Our industry can sometimes feel quite secretive, and rightly so. Data is all about confidentiality and implementing relevant management systems to protect it. However, there are still conversations that need to be had to create a more of an open atmosphere and remove any stigma attached to the sector.
In this blog series, you will be meeting the people behind Hicomply. They are the very best at what they do and most certainly have a story to tell. This week, we interview our Chief Operating Officer, Marius Van Aswegen.
How did you get your start in the industry?
My first exposure to information security was back in 2006, where I worked at 4Project (now Viewpoint) where we implemented an ISMS.
How has the industry changed since you started out?
The industry has changed massively since I began my career and the perception around information security has too. In the past, information security was always seen as an IT project, but in reality, that couldn’t be further from the truth. It’s a business project!
We’ve seen success when the switch of ownership happens. When senior leadership teams drive and implement it, while also maintaining the security framework and continuously improving it.
The certification standards have changed too. For example, ISO 27001 was originally published in 2005 and then revised in 2013. As well as this, a European update of the standard was published in 2017. But it doesn’t stop there, because we can expect an imminent update of the standard which will be released in 2022. Luckily for you, Hicomply is already working on it!
What is your favourite part of your job?
My favourite part of the job is working with a great innovative team and a best-in-class product. It’s humbling to work with our customers, seeing them achieve their own objectives, and transform their businesses for the better.
Where do you see the industry in the next five years?
ISMS & PIMS (ISO/IEC 27701 is a privacy extension to ISO/IEC 27001) will both be an absolute must have for businesses. Not only will this protect them, but also their staff and customers.
“Every business needs an ISMS, they just don’t know it yet”
Not only that, but data is now the world’s most valuable commodity, and we have a duty to protect it. Hicomply is here every step of the way to help customers achieve this objective!
What advice would you give to someone wanting to join the industry?
My advice is simply to go ahead and join. The industry offers many avenues! You will bring enormous value to an organisation both from an internal and external perspective.
Finally, what mistakes do you often see businesses make with their data security?
Getting the right support and commitment from senior management can be a real challenge and can make it difficult in terms of resources and pushing down decisions from the top. They often don’t understand the real risks and issues until something goes wrong.
We hope you found some insight to our industry through the eyes of our professionals. If you require any further information, don’t hesitate to check out our blog. Alternatively, we have a number of free downloadable resources that could help your business!
