Accountancy firm first in Ireland to achieve data security cert

19 Feb 2010

A Dublin firm that provides businesses with outsourced bookkeeping services has become the first accountancy company to achieve the ISO27001:2005 data security certificate.

McNally Business Services Limited (MBSL) sees the attainment of the certification as a differentiator because it means its business and systems controls are such that they meet international best standards.

In an age when data breaches are becoming more and more of a threat, forward-thinking companies are taking the necessary steps to protect their clients’ information.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the international standard developed exclusively for information security management systems (ISMS), requiring companies to employ a methodical approach to managing sensitive information and ensuring data security.

The standard comprises 10 exhaustive control categories, including organisation of information security, access controls, physical and environmental security, asset management, business continuity management, communications and operations management.

“Our clients will benefit from the peace of mind that we can offer in relation to the security of their information and data when they engage with MBSL,” said Gerry McNally, director.

“Furthermore, we see this as raising the bar and setting a new standard for the delivery of outsourced accounting services in Ireland,” McNally added.

There are more than 6,000 companies worldwide certified for ISO 27001. MBSL is one of a select number of accountancy firms globally to attain the critical, leading-edge international standards certification.

Outsourcing to focus and reduce costs

In the current economic climate, more and more organisations are choosing to outsource their non-core business activities as they seek to reduce their costs and gain more focus on their core business. However, in doing so, there is a greater exposure to breaches of information security as organisations give external service providers access to more and more confidential data.

“This is the latest step in MBSL’s development,” said Karl Houghton, director and company secretary and ISO 27001 project manager.

“We have operated in a paperless environment since 2008 and now have achieved independent ISO certification of our information security management system. This reflects our ethos of adopting international best practice, particularly in relation to the security of client information.”

By John Kennedy

Photo: McNally Business Services Limited has become the first accountancy company to achieve the ISO27001:2005 data security certificate

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

editorial@siliconrepublic.com