"Information systems are assets that must be protected. The operation of Landsvirkjun depends on information systems, and any failure of information systems can cause operational losses, harm the image of the company and lead to loss of income. This is why information security is the foundation for the company’s success,” says Bergur Jónsson, Head of the Information System Division of Landsvirkjun.
Landsvirkjun’s mission is to provide its customers with the best energy solutions to create the basis for modern quality of life. Employees and management at Landsvirkjun strive to make it a reliable, environmentally-friendly company and a leader in its field, and are prepared to tackle new challenges for the benefit of its customers, staff and owners. The aim is to create a flexible company which understands its customers’ needs and fulfils them in accordance with individual requirements. Landsvirkjun is a popular and diversified workplace where employees are able to develop their talents and initiative. The company aims to deploy its initiative, know-how and financial strength to enhance its value still further.
Possible threats
There are many possible threats, such as software break-downs, resource problems (e.g. lack of electricity or specialist knowledge), natural disasters, human error, organised crime and sabotage. These are some examples of the threats which can affect companies such as Landsvirkjun.
Value of information assets
x Vulnerability*
x Annual frequency of events
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= Expected annual loss
*Vulnerability: The likelihood of an event causing damage
What is the best way to maximise security and ensure quality?
The best way to maximise security and ensure quality is to conduct the operation in accordance with standards. ISO 17799 and ISO 27001 are recognised international information security standards, as is the ISO 9001 quality standard.
Implementation of information security integrated with the quality system
When the decision was made to embark on the implementation of information security, it was decided to link it with the quality system already in place. Landsvirkjun is a quality-certified company pursuant to ISO 9001. Landsvirkjun management decided to seek cooperation with Stiki, which has, in the opinion of Landsvirkjun, the experience and knowledge of information security systems that Landsvirkjun required.
Emergency plans are vital
The first issue addressed was business continuity management, which is a significant part of information security management in accordance with international standards in this field. The goal of implementing business continuity management at Landsvirkjun is to protect important operations against major disruptions and crisis. Landsvirkjun believed that with integrated measures through prevention and error recovery, the effects of disruptions and setbacks will be reduced to an acceptable limit.
“Business continuity plans are an integral part of business continuity management. Such plans include categorising operations by importance, assigning parties specific and well-defined roles during emergencies, carrying out actions in order to recover operations in a timely fashion, and testing on a regular basis. Business continuity plans need to be reviewed regularly to remain valid. As Landsvirkjun is engaged in activities where discontinuity in operations can have serious consequences, we believe that an emergency plan is a priority in the implementation of information security in the company. Through the consultancy provided by Stiki, we have been able to map out our operation in detail and have, in our opinion, extremely good plans for business continuity.”
– Bergur Jónsson.
Following the implementation of the business continuity plan, a risk assessment was prepared for the Information Department of Landsvirkjun.
No matter what
Risk management involves the very basic things that keep a company operating, and business continuity
plans are an important link in that chain. Through such plans, Landsvirkjun has assessed what must be done to ensure that any disruption or event has a minimal effect on the safety of employees, property and systems. Business continuity plans also shed light on the skills needed to address issues to protect the reputation of Landsvirkjun and keep it operating.
Professional and successful co-operation with Stiki
“Landsvirkjun places a great deal of emphasis on co-operation with companies and institutions that are leaders in their fields. Stiki’s work practices meet the high standards we set for our suppliers and partners. The fact that Stiki is itself a certified company is important to us, as we believe that it is necessary for a consultancy company in the field of information security to ‘practice what it preaches’. Landsvirkjun is very pleased with the professional work practices of Stiki. All deadlines were met, and work on the project was tailored and organised. We also feel that the extensive and excellent knowledge possessed by Stiki employees is important, and value their ambition to ensure that the customer achieves success. The fact that the implementation of information security was such a success has encouraged us to continue on this path. The Landsvirkjun Information Division now plans to obtain certification in the field of information security by the beginning of 2007,” said Bergur Jónsson.
