Benefits
More and more companies that deal with individuals are holding data electronically, on systems that are connected to many others, often including the Internet. All companies are expected to meet a minimum level of protection as required by the Data Protection Act and other associated legislation. Consumers expect a certain level of confidence in a company before deciding to purchase from it. On one level this could be based on the tidiness and professionalism of a company reception or shop front; on another this could be based on the 'look' and style of the website.
Businesses that deal mostly or exclusively with other businesses are also tending to store more data electronically, on systems that interact with other companies' systems or employees. This includes shared portals that companies interact over, as well as direct connections between companies, either over private communications links or via the Internet.
In order to gain the confidence of their potential customers, businesses may bolster their security position and gain marketing advantage from it. The simple act of using an independent organisation to assess or reassess the critical parts of the information security measures can signify a safer or more trustworthy organisation to deal with.
In the current age of security hype and myth, an organisation can gain a competitive edge by stating clearly that they take security seriously. Justifying such a statement through an association with a leading business-focused information security consultancy clearly has marketing benefits.
Businesses that deal mostly or exclusively with other businesses are also tending to store more data electronically, on systems that interact with other companies' systems or employees. This includes shared portals that companies interact over, as well as direct connections between companies, either over private communications links or via the Internet.
In order to gain the confidence of their potential customers, businesses may bolster their security position and gain marketing advantage from it. The simple act of using an independent organisation to assess or reassess the critical parts of the information security measures can signify a safer or more trustworthy organisation to deal with.
In the current age of security hype and myth, an organisation can gain a competitive edge by stating clearly that they take security seriously. Justifying such a statement through an association with a leading business-focused information security consultancy clearly has marketing benefits.
