What is ISO 27799:2018

ISO 27799:2018 is an international standard that provides guidelines and best practices for information security management in the healthcare sector. It specifically addresses the unique challenges and regulatory requirements faced by organizations handling medical information.

Scope and Purpose

The scope of ISO 27799:2018 covers all types of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, clinics, laboratories, and healthcare data centers. Its purpose is to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of health information, while also promoting the effective use of information security controls.

Key Components

ISO 27799:2018 consists of several key components that organizations need to consider when implementing information security management systems:

Management System: This includes developing policies, procedures, and processes to manage information security risks.

Human Resources Security: This component focuses on ensuring that employees are aware of their information security responsibilities and are properly trained to handle sensitive health information.

Physical Security: It involves implementing measures to protect physical assets, such as servers, data centers, and medical devices, from unauthorized access or damage.

Security Incident Management: This component emphasizes the importance of having processes in place to identify, report, and respond to security incidents in a timely and effective manner.

Business Continuity: It addresses the need to have plans and procedures in place to ensure the uninterrupted availability of health information during unexpected events or disasters.

Benefits of Compliance

Complying with ISO 27799:2018 can bring several benefits to healthcare organizations:

Enhanced Patient Trust: By implementing robust information security measures, healthcare organizations can build trust and confidence among patients that their sensitive medical information is being adequately protected.

Reduced Risks: ISO 27799:2018 provides a framework for identifying and mitigating information security risks, helping organizations prevent unauthorized access, data breaches, and other potential threats to patient privacy.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance: Complying with this standard ensures that organizations meet the legal and regulatory requirements related to information security in the healthcare industry.

Cost Savings: While implementing information security controls may require upfront investment, it can help organizations avoid costly breaches and reputational damage that can occur as a result of security incidents.

In conclusion, ISO 27799:2018 provides healthcare organizations with a comprehensive framework to establish and maintain effective information security practices. By following the guidelines outlined in this standard, organizations can protect patient privacy, comply with industry regulations, and minimize the risks associated with information security breaches.