BS7799 is a widely recognised standard for information security. Basically, it is a code of practice and lists the practices that amount to good security for a business. In 1999, it became an international standard, ISO17799.
BS7799:2 is a standard specification for an Information Security Management System (ISMS). An ISMS is the means by which senior management monitors and controls security, minimising the business risk and ensuring that security continues to fulfil corporate, customer and legal requirements.
BS7799 has become an important standard in the UK because the country’s Data Protection Act requires companies to take “appropriate technical and organisational measures” to prevent unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and their accidental loss or destruction.
TNT claims that BS7799:2 is saving it money. The company said:
“Until now, when tendering for contracts with major global companies, time consuming security checks would need to be carried out. Now that TNT Express displays the BS 7799:2 Standard, negotiations are speeded up and partners and potential customers can be confident that the highest standards of security implementation are in place.”