Sysmex UK has been awarded certification to BS7799, a standard playing an increasingly important role in securing NHS and government contracts
Demonstrating its continued commitment to best practice, Sysmex is one of only 185 UK organisations certified to BS 7799.
With the main objective being to protect the confidentiality, integrity and availability of its most important information assets, the Information Security Management System (ISMS) introduced by Sysmex ensures any risk to its systems and data is controlled, and minimises the chance of a security breach or interruption, it says.
Clients, business partners and the NHS are assured that the company adheres to the highest level of information security best practice, and that there is an implemented framework in place for the secure management of its IT systems and data.
Sysmex reports that it is already seeing time and cost-saving benefits by listing its certification on questionnaires and tenders.
Senior management initiated the move to work towards BS7799 accreditation as a method of auditing business processes against best practice, and to further enhance continuous improvement progress monitoring.
The ISMS features a strict policy that requires regular security forums and audits.
Covering the physical security of all premises and IT assets, this regime incorporates back-up systems and a disaster recovery plan, as well as ongoing security training for all employees.
The BS7799 model helps companies to maintain and improve security through ongoing and integrated management of policies and procedures, personnel training, and the selection and implementation of effective controls.
Additional benefits of certification include improved customer confidence, increased staff motivation, and reduced incident impact.
Certification to BS7799 underlines Sysmex's dedication to protecting its information from both internal and external threats and identifies the company as a safe trading partner, it says.
