In today’s world, cyber threats are a daily reality, pushing organisations to look for reliable guidance in the field of security. The Information Security Forum (ISF) has been a leading voice for over three decades. This global, independent organisation sets standards, researches risks, and helps companies build robust defence systems. Read more on london-future.
The history and evolution of the Information Security Forum
Founded in London in 1989, the Information Security Forum started as a non-profit, bringing together experts, businesses, and academics to explore and implement effective cybersecurity solutions. The organisation created a trusted, confidential platform for sharing knowledge and expertise. Its research was designed to help companies improve their security posture and adapt to new corporate governance and regulatory demands.
A key part of the ISF’s work has been developing information security best practice standards. The 2005 version was the first comprehensive document made freely available worldwide. It covered a wide range of threats and included recommendations for secure messaging, patch management, and antivirus protection. This standard was built on over 16 years of practical experience and more than $75 million in investment.
The 2016 update from the ISF significantly broadened its scope. The document tackled new challenges of the digital age, including cyber threat analysis, protection against attacks on industrial systems, and modern approaches to security architecture and enterprise mobility management. It became a valuable tool for building Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) and was integrated with leading international standards such as COBIT 5, CIS Critical Security Controls, ISO/IEC 27002, PCI DSS 3.1, and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
In 2020, the Information Security Forum once again highlighted current trends by publishing a study in Security Magazine titled “Implementing Open-Source Software: Challenges and Benefits.” The study underlined that open-source solutions had become an integral part of IT infrastructure and modern applications. It also specifically noted that the spread of Agile and DevOps methodologies had become a catalyst for the widespread adoption of open-source code. This further reinforced the need for a systematic approach to security, as the speed of development and continuous updates must be matched by appropriate control measures.
The ISF World Congress was planned for 25-28 October 2025 in Prague. It is traditionally considered the largest platform for discussing trends and strategies in information and cybersecurity. The event will bring together leading risk management experts, IT security leaders, and business figures from around the world. Over four days, participants will have the chance to hear from innovative speakers who are shaping the future of the industry. They’ll also be able to exchange knowledge with colleagues to discover new approaches to risk management in an era of global digitalisation.
The recognition and significance of the Information Security Forum
With over 35 years in operation, the Information Security Forum has established itself as one of the most authoritative centres of knowledge in the field of cyber defence. Its uniqueness lies in its independence, global outlook, and membership-based approach, which brings together Fortune 500 corporations, Forbes 2000 companies, and government organisations. The ISF offers its members in-depth research and reports that reflect the latest trends and threats. It also provides tools and methods to help them implement effective solutions for risk management and compliance. The ISF collaborates with industry leaders such as Bitsight, Cloudflare, DivvyCloud, Nclose, and Qualys.
