Information Security Forum opens up to SMEs

Smaller firms often struggle to secure against the latest threats

The Information Security Forum (ISF), a not-for-profit global end user body, is to extend its membership to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) in a move which could help them address an ever-growing range of threats.

Companies with a turnover of less than £100m will now be able to apply for membership of the ISF, gaining access to research, tools and methodologies and the ability to share best practice with security professionals from 300 of the world's largest corporations and public sector organisations.

Many smaller firms struggle to cope with data protection, social networking threats and other cyber crime issues because they lack the in-house resources, skills and budgets, according to the ISF.

"It is difficult for even the largest organisations to build the level of understanding and skills needed to keep abreast of information security issues, understand emerging risks and develop best practice solutions," said Steve Durbin, vice president of sales and marketing at the ISF.

"That is why we are making it possible for SMEs to harness the knowledge, resources and tools to reduce their information risks."

ISF SME Members will get unlimited access to over 400 reports, as well as web-based tools such as the ISF Security Healthcheck, online forums and discussion groups.

SME Members can pay additional incremental fees to access other tools, including the ISF Information Security Benchmark, and attend ISF workshops, chapter meetings and the ISF Annual World Congress.