Blue Connections IT earns prestigious ISO 27001:2022 status

Blue Connections IT has achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification, a globally recognised standard for information security management systems (ISMS).

Cameron Crofts, Chief Information Officer at Blue Connections IT, spearheaded a two-year effort across departments to attain this certification, which is said to highlight the company's dedication to rigorous security practices that safeguard clients, operations, and the supply chain. "Achieving ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification was never about just ticking a box. Blue Connections IT approached this process as an opportunity to formalise, test, and continuously improve security practices across the business. Earning this certification has reinforced Blue Connections IT's ability to address the ever-evolving security landscape and support its clients with greater confidence, from centralising IT management to enhancing processes for exception handling," said Crofts.

The certification process began in early 2022 and required aligning internal processes with the latest standard released in October. This approach ensures that the certification will continue to meet future needs and adapt to evolving security threats. Updates implemented by Blue Connections IT included centralising IT management, restructuring operations, forming a dedicated security operations (SecOps) team, and conducting comprehensive company-wide training.

Blue Connections IT conducted rigorous testing of its disaster recovery protocols during the certification process, focusing on documenting, testing, and refining these protocols. The emphasis was on practical, actionable improvements to strengthen real-world security measures. The formal documentation and structured exception-handling processes developed during the certification constitute the basis for ongoing improvements.

Crofts explained, "For some businesses, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is a compliance exercise. For Blue Connections IT, it was an opportunity to implement operational improvements that deliver lasting value, such as formalising vendor management and strengthening processes for handling cyber events. These measures are not just about meeting today's challenges; they're about preparing the company and its entire supply chain for the future.

The achievement of this certification signifies a cultural shift within Blue Connections IT. Employees across all levels played a crucial role in embedding security into every aspect of their work, focusing on properly securing devices and participating in structured training sessions. This collective effort has fostered a stronger security-conscious workplace culture.

For Blue Connections IT's clients, partners, and stakeholders, ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification assures them that the company's data and systems are managed according to the highest international security standards. This accomplishment also positions the company to meet tender requirements and respond to the increasing focus on supply chain security.

The 2022 ISO standard emphasises supply chain security, necessitating thorough assessment and formalisation of relationships with third-party vendors. Blue Connections IT has developed detailed processes for managing these relationships, ensuring all suppliers meet strict security criteria, thus bolstering the resilience of its ecosystem.

The achievement reflects Blue Connections IT's emphasis on continual improvement and proactive risk management. With the introduction of quarterly senior management reviews, the company aims to strengthen its security practices in response to emerging threats. The SecOps team plays a critical role in these efforts.

Gordon Brownell, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Connections IT, commented, "Earning ISO/IEC 27001:2022 certification is a testament to the extraordinary team effort across the business. It demonstrates Blue Connections IT's shared commitment to building a culture of security that extends beyond compliance. Every department played a vital role in meeting the rigorous requirements and contributing to a strong security posture while delivering ongoing value to clients."

Blue Connections IT plans to pursue additional certifications to enhance its security framework further and support its clients' security objectives, reinforcing the firm's commitment to maintaining trust and resilience amid the unpredictable effects of digital acceleration.