Case Study: Transforming Information Security for the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS)
Background
In 2019, the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) embarked on a transformative journey to implement an Information Security Management System (ISMS). At the commencement of the project, FIRS had no ISMS or processes in place, making it a greenfield project. The organization’s current security level was low, and there was a significant need to protect their most critical processes and services.
Client Overview
The Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) is responsible for assessing, collecting, and accounting for federal taxes in Nigeria. As a critical component of the country’s revenue generation, FIRS recognized the importance of ensuring the security and integrity of its information systems.
The Challenge
FIRS faced significant information security challenges, including inadequate security controls, limited staff expertise, and a lack of standardized security policies and procedures. To address these challenges, FIRS sought to implement a comprehensive ISMS that would meet the rigorous requirements of the ISO 27001:2013 standard. FIRS faced significant challenges in protecting its information systems and assets from cyber threats. The organization required a comprehensive ISMS to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of its data
The Solution
iCentra was selected to partner with FIRS on this transformative journey. Our team of experts worked closely with FIRS’s staff to design and implement a tailored ISMS solution that addressed the organization’s unique security needs. The project was broken down into two phases:
- Phase 1: Gap Assessment
The project began with a comprehensive gap assessment, which identified areas where FIRS’s existing information security practices fell short of the ISO 27001:2013 standard. This phase lasted three months and involved robust engagement with all FIRS functions within the scope of the ISMS implementation. Our team conducted face-to-face interviews, focus group discussions, and deployed a comprehensive gap analysis tool to assess the organization’s information security posture.
- Phase 2: Implementation Consultancy Service
In the second phase, iCentra provided implementation consultancy services to FIRS. Our team worked collaboratively with FIRS’s staff to:
- Develop and implement new security policies and procedures
- Conduct risk assessments and internal audits
- Establish an Information Security Forum (ISF) to oversee and coordinate information security efforts
- Provide remediation support and training to ensure ongoing compliance with the ISO 27001:2013 standard
- Implement controls applicable from the 114 in the standard Annex A to FIRS operations
- Develop Corrective Action Plans, Risk management (Assessment, Treatment), Planning and Organising the ISMS Implementation
As part of the ISMS implementation project, iCentra provided comprehensive training and certification programs for FIRS staff to equip them with the necessary knowledge and skills in information security management. These programs included:
- Generation foundation training and certification of ISO 27001 Lead Implementers and Auditors
- Department-wise awareness training to ensure that all staff members understand the importance of information security and their roles in maintaining it
- Training and certification programs in information security, cyber security, business continuity, incident management, risk management, and other related areas
These training and certification programs were designed to provide FIRS staff with a solid foundation in information security management, enabling them to effectively implement and maintain the ISMS.
Expected Benefits
The implementation of the ISMS has provided numerous benefits to FIRS, including:
- Information confidentiality
- Minimized internal and external risks to business continuity
- Significantly limited security and privacy breaches
- A process for Information Security and Corporate Governance
- Reduced operational risk while threats are assessed, and vulnerabilities are mitigated
- Continuous protection that allows for a flexible, effective, and defensible approach to security and privacy
- Increased Reliability and Security of Information Systems
Results and Impact
Through our partnership, FIRS achieved ISO 27001:2013 certification, demonstrating its commitment to information security excellence. The implementation of the ISMS has significantly improved the security and integrity of FIRS’s information systems and assets, reducing the risk of cyber threats and protecting sensitive taxpayer data. The ISMS implemented by iCentra has been designed to be sustainable and to provide long-term benefits to FIRS. The organization has demonstrated its commitment to maintaining the ISMS and ensuring ongoing compliance with the ISO 27001:2013 standard.
Conclusion
iCentra’s expertise and guidance enabled FIRS to achieve ISO 27001:2013 certification and transform its information security posture. Our partnership has had a lasting impact on FIRS’s ability to protect its critical information systems and assets, and we are proud to have played a role in this success story. Despite changes in leadership, FIRS has demonstrated unwavering dedication to institutional resilience and security excellence. Successive management teams have played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability of the ISMS, reinforcing the organization’s long-term vision. iCentra is proud to have been a trusted partner to the Federal Inland Revenue on its transformation journey spanning over a decade, across multiple business functions.
