Two intertwining cogs - one saying Business, the other saying Continuity

Many of our clients ask us “Why is business continuity planning important for SMEs?”. Chiefly, our answer is that business continuity management (BCM) is essential for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Because it helps them prepare for and mitigate the impact of unexpected events that can disrupt their operations. These events could be natural disasters, cyber-attacks, pandemics, supply chain disruptions, or other unforeseen circumstances that could interrupt normal business operations.

What evidence suggests that business continuity planning is important for SMEs?

To highlight the importance of business continuity planning for SMEs, according to the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and the British Insurance Brokers’ Association (BIBA):

50% of SMEs fail to reopen after a major disaster such as a fire, flood or cyber-attack.
66% of SMEs don’t have a business continuity plan in place to deal with such disasters.
90% of SMEs in the UK underestimate the potential risks they face.
40% of SMEs would be forced to close within a year if they suffered a major disaster.

What does business continuity planning involve?

Business continuity planning involves first identifying potential risks. Then developing strategies to minimise their impact. And having procedures in place to ensure that critical business functions can continue even during a crisis. As a result, it can be difficult to know where to start.

What is ISO 22301?

The ISO 22301 standard provides a framework for BCM. Moreover, it sets out the requirements for a business continuity plan. Indeed, the standard comprehensively covers they key aspects of BCM. these include risk assessment, business impact analysis, strategy development, and plan implementation and testing.

“We work with SMEs across all sectors to support them with establishing and maintaining effective business continuity management. Experience shows us that by implementing a business continuity plan, based on the ISO 22301 standard, businesses can increase their resilience, continue to satisfy their customers, protect their reputation and, importantly, stay competitive.”
Claire Howard, Director, ISO-Cert Online Ltd

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

A server room filled with computer servers from floor to ceiling

Article

Reasons why your business should be ISO 27001 certified

06/03/2023

Cybersecurity is a growing concern for businesses of all sizes, and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are no exception. Often, with constrained resources and limited cybersecurity training, SMEs are vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Critically, these can result in data breaches, downtime, and financial losses. So, in this article, we explore the reasons why your business should be ISO 27001 certified.

The statistics provide compelling evidence that cyber-attacks are a significant threat to SMEs. Indeed studies are conducted all the time to monitor changes to these trends.

43% of cyber-attacks target small businesses. (Source: Verizon)
66% of small business owners report that they are not concerned about cyber threats, and 59% do not have a contingency plan for responding to cyber-attacks. (Source: Nationwide)
48% of data security breaches are caused by acts of malicious intent, with the remaining 52% caused by human error or system failure. (Source: IBM)

So that’s where ISO 27001 certification comes in:

Protecting against cyber threats and data breaches

Undoubtedly, cyber-attacks are becoming increasingly popular and sophisticated. Accordingly, SMEs need to identify and address potential security risks and vulnerabilities in your information systems, networks, and applications. Here, ISO 27001 provides a framework for SMEs. Since it supports you in implementing effective security measures, it protects your business against cyber threats and data breaches.

Building trust and credibility

ISO 27001 certification demonstrates your commitment to information security best practices. As a result, it can enhance your reputation with customers, partners, and stakeholders. Primarily, it evidences clearly that you take cybersecurity seriously and are taking appropriate measures to safeguard your business and customers.

Enhancing operational efficiency

Implementing ISO 27001 can help you to streamline your information security management processes. Thus improving operational efficiency. In turn, this can reduce the risk of downtime and data loss. Ultimately resulting in cost savings, improved business performance and more engaged and empowered staff.

Complying with regulatory requirements

Many SMEs operate in sectors and industries that are subject to regulatory requirements for information security. Typically, these include such as healthcare, finance, and government. Hence ISO 27001 can help SMEs meet these requirements and avoid potential fines and legal liabilities.

Increasing business opportunities

ISO 27001 certification can give you a competitive advantage by demonstrating your commitment to information security. Naturally, this opens up new business opportunities with clients in both domestic or international markets. Companies which understand the risk of poor information security are more likely to require their suppliers to have ISO certification.

Conclusion

In summary, ISO 27001 certification is a valuable and sensible investment for all businesses. But especially for SMEs looking to protect your sensitive information, build trust with stakeholders, improve operational efficiency, comply with regulatory requirements, and increase business opportunities.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Invest in ISO 27001 certification today to defend your business against cyber threats and data breaches.

Next steps

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

Digital screen with a large image of a padlock, surrounded by icons showing wifi, online shopping, a cloud, a globe, a laptop and people

Article

Boost your customers’ confidence with ISO 27001 certification

06/03/2023

The growing importance of information security

Take a look around you and there’s a strong chance that you’ll see people using their mobile phones or similar devices. Clearly, the thirst for digital technology has never been so great. Consequently, businesses which haven’t pivoted to online operations have been left behind in the race to give customers want they want. With this, information security is a critical concern for both businesses and their customers. In fact, a study conducted by PwC in 2018 found that 92% of organisations consider cybersecurity to be one of their top three priorities. So, we would recommend that you boost your customers’ confidence with ISO 27001 certification.

Customer concerns about information security

With the rising frequency and severity of cyber-attacks, customers are more vigilant about the safety and privacy of their personal and financial information. Accordingly, in a report published by the ONS in 2019, 78% of adults in the UK were concerned about the security of their personal data online. This was the highest level of concern among all areas of crime covered in the survey. So, it is essential for businesses to adopt industry-standard practices and obtain certifications. As this demonstrates your commitment to information security and will boost your customers’ confidence.

ISO 27001 certification as a solution

One such certification is ISO 27001, an internationally recognised standard for information security management systems. Furthermore, by obtaining this certification, you can reassure your customers. Because you can evidence that you have implemented robust security measures to protect their sensitive data.

Essentially, ISO 27001 provides a systematic approach to managing sensitive information and covers a wide range of security controls. These include access control, cryptography, and physical security. Customers can be assured because the certification process involves an independent third-party assessment of the business’s information security management system. So companies which don’t pass the audit won’t be certified with the ISO 27001 standard, putting them at a competitive disadvantage.

Benefits of being ISO 27001 certified:

It can help businesses win new customers and retain existing ones.
Customers are more likely to do business with companies that take information security seriously. ISO 27001certification is a way of proving this.
The certification process itself can help businesses identify and address vulnerabilities in their information security management system (ISMS). This can lead to increased efficiency, improved risk management, and better compliance with regulatory requirements.
By obtaining ISO 27001 certification, businesses can also demonstrate their commitment to continuous improvement in information security. The standard requires businesses to conduct regular internal audits and reviews. This ensures that their security measures remain up-to-date and effective.

“ISO 27001 has, at its heart, a three-pillar approach to information security. It helps you to manage the confidentiality, integrity and availability of your data by considering your people, processes and technology. With tech-savvy customers demanding online services, this standard offers them trust and confidence that your business takes its responsibilities to their data seriously.”
Claire Howard, Director, ISO-Cert Online Limited

We hope that you have found our article on “how to boost your customers’ confidence with ISO 27001 certification” valuable.

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

A street scene featuring an A-board saying WARM ROOM, with an arrow pointing to a building.

Community, News

ISO-Cert Online Ltd supports local warm space‘s success

03/03/2023

As the cost-of-living crisis tightens its grip all over the country, with many concerned about funding life’s essentials, a team of community-minded friends in Montgomery have set up a warm space for residents to enjoy. And local business ISO-Cert Online Ltd was keen to offer support.

The warm space is held every Monday and Thursday from 9.30am – 4pm at The Montgomery Institute, providing an inclusive and welcoming hub for people to enjoy warmth, food, good company and even Wi-Fi for those who would like to bring their laptop and work in a friendly environment.

Since the initiative started It’s been heart-warming to see the community come together to make a positive difference to local residents. Contributions have included financial donations, as well as plenty of freshly grown fruit and vegetables and home-baked goodies. Furthermore, the sessions made available to residents have been well attended and are proving extremely popular.

“Montgomery is well-known for its community spirit. As a local business, when we heard about the new warm space, we thought it was a great initiative for anyone who would like a warm drink or meal, or a good chat to combat loneliness without worrying about energy costs. We are delighted to be involved and hope that our financial donation contributes towards the winter warmer group’s future goals.”
Claire Howard, Director at ISO-Cert Online Ltd

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

A desk setup, featuring a keyboard, some pens, a plant, a cup of coffee and a hand holding a mobile phone

News, Staff

ISO-Cert Online Ltd appoints new Head of Marketing

28/02/2023

ISO-Cert Online Ltd is delighted to announce that Nicky Gascoigne has joined the company in the brand-new position of Head of Marketing.

Nicky has spent the majority of her 20+ year career in financial and professional services, most recently Hinckley & Rugby Building Society and Markel International. She brings particular expertise in digital marketing, customer engagement and project delivery.

In her new role, she will be leading the marketing strategy across the business, including ISO certification, consultancy and training solutions.

Nicky commented: “I am so pleased to join such a dynamic and forward-thinking company. As businesses continue to embrace technology and digital operations, ISO-Cert Online has shown itself to offer exactly what they need to become more efficient, productive and successful.”

“Nicky’s appointment is an exciting development for the business. We have ambitious plans and I’m confident that her impressive blend of skills and experience will be invaluable in strengthening the organisation.”
Claire Howard, Director at ISO-Cert Online Ltd

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

Photo of SAHA FC’s Under-9s girls' team at a training session

Community, News

ISO-Cert Online Ltd announces training kit sponsorship

01/02/2023

ISO-Cert Online Ltd is backing girls’ grassroots football by sponsoring the training kit of a local team.

SAHA Panthers Under-9s Girls’ team, based in Shrewsbury, has nearly 20 players. Women’s and girls’ football has been growing in popularity for a number of years but has attracted a recent surge in interest following the success of the England team in the 2022 UEFA Women’s Euro championship.

“As a local business, with an office in Montgomery, Powys, we look for ways to give back to the community. My granddaughter plays in the Under-9s team and it offers girls a great opportunity to learn about teamwork, keep fit and grow their confidence. Our sponsorship provides warm, new training kit which will ensure that the players continue to take part, whatever the weather.

We wish them well for the rest of the season and look forward to a long partnership with the team.”
Steve Weaver, Director at ISO-Cert Online Ltd

Ben Weaver, the team’s Manager said, “Funding local teams can be a challenge. Sponsorships such as this from ISO-Cert Online give clubs like ours a real boost and help us to develop talent for the future.”

For more information on ISO-Cert Online’s services or to discuss your requirements please contact us on 0333 014 7720 or email info@isocertonline.net.

by admin

Why is business continuity planning important for SMEs?

What evidence suggests that business continuity planning is important for SMEs?

What does business continuity planning involve?

What is ISO 22301?

Reasons why your business should be ISO 27001 certified