Information security

Information security concerns protecting information against unauthorised access, loss or manipulation and is a central component of GDPR and data protection.

Glossary
Information security

Explained – what does information security mean?

Information security is an umbrella term covering the protection of confidentiality, integrity and availability (the CIA triad in information security). It is a foundational part of data protection and information management and is particularly relevant when processing personal data under the GDPR. Organisations often need support from a GDPR consultant, complemented by information security consulting and information security advisory services, to ensure that their approach aligns with applicable law and good practice. The work spans risk management, technical safeguards and organisational procedures.

When do information security advisory services become relevant?

Information security issues arise whenever organisations handle sensitive information or large data sets that must be protected. This includes, for example, processing customer records, managing employees’ personal data, or operating digital services. Incidents such as a data breach or suspected unauthorised access make information security—and timely data breach response—particularly important. In such cases, engaging information security consulting or broader information security advisory services can be decisive.

Information security and compliance illustration showing a professional holding a document, with puzzle icons for risk assessment, data protection (locked padlock) and access control (open padlock).

Key considerations for information security

To achieve robust information security, organisations need to work systematically and over the long term. The following areas should be prioritised:

Conduct information security risk assessments and risk analyses to identify threats and vulnerabilities
Design and document clear information security policies and governance
Implement technical and organisational measures, including encryption implementation, access control implementation and ongoing security monitoring
Provide staff training in information security and GDPR, including security awareness training and GDPR training for employees
Maintain procedures for IT incident handling and incident response consulting
Continuously monitor, test and improve the overall security posture

A clear structure and a holistic approach to information security strengthens the organisation’s ability to protect both personal data and business-critical information, ensuring protection of sensitive information across processes and systems.

Why is information security important?

Information security builds trust with customers, employees and partners. By safeguarding personal data and other sensitive information, organisations not only meet legal obligations under the GDPR but also reinforce their reliability. Effective preparation for a potential data breach and a mature data breach response capability are integral to that trust.

Poor information security can result in serious consequences, such as administrative fines, reputational damage and loss of business opportunities. Proactive security measures—including information security management, information security risk management and well-tested technical and organisational measures—are therefore strategic priorities for any organisation that processes personal data.

Information security also contributes to a resilient and sustainable organisation. It is not merely about avoiding incidents; it is about building a culture in which security and responsible handling of information are embedded in daily work, supported by appropriate information security services and, where relevant, a security awareness training provider.

The purpose of information security is to protect information against loss, unauthorised access and manipulation, upholding confidentiality, integrity and availability.

Companies must prioritise information security when they process personal data, store customer data or handle other business-critical information. This is especially true for operations subject to regulation, for example the GDPR or financial regulation, where information security consulting and information security advisory services can provide targeted support.

Practical work on information security involves several steps that organisations should follow:

Carry out continuous information security risk assessment and review
Implement technical and organisational measures
Train staff on threats and risks through security awareness training
Maintain clear procedures for incident handling and data breach response

Information security is central to the GDPR. Insufficient protection may leave personal data exposed and lead to breaches of the law. The Regulation requires appropriate technical and organisational measures proportionate to risk.

Ultimate responsibility rests with senior management, while a Data Protection Officer or security lead often has operational responsibility. It is, however, essential that all employees contribute, for example by participating in training and following policies.

IT security focuses primarily on technical systems and digital threats, whereas information security also includes organisational processes, procedures and human factors. Information security is therefore broader, covering both digital and physical information handling.