This is an abridged version of the policy; a full version is available upon request.
As a modern, forward-looking business, Guardtech recognises at senior levels the need to ensure that its business operates smoothly and without interruption for the benefit of its customers and other stakeholders.
In order to provide such a level of continuous operation, Guardtech has implemented an Information Security Management System (ISMS) in line with the International Standard for Information Security, ISO 27001:2022. This standard defines the requirements for an ISMS based on internationally recognised best practice.
The operation of the ISMS has many benefits for the business, including:
- Protection of revenue streams and company profitability
- Ensuring the supply of goods and services to customers
- Compliance with legal and regulatory requirements
Guardtech has decided to maintain full certification to ISO 27001:2022 in order that the effective adoption of information security best practice may be validated by an independent third party, a Registered Certification Body.
This policy applies to all systems, people and processes that constitute the organisation’s information systems, including directors, employees, suppliers and other third parties who have access to Guardtech systems.
1. Information security policy
1.1 Information security requirements
A clear definition of the requirements for information security within Guardtech will be agreed and maintained with the internal business and customers so that all ISMS activity is focused on the fulfilment of those requirements. Statutory, regulatory, and contractual requirements will also be documented and input into the planning process. Specific requirements about the security of new or changed systems or services will be captured as part of the design stage of each project.
It is a fundamental principle of the Guardtech Information Security Management System that the controls implemented are driven by business needs and this will be regularly communicated to all staff through team meetings and briefing documents.
1.2 Framework for setting objectives
A regular cycle will be used for the setting of objectives for information security, to coincide with the budget planning cycle. This will ensure that adequate funding is obtained for the improvement activities identified.
These objectives will be based upon a clear understanding of the business requirements, informed by the management review process during which the views of relevant interested parties may be obtained.
Information security objectives will be documented for an agreed time, together with details of how they will be achieved. These will be evaluated and monitored as part of management reviews to ensure that they remain valid. If amendments are required, these will be managed through the change management process.
In accordance with ISO 27001:2022 the reference controls detailed in Annex A of the standard will be adopted where appropriate by Guardtech. These will be reviewed on a regular basis in the light of the outcome from risk assessments and in line with information security risk treatment plans. For details of which Annex, A controls have been implemented and which have been excluded please see the Statement of Applicability.
In addition, enhanced and additional controls from the following codes of practice will be adopted and implemented where appropriate:
- ISO 27002:2022 – Code of practice for information security controls
The adoption of these codes of practice will provide additional assurance to our customers and help further with our compliance with international data protection legislation.
1.3 Continual improvement of the ISMS
Guardtech policy regarding continual improvement is to:
- Continually improve the effectiveness of the ISMS
- Enhance current processes to bring them into line with good practice as defined within ISO 27001:2022 and related standards
- Achieve ISO 27001:2022 certification and maintain it on an on-going basis
- Increase the level of proactivity (and the stakeholder perception of proactivity) with regard to information security
- Make information security processes and controls more measurable in order to provide a sound basis for informed decisions
- Review relevant metrics on an annual basis to assess whether it is appropriate to change them, based on collected historical data
- Obtain ideas for improvement via regular meetings and other forms of communication with interested parties, including cloud service customers
- Review ideas for improvement at regular management meetings in order to prioritise and assess timescales and benefits
Ideas for improvements may be obtained from any source including employees, customers, suppliers, IT staff, risk assessments and service reports. Once identified they will be recorded and evaluated as part of management reviews.
1.4 Information security policy areas
Guardtech defines policy in a wide variety of information security-related areas which are described in detail in a comprehensive set of policy documentation that accompanies this overarching information security policy.
Each of these policies is defined and agreed to by one or more people with competence in the relevant area and, once formally approved, is communicated to an appropriate audience, both within and external to the organisation.
1.5 Application of Information Security Policy
The policy statements made in this document and in the set of supporting policies listed in Table 1 have been reviewed and approved by the Executive Management Team of Guardtech and must be complied with.
Failure by an employee to comply with these policies may result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with the organisation’s Employee Disciplinary Process.
Questions regarding any Guardtech policy should be addressed in the first instance to the employee’s immediate line manager.
This policy is communicated to all employees and contractors through inductions, noticeboards, specific training and is reviewed annually during the management review meetings by the senior leadership team.
This policy is available to all interested parties, upon request.
Chief Executive Officer
