26th May 2021
Walker Morris has successfully recertified to the updated ISO 27001 standard, an international benchmark for Information Security Management. This recertification with the UKAS accredited British Standards Institute (BSI) highlights the Firm’s adherence to rigorous criteria and its dedication to maintaining top-tier information security standards.
The ISO 27001 standard ensures that Walker Morris’s systems are equipped to handle current and emerging security challenges, reflecting the Firm’s proactive approach to information security.
Beyond ISO 27001 certification, Walker Morris has also achieved certification under the Cyber Essentials Plus Scheme. This Government and industry-backed standard protects businesses against cyber threats. The Cyber Essentials Plus certification demonstrates Walker Morris’s awareness of the critical importance of cyber security and provides independent assurance that the Firm has implemented essential technical security controls to defend against internet-borne threats.
Gary Emsley, IT Security Officer, at Walker Morris commented:
“Achieving ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials Plus demonstrates our commitment to information security. Both ISO 27001 and Cyber Essentials plus, which is a government-backed scheme involves a thorough independent audit of our organisation.”
Julia Elliott, Chief Information Officer, at Walker Morris commented:
“Breaches of information security can have a significant negative impact on organisations, including reputational damage, business disruption and regulatory penalties leading to serious financial impairment. All law firms have a responsibility to protect client money and assets as part of their regulatory obligations. Coupled with the backdrop of increasing cyber crime activity, the importance to protect confidential information has never been greater.”
Jeanette Burgess, Walker Morris’ Managing Partner said:
“Quality and integrity are part of our core values. For our clients this means delivering consistent high quality advice from lawyers they can trust. The nature of our work often means that we handle extremely sensitive and confidential client information. The ISO certifications reassures clients that we have robust systems and processes in place to protect their information and handle it with the appropriate care, sensitivity and safeguards it deserves.”
Walker Morris has also achieved certification to the ISO 22301 standard for Business Continuity Management, which it has held since last year. This certification is crucial as it demonstrates the Firm’s commitment to maintaining operations during unexpected disruptions. ISO 22301 provides a framework for identifying potential threats to the business and developing effective response strategies.
Having this certification ensures that Walker Morris is well-prepared to manage and mitigate risks that could impact its services, thereby safeguarding client interests and maintaining trust. In an increasingly uncertain world, the ability to continue operations seamlessly is vital, and ISO 22301 certification underscores Walker Morris’s dedication to resilience and reliability.
Victoria Patterson, Head of Risk and Compliance, at Walker Morris commented:
“In today’s unpredictable environment, ensuring business continuity is not just about protecting our operations; it’s about maintaining the trust and confidence of our clients. This certification highlights our proactive approach to managing potential disruptions and reinforces our dedication to delivering uninterrupted, high-quality service.”