An exhibit of errors: lessons from the Louvre heist

By now, everyone has heard of the shocking robbery at the Louvre, where jewellery worth $157 million (or €88 million) was stolen in just seven minutes, in broad daylight. In the days following the robbery, it’s been made clear that the physical and cyber security practices of the Louvre were not up to scratch. An employee of the museum has since come forward with a comical claim – that the password to the security camera system was just ‘Louvre’ when the crime occurred. This uninspired password might be funny, but it’s also a wakeup call. In this article, we’ll discuss where the Louvre went wrong and why underinvesting in security can be detrimental to your clients, your reputation, and your business.

What went wrong with the Louvres’ security practices?

The Director of the museum testified that all the security cameras and alarms at the Louvre had been working, but cited one weakness as their downfall – “underinvestment” in the museum’s physical perimeter security.

However, the revelation of the weak password to the security camera system points to more issues than just the physical security of the museum.

What should businesses take from this?

Criminals are getting smarter and braver. In the case of the Louvre robbery, the suspects were wearing high-vis vests and entered the museum through a window with a cherry picker. To people passing by, it just looked like construction work. If a museum holding millions of dollars’ worth of art can be targeted in broad daylight, during business hours – no business is safe from risk. So how can businesses take action to ensure they’re safe? The first thing to consider is your password strength – your pet’s name won’t cut it. Every password needs to be unique and not guessable. Another thing you should consider is the physical security of your business premises. Is it sufficient? One way to tell is to assess what you have in the building and what it’s worth. Then ask yourself, do your security practices match the value? For example, if the only thing of value in your office is the $500 coffee machine, you probably don’t need area fifty-one level of security. However, if you’ve got devices or documents with sensitive client information – like card numbers, ID documents, or emails and phone numbers – then the risk is higher, and a higher security framework is needed.

What security framework can businesses use? 

One of the most effective frameworks businesses can adopt is ISO 27001, an internationally recognised standard for information security management. This framework provides a structured approach to identifying risks, assessing the value of assets, and implementing robust security measures to protect them.

For starters, ISO 27001 encourages businesses to conduct a thorough risk assessment. This involves evaluating the value of your physical and digital assets, understanding potential threats, and identifying vulnerabilities. By doing so, businesses can prioritise their security investments where they matter most.

When it comes to physical security, ISO 27001 emphasises the importance of controlling access to your premises. This could mean installing surveillance systems, securing entry points with keycards or biometric scanners, and ensuring that only authorised personnel can access sensitive areas. These measures can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorised access, theft, or tampering.

Password management is another critical area where ISO 27001 shines. The framework advocates for strong password policies, such as requiring unique, complex passwords that are regularly updated. It also encourages the use of password management tools to securely store and manage credentials, reducing the likelihood of weak or reused passwords being exploited.

Why is investing in security so important?

Underinvesting in security can have far-reaching consequences that go beyond the immediate financial loss. For your clients, it can mean a breach of trust if their sensitive information is compromised, leading to damaged relationships and potential legal action. For your reputation, a security failure can tarnish your brand image, making it harder to attract new customers or retain existing ones. In today’s hyper-connected world, news of a security breach spreads quickly, and the damage to your credibility can be long-lasting. Finally, for your business, the financial impact of a security lapse can be devastating – not just in terms of stolen assets, but also the cost of recovery, fines, and lost opportunities.

By adopting ISO 27001, businesses can not only strengthen their security practices but also demonstrate to clients and stakeholders that they take security seriously. In a world where trust is paramount, this can be a game-changer for your reputation and long-term success.

ISO 27001 is an investment in cybersecurity

ISO 27001 is a robust investment in the resilience and security of your organisation. By following this internationally recognised framework, businesses can protect their information assets, enhance stakeholder trust, and position themselves as leaders in their fields. Whether implementing ISO 27001 from scratch or updating to the 2022 version, taking proactive measures in information security delivers long-term value and confidence across your operations.

Embark on your ISO 27001 certification journey with Citation Certification

At Citation Certification, we’re more than just a certification body; we’re your partner in achieving ISO 27001 certification excellence. Our team can walk you through the ISO 27001 certification process, ensuring your ISMS is not only compliant but also capable of withstanding the evolving threats of the digital age. Contact us for a chat about starting your certification.

About our author

Georgia Theocharous is a Copywriter and Content Specialist for Citation Group. She is responsible for crafting content across multiple channels such as blogs, social media, landing pages and email campaigns. In her spare time, you can find her jamming to her favourite music.