ITIL - Information Security Management

Information Security Management (ISM) ensures confidentiality, authenticity, non-repudiation, integrity, and availability of organization data and IT services. It also ensures reasonable use of organization’s information resources and appropriate management of information security risks.

Information Security Manager is the process owner of this process.

Information security is considered to be met when −

• Information is observed or disclosed on only authorized persons
• Information is complete, accurate and protected against unauthorized access (integrity)
• Information is available and usable when required, and the systems providing the information resist attack and recover from or prevent failures (availability)
• Business transaction as well information exchanges between enterprises, or with partners, can be trusted (authenticity and non-repudiation)

ISM Security Policy

It is required for ISM security policies cover all areas of security, be appropriate, meet the needs of business and should include the policies shown in the following diagram −

ISM Framework

ISM Process

The following diagram shows the entire process of Information Security Management (ISM) −

Key elements in ISM Framework

ISM framework involves the following key elements −

Control

The objective of Control element is to −

• Establish an organization structure to prepare, approve and implement the information security policy
• Allocate responsibilities
• Establish and control documentation

Plan

The purpose of this element is to devise and recommend the appropriate security measures, based on an understanding of the requirements of the organization.

Implement

This key element ensures that appropriate procedures, tools and controls are in place to underpin the security policy.

Evaluation

The objective of Evaluation element is to −

• Carry out regular audits of the technical security of IT systems
• Supervise and check compliance with security policy and security requirements in SLAs and OLAs

Maintain

The objective of Maintain element is to −

• Improve on security agreements as specified in, for example, SLAs and OLAs
• Improve the implementation of security measures and controls

Preventive

This key element ensures prevention from security incidents to occur. Measures such as control of access rights, authorization, identification, and authentication and access control are required for this preventive security measures to be effective.

Reductive

It deals with minimizing any possible damage that may occur.

Detective

It is important to detect any security incident as soon as possible.

Repressive

This measure is used to counteract any repetition of security incident.

Corrective

This measure ensures damage is repaired as far as possible.