The ISO 27001 asset management system is a set of internationally recognized standards to manage information and data. The system is designed to keep data and information safe for organizations. Asset management involves identifying, tracking, and maintaining assets, such as land, buildings, equipment, and other physical assets.
Asset management is an essential function for organizations that own or operate physical assets. Asset management allows organizations to optimize the performance of their assets and reduce downtime and operating costs.
Why is Asset Management Important?
- Asset management is essential because it allows organizations to make the best use of their resources. Asset management helps to minimize risk by ensuring assets are maintained and fit for their intended purpose.
- Asset management can help improve the environmental performance of organizations by reducing waste and maximizing their asset's lifecycle.
- Asset management can save organizations money. Assets that are managed well last longer and need less maintenance. This can result in significant cost savings over time.
- Tracking assets and their usage can help organizations identify ways to improve efficiency. An organization may realize that a different type of asset can be used to reduce the time required to complete a particular task.
- Asset management can improve accountability and decision-making by providing greater visibility of an organization's assets.
Asset Management Practices for ISO 27001 Certification
ISO 27001 defines asset management as "controlling, using, and maintaining an organization's assets." According to the standard, these assets can be "tangible or non-tangible and include such things as cash, buildings, information, people and reputation."
How can an organization ensure its asset management practices are up to par? This blog post will explore some ISO 27001 best practices.
1. Asset Management Policy Implementation
A comprehensive policy is the first step to implementing a successful asset management system. This policy should describe the organization's approach to asset management, as well as its procedures and protocols. To remain current and valuable, the policy should be updated and reviewed regularly.
2. Identify Assets & Categorize Them Appropriately
Identifying all tangible and intangible assets is the next step. After identifying all assets, they must be categorized according to risk categories. The organization can then prioritize its efforts to protect the most valuable assets.
3. Use Appropriate Controls for Each Risk Category
After assets are classified, it is necessary to implement appropriate controls for each risk category. Controls may include physical security,
cyber security, or access measures. All assets must be adequately protected against theft, damage, or loss.
4. Monitor and Review Assets
Remember to review your investments and monitor their progress. This lets you quickly implement new changes ("collateral development") and improve existing content by adding interactivity or graphics. The performance of your assets can give you deeper insights into what works for your marketing strategy. It will also help you utilize them more efficiently since if people love the asset, then it is a success.
How to create an ISO 27001 Asset Management Policy
1. Set the Purpose of the Policy
To create an asset management strategy, you must first determine the purpose. What does the organization hope to achieve by creating this policy? This question will determine the content and scope of the policy. Some organizations, for example, may use their asset-management policy to protect assets from theft or unauthorized access. Some organizations may wish to use their assets by the regulatory requirements. Others may create an asset-management policy as part of a larger security plan. Before writing the policy, it is essential to define the organization's objectives clearly.
2. Definition of Key Terms
Defining critical terms is the next step to creating a policy for asset management. What is considered an "asset" in this policy? What does "secure" mean about an asset? Before drafting any other part of the policy, it is essential to answer these questions.
3. Mention the Asset Management Team's Responsibilities
A team's primary responsibility is ensuring that assets are used efficiently and effectively. In order to do so, they need a thorough understanding of the business goals and objectives of the organization. This knowledge is used to develop and implement strategies to manage assets through their entire lifecycle.
4. Create an Asset Inventory
To correctly manage your assets, you must create an inventory. You can then keep track of all your assets and ensure they are in good shape. It would help if you created an inventory by compiling a list of the assets you own, their location, and value. To keep track of all your assets, you can use software or a spreadsheet. After you've created your inventory, make sure you review it frequently to keep it up-to-date.
5. Commitment to Asset Management
To make a practical commitment, it is essential to understand the value and costs of assets that an organization creates. It also requires the development of systems, policies, and processes to ensure assets are managed according to the strategic goals of the organization.
6. Asset Performance Analysis
Any asset management strategy must include evaluating the performance of assets. Asset managers can make better decisions by evaluating the performance of an asset.
7. Asset Register
A register of assets is a list of all a company or an individual owns. The register includes details on the type, value, and location of each asset. Asset registers can be used for tracking and managing assets and are a valuable tool for financial planning.