The latest “Information Security Breaches Survey 2004” published by the Department of Trade & Industry, has revealed some interesting trends.

More UK businesses than ever outsource part of their IT operations. Just under half now do this. Areas that are outsourced include application development and support, systems administration, website hosting and help desk operation.

Two-thirds of businesses that outsource IT operations have formal Service Level Agreements in place. SLAs set out pre-defined targets to be achieved by an outsourced partner. IT Fusion provides a detailed SLA with all its clients. 90% of all active SLAs contain information security requirements. This has increased substantially as viruses and intruders become increasingly sophisticated.

An important question when outsourcing is which company’s information security policy and standards should be used, ours or yours? Two-thirds of outsourcing arrangements require the IT service provider to comply with the customer’s security policy and standards.

IT Fusion will seek to ensure that security information protocols meet industry best practice. This is usually achieved by implementing a secure information management system that meets BS7799 regulations.

87% of businesses who have implemented security protocols to BS7799 standards have reported that it improved their business continuity. 85% believed it has minimised the damage to their company from security incidents. 53% commented that it has maximised their return on investment and business opportunities [DTI ISBS 2004].

For more information on outsourcing your IT security and BS7799 best practice, contact IT Fusion to speak with one of our security experts.