Introduction:
Information is an essential asset for any organization, and it needs to be protected from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
The ISO 27001 standard provides a framework for implementing an information security management system (ISMS) to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Asset handling is one of the critical areas that organizations need to focus on to ensure effective information security management.
This article will discuss the requirements of A.8.2.3 of ISO 27001 related to the handling of assets, specifically concerning the classification of information received from external sources.
Sample Checklist:
- Has the organization classified its information assets based on their sensitivity and criticality?
- Have the classification levels of external sources’ information been mapped appropriately to the organization’s classification levels?
- Are the access controls for the organization’s classified information being applied to the classified information received from external sources?
- Have the personnel handling the classified information from external sources been appropriately trained on the organization’s classification levels and handling procedures?
- Are the retention and disposal requirements for the classified information received from external sources in line with the organization’s information classification policy?
- Is there a documented process for handling the classified information received from external sources, including the flow of information, storage, access, and disposal?
- Has the organization established a mechanism to monitor and audit the handling of classified information received from external sources?
Conclusion:
In conclusion, protecting information assets is crucial for any organization, and the ISO 27001 standard provides a framework to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.
Asset handling is a critical aspect of information security management, and organizations should focus on implementing the requirements of A.8.2.3 of ISO 27001 related to the handling of assets.
This includes proper classification of information assets, mapping classification levels of external sources to the organization’s levels, applying access controls, training personnel, establishing retention and disposal requirements, documenting the handling process, and monitoring and auditing the handling of classified information received from external sources.
