ISO 27001 is one of the leading information security standards. It offers an internationally recognised route for organisations of all sizes and industries to adopt and demonstrate effective, independently verified information security.

Information is the lifeblood of the modern world. It is at the heart of our personal and working lives, yet all too often control of that information is in the hands of organisations, not individuals. As a result, there is ever-increasing pressure on those organisations to ensure the information they hold is adequately protected.

Demonstrating that an organisation is a responsible custodian of information is not simply a matter of complying with the law – it has become a defining factor in an organisation’s success or failure. The negative publicity and loss of trust associated with data breaches and cyber attacks can seriously impact customer retention and future business opportunities, while an increasing number of tender opportunities are only open to those with independently certified information security measures.

Alan Calder is the Group CEO of GRC International Group PLC, the AIM-listed company that owns IT Governance Ltd. Alan is an acknowledged international cyber security guru, and a leading author on information security and IT governance issues. He has been involved in the development of a wide range of information security management training courses that have been accredited by IBITGQ (International Board for IT Governance Qualifications). Alan has consulted for clients across the globe and is a regular media commentator and speaker.