losses. It's not just technical measures that are crucial. It is equally important to regularly train employees so that security risks can be identified at an early stage and effectively prevented.
Only a holistic strategy that relies on technology and awareness can protect sensitive company assets in the long term. Our experienced experts will advise you and support you on all questions relating to information security. Together we develop individual concepts so that your company is optimally equipped and can continue to operate confidently in the future - even in a networked working world.
In a free initial consultation, we will first assess your specific needs. On this basis, we develop an individual package of measures that is optimally tailored to the requirements of your company.
Our offer includes the implementation of a management system for information security, either according to ISO 27001 or according to the automotive standard TISAX® (TISAX® is a registered trademark of the ENX Association). In addition, we provide you with comprehensive advice on meeting the requirements of the NIS 2 directive and the DORA regulations.
Depending on your focus, we also support you in implementing the modernized BSI standards, which include both a general management system for information security as well as the IT-Grundschutz methodology and the core protection of particularly sensitive data. If you wish, we can also take on the training of your employees in order to anchor a holistic security awareness in the company.
The security of your data deserves the utmost attention. An information security management system offers you comprehensive protection against misuse and theft.
Proven methods and standardized processes ensure that existing regulatory gaps in your system are closed quickly.
A high level of information security leads to a trusting relationship between you and your customers.
We either integrate the new regulations into your existing documentation systems or provide you with a collaboration platform.
Unlike many of our competitors, we are available to assist you personally on site whenever you need us.
Our experienced IT security consultants are very familiar with the risks, opportunities and compliance requirements of SMEs, companies and authorities. We advise you across all sectors; our consultants have many years of experience in many areas such as: B. NIS2, banks and insurance companies, KRITIS, telecommunications, health sector and much more. m. Use our specialized advice to ensure your business benefits from optimal protection against potential threats.
We work with your management and IT teams to define the necessary protective measures, taking into account the potential risks to your business. Our goal is to create a tailor-made security concept that meets both the requirements of the industry and your goals such as ISO/IEC 27001, TISAX® or IT-Grundschutz standards.
Our experienced technical team examines your IT, your infrastructure and your interfaces in detail to determine the necessary security requirements. We go beyond traditional IT compliance verification measures to give you the assurance of a comprehensive risk assessment based on industry best practices.
We create an IT security concept based on your requirements. We develop a comprehensive concept that shows suitable options for implementation. You have the last word!
All necessary measures - from short-term to long-term security measures - are developed and carefully implemented. Technical aspects are seamlessly combined with organizational, personnel and infrastructural considerations to ensure maximum protection against the identified risks.
Our experienced team ensures that you receive the best support when converting to productive operations - for the success of everyone involved! In addition, we offer regular reports with appropriate documentation as well as special communication channels such as status reports so that vulnerabilities can be remedied quickly and you are always up to date.
With a continuous improvement process (CIP), monitoring during ongoing operations ensures that the IT security concept is always up to date. Regular analysis of the implementation and the defined key performance indicators (KPIs) enables us to react to vulnerabilities or to use newly discovered security gaps for further optimization. We offer you comprehensive strategic end-to-end support in the area of information security - from initial planning to successful implementation. Our team is at your side as a reliable partner and advisor.
Information security is concerned with protecting all information that exists in an organization - this includes digital data, Paper documents, Knowledge of employees and other confidential information. The overall goal is to... confidentiality, integrity and Availability to ensure the information.
A notice: Especially in times of increasing cyber threats and complex legal requirements, the topic of information security is becoming increasingly important. External advice can help companies develop tailor-made security concepts both strategically and operationally.
An ISMS is a structured approach, to holistically plan, implement, monitor and continuously improve information security in an organization. It consists of Policies, processes, procedures and controls, designed to ensure that information security objectives are met and risks are appropriately addressed.
Typical components of an ISMS are:
A notice: External advice can significantly speed up the process and ensure that best practices are applied.
The ISO/IEC 27001 is the one globally recognized standard for the introduction and operation of an ISMS. It specifies requirements that organizations must meet in order to implement certified information security management.
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification offers companies the objective evidence, that they use best practices and take a systematic approach to information security. This strengthens the trust of customers, business partners and regulators.
A notice: External consultants are often familiar with the latest changes and interpretations of the standard and can help to adapt the ISMS quickly and in accordance with the standard.
Compared to the previous version (ISO/IEC 27001:2013) there are some significant innovations:
A notice: Anyone who is already certified according to ISO/IEC 27001:2013 should check early on which adjustments are necessary to maintain the certificate according to ISO/IEC 27001:2022. External advice can help to minimize the conversion effort.
Certification according to ISO/IEC 27001 brings a number of advantages:
A notice: External advice can provide particular support when preparing for the certification audit by specifically identifying gaps and introducing best practices.
The NIS2 policy (Network and Information Security Directive) is an EU-wide regulation that replaces the previous Directive (NIS) and tightens its provisions. It expands the circle of companies that are... essential or important facilities apply and sets higher standards for cybersecurity.
A notice: External experts know the interfaces between the ISO standard and legal obligations and support the precise implementation.
DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) is an EU regulation specifically aimed at the financial sector Protection against cyber risks as well as the Maintaining critical financial services across the EU.
A notice: External advice can be particularly helpful in the financial sector, because in addition to ISO/IEC 27001, additional standards (e.g. BAIT, EBA guidelines) are often relevant.
The German IT Security Act - and its further developments (e.g. IT Security Act 2.0) - stipulates that operators of critical infrastructures (KRITIS) and other important organizations must adequately protect their IT systems.
A notice: ISO/IEC 27001 certification is often accepted as proof that state-of-the-art technology is being adhered to. External consultants can support the implementation of BSI recommendations and standards.
The Act for the Protection of Trade Secrets (GeschGehG) is intended to protect sensitive operational information – i.e. trade secrets – from unauthorized disclosure or use. Companies have to technical, organizational and contractual measures to secure their know-how.
Interaction with an ISMS:
A notice: External advice can, for example, help to classify guidelines, establish processes for securing secrets and design the documentation in the ISMS in such a way that the requirements of the GeschGehG are met.
The certification process is divided into several phases:
A notice: External consultants can not only provide support with implementation, but also with preparation for the audit - for example through preliminary audits (gap analyses) and training.
The duration depends heavily on the size, Complexity and that existing level of maturity of an organization:
Important factors include: Availability of resources, that Top management commitment and the Training needs.
A notice: An external ISMS consultant can help to shorten the time required through targeted project planning by identifying and avoiding typical stumbling blocks at an early stage.
The costs consist of the following components:
In general, the cost increases with the Company size and Complexity. Nevertheless, it should be noted that this investment in information security long term Reduced costs due to security incidents, fines or loss of image.
The risk-based approach is a core principle of ISO/IEC 27001. It states that security measures always targeted and proportionate to the identified risks. This is done in a defined manner Risk management process Threats, vulnerabilities and damage impacts are analyzed to derive prioritized measures.
A notice: External advice can help you select sensible risk assessment methods and tools and integrate them into company processes.
Lack of resources: There is often a lack of sufficient qualified personnel and time to deal intensively with the standard and risk management.
Resistance in the company: Employees sometimes perceive the additional documentation effort as bureaucracy.
Lack of safety culture: If top management does not actively demonstrate and communicate the importance of information security, the topic often falls by the wayside.
Technical complexity: Heterogeneous IT landscapes, legacy systems and cloud services can make implementation difficult.
A notice: As a neutral authority, external consultants can mediate internally, design training programs and suggest organizational and technical solutions.
Top management sets the strategic direction determines and establishes the necessary resources available. Furthermore, it creates the Corporate culture, in which information security has a high priority. If managers stand behind the ISMS and communicate this visibly, acceptance increases throughout the company.
Examples of leadership tasks:
A notice: The certification audit explicitly checks whether top management is involved and assumes responsibility. External consultants can conduct workshops with managers to clarify the role of management.
This Statement of Applicability (SoA) is a central document in ISO/IEC 27001 that states:
It serves as Transparency and evidence document for internal and external stakeholders (e.g. auditors, customers, partners). The SoA allows you to understand which security standard the company is striving for and implementing.
A notice: An external consultant can assist in the creation of the SoA by assessing which controls are appropriate or critical and structuring the documentation in a consistent manner.
With the ISO/IEC 27001:2022version, Annex A has been revised. This requires one Update of the SoA to ensure that the new, changed and merged controls are correctly reflected. What is important is:
A notice: External advice can ease the transition by explaining the changes in the standard and supporting the migration process.
Yes, it is actually highly recommended, integrated management systems (IMS). ISO standards often share common principles:
Examples of synergy effects:
A notice: External consultants who have experience with multiple standards can ensure that documentation and processes do not have to be set up twice and that consistent governance is created.
NIS2 demands a high level from companies (especially critical sectors). IT and cybersecurity and security incident reports. With an ISMS, organizations can more easily meet these requirements because:
DORA demands comprehensive in the financial sector digital resilience, i.e. the ability to cope with IT disruptions and cyber attacks. An ISMS delivers:
A notice: External advice can identify interfaces between the ISMS and the legal requirements in order to avoid unnecessary duplication of work.
Employees play one Key function in information security: Even the best technical measures are ineffective if employees e.g. B. falling for phishing emails or passing on passwords. Therefore are regular training and awareness campaigns essential.
Goals of training:
A notice: External consultants can develop and deliver customized training programs tailored to the specific industry and risk situation.
Internal audits should take place regularly (at least annually) in order to identify weak points at an early stage and to exploit potential for improvement.
External audits As part of the certification typically takes place in one 3 year cycle:
A notice: When companies make significant changes to their ISMS (e.g. new scope, mergers, major technical changes), it may make sense to have additional audits or gap analyzes carried out by an external partner.
Minor Nonconformities: These discrepancies must be resolved within an agreed period of time (often 90 days). The certificate is generally not at risk as long as corrective measures are implemented in a timely manner.
Major Nonconformities: If there are significant gaps in the ISMS or violations of basic standard requirements, the certificate cannot be issued or maintained until the deviations have been permanently remedied.
A notice: External consultants can contact the Corrective action planning and the Implementation help and thus ensure that the nonconformities are closed promptly and effectively.
The standard writes some Mandatory documents before, including:
In addition, the standard requires that Records in order to be able to prove the implementation and effectiveness of the ISMS (e.g. logs of security incidents, training participation).
A notice: External consulting can provide templates that meet the standard requirements and support the creation or adaptation of these documents.
An ISMS covers numerous technical controls, for example:
A notice: External consultants can provide manufacturer-neutral recommendations as to which solutions best suit the respective IT environment.
In addition to technology, organizational aspects are also essential:
A notice: Organizational measures are often underestimated, even though they form the foundation for an effective safety culture. External consultants can help develop workable guidelines.
An ISMS can – and should – scaled become. Small and medium-sized companies (SMEs) can also benefit from an ISMS:
The requirements can be summarized in one appropriate size implement so that there is no excessive bureaucratic effort.
A notice: External ISMS consultants can help SMEs to implement the relevant measures „leanly“ and optimize costs.
Authorities appreciate an ISMS certified according to ISO/IEC 27001 as evidence of compliance with the „state of the art“ and practiced compliance.
customers feel confident that their data is protected, which increases customer trust.
Partner see that information security is a core corporate value and can work together smoothly (e.g. in data exchange).
In addition, an ISMS can help, Fines and liability risks to be avoided, as appropriate security measures have been proven to exist.
This Secret Protection Act (GeschGehG) requires proof of appropriate protective measures for company and business secrets. An ISMS according to ISO/IEC 27001 offers a solid basis here:
A notice: External consultants can specifically check whether all requirements of the GeschGehG are covered and recommend specific additions.
Experience and best practices: External specialists have often implemented projects in many industries and are familiar with typical pitfalls.
Independent point of view: Consultants bring objectivity and identify optimization potential that internal teams might overlook.
Time and cost efficiency: With well-established methods and processes, the creation or improvement of an ISMS can be done more quickly.
Know-how transfer: The internal team learns from experts and can later apply the knowledge independently.
In addition, external consultants are usually always up to date with regard to legal changes (NIS2, DORA, IT Security Act etc.) and technical trends.
Sustainable competence building: The internal team benefits from the transfer of knowledge and can master future challenges independently.
Proactive risk management: Thanks to regular updates on standards and best practices, companies stay at the current level of security.
Reduced risk of errors: The expertise of experienced consultants minimizes the risk of costly wrong decisions or compliance violations.
Holistic implementation: External consultants not only look at technology, but also processes, organization and culture - for a comprehensive security concept.
In this way, the ISMS evolves into one strategic instrument, which not only creates security, but also the Value creation strengthens a company and opens up new business opportunities.
Whether CISO, CIO, IT director, IT manager or person responsible for IT security – our experienced IT security experts have extensive practical experience and develop tailor-made solutions that are perfectly tailored to the needs of your company.
