Corporate Tax Incentives (CTI), a national tax credit and incentives firm, recently joined the elite group of companies that have achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2005 certification, signifying the company maintains an information security management system (ISMS) that adheres to the highest data-protection standards. Commonly referred to as ISO 27001, the international certification is awarded to companies that comply with rigorous organizational processes and meet stringent technology requirements aimed at securing sensitive information.

"Even before the recent cyber attacks and ongoing media coverage on data security breaches, we felt it was critical to become IS0 27001 certified," said Darren Labrie, Principal at CTI. - "Many of our clients are Fortune 500 companies and it's our job to help them take advantage tax credits for employee hiring and training, research and development, and other incentives that require us to handle employee data, intellectual property, and other sensitive information. Certification is not a quick or easy process, but ISO 27001 assures our clients that we're taking every precaution possible to protect the information they share with us."

ISO 27001 is a compilation of proven best practices that sets a high bar for information protection and provides guidance on how to continue reaching and surpassing that bar. Rather than relying on technology alone, ISO 27001 involves people and processes at every level of the organization and requires proof of top-level management commitment to security improvements.

"One of the toughest things about ISO 27001 compliance is that it's never done," said Labrie. "The yearly third-party audit for recertification requires proof that we're continuously upgrading security upgrades. With the constant barrage of new security threats, ISO 27001 ensures we never relax our guard."

While a fail-safe system guaranteed to prevent all security breaches may be unrealistic, ISO 27001 also contains requirements on responding to a breach, including full disclosure to a company's customers. "ISO 27001 tells our clients that we have gone to extreme lengths to secure their information," said Labrie, "but it also assures them that they'll be the first to hear about any issues that arise. The combination of constant vigilance and full disclosure required by the standards allows CTI's clients to feel confident that their information is secure."

About CTI

Corporate Tax Incentives (CTI) is a leading provider of specialty tax services that enable companies to take full advantage of federal, state, and local tax-incentive programs, including employment-based credits, cost segregation, research and development (R&D), green building, and other programs that provide tax credits, deductions, refunds, and exemptions. CTI partners with CPA firms or works directly with companies, providing the knowledge, experience, and technology to navigate complex tax codes, calculations, and compliance requirements. CTI operates from its Rancho Cordova, California and regional offices. For more information, visit www.ctillc.com or call toll-free 866.444.4480.

CTI Communications Director
Colleen Harrison, 916-520-7664
charrison@ctillc.com