Loss of information, data or property can be extremely damaging to a business. Organizations now recognise how important it is to defend against security threats and have in place adequate procedures for dealing with security breaches.
Security consultants identify security threats and then help their clients defend against them in a cost effective manner as well as advise on the adequacy of existing security procedures, defences and processes.
What is BS 8549:2016?
BS 8549:2016 gives recommendations for the management, staffing and operation for the provision of contracted security consultancy services. It also assists those who wish to contract the services of a security consultant.
Eur.Ing. Jon Laws, Managing Director and Consultant at The Lyndhurst Consultancy and Committee Chairman for the BS 8549 revision says that “BS 8549 is the essential guidance for security consultancies and their clients to ensure the highest standards possible”.
Why was BS 8549 revised?
A revision to BS 8549 was necessary to update the 2006 edition in line with current techniques and threats.
Who should use BS 8549:2016?
BS 8549 should be used by security consultancy services and procurers, on both small and large organizations.
What services can a security consultancy offer?
Services offered by a security consultancy may include:
- Assessing and identifying security risks to the customer’s organization
- Advising on the adequacy of resilience, existing security procedures, defences and processes – and outlining areas of possible improvement
- Development and maintenance of security policies and plans
- Strategic security planning
- Crisis management
- Security budget management
- Providing security training to their clients members of staff
- Pre-employment screening
- Workplace investigation
- Asset and lone worker tracking
- Acting as an expert witness in court cases (civil and criminal)
- Compliance management
Security Consultants can assist security buyers with specialist and challenging requirements, such as high risk assets or protection of national infrastructure.
Organizations using the services of a security consultant can expect:
- Confidence that your risk mitigation activity underpins and reinforces the value in your risk mitigation strategy
- Evidence of compliance with legal and regulatory requirements and management confidence in your organisational information risk mitigation activities
- Greater confidence and trust amongst your business partners, suppliers and customers
- Assurance that your staff work in a secure and safe environment
- A framework which sets the standard for your supply chain and others
- A programme of maintenance, review and improvement for your technical security