Information Security Management System

An Information Security Management System (ISMS) is a structured management framework that an organization uses to direct and control how it protects information. It covers the governance, policies, processes, resources, and controls that define how information security is planned, implemented, monitored, reviewed, and improved.

In practice, an ISMS typically includes:

• Defined scope for the information, locations, systems, and activities it covers
• Information security policies, roles, and responsibilities
• Risk assessment and risk treatment processes for information assets
• Documented operational and technical controls for confidentiality, integrity, and availability
• Procedures for incident reporting, response, and corrective actions
• Ongoing monitoring, internal audit, and management review activities
• Processes for continual improvement of the security controls and governance

Standards such as ISO/IEC 27001 define formal requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving an ISMS.