ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.12 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.12 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Using a checklist for A.5.12 Classification of Information ensures systematic compliance, enhancing data protection and operational efficiency. This approach mitigates risks and aligns with regulatory requirements, safeguarding sensitive information.

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ISO 27001 A.5.12 Classification of Information Checklist

Information classification is a critical aspect of an organisation’s Information Security Management System (ISMS). It involves categorising information assets based on their sensitivity and importance, ensuring that appropriate protection measures are applied. Annex A.5.12 of ISO/IEC 27001:2022 focuses on the classification of information to ensure it receives the necessary level of protection. This detailed guide will outline the purpose, key objectives, components, challenges, solutions, ISO 27001:2022 clauses, and ISMS.online features to help organisations comply with this control.

Purpose of Annex A.5.12

The primary purpose of Annex A.5.12 is to establish a structured approach for identifying and classifying information assets. This ensures that sensitive and critical information is adequately protected based on its classification, mitigating risks associated with data breaches and unauthorised access.

Key Objectives of Annex A.5.12

  • Identify and Classify Information: Develop a systematic approach for identifying and classifying information assets.
  • Implement Consistent Practices: Standardise the classification process across the organisation.
  • Facilitate Proper Handling: Guide employees on handling information according to its classification.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.5.12? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

1. Develop Classification Scheme:

Purpose: Establish a clear and consistent classification scheme to categorise information assets.

Challenges:

  • Stakeholder Alignment: Achieving consensus among stakeholders on classification levels and criteria can be difficult.
  • Complex Criteria: Balancing simplicity and comprehensiveness in classification criteria.

Solutions:

  • Stakeholder Workshops: Conduct workshops to align stakeholders and gather input on classification criteria.
  • Simplified Framework: Develop a simplified classification framework that covers essential criteria and can be expanded as needed.

Compliance Checklist:

Define classification levels and criteria.

Obtain stakeholder alignment on classification scheme.

Document classification scheme and criteria.

Review and approve classification scheme.

Communicate classification scheme to all relevant personnel.

ISO 27001:2022 Clauses:

  • Clause 4.1: Understanding the organisation and its context
  • Clause 4.2: Understanding the needs and expectations of interested parties
  • Clause 5.1: Leadership and commitment

2. Classify Information Assets:

Purpose: Ensure all information assets are identified and appropriately classified.

Challenges:

  • Asset Identification: Ensuring all information assets are identified and classified appropriately.
  • Resource Allocation: Allocating sufficient resources for the classification process.

Solutions:

  • Comprehensive Inventory: Create a comprehensive inventory of information assets.
  • Resource Planning: Allocate dedicated resources and personnel for the classification process.

Compliance Checklist:

Conduct an inventory of all information assets.

Categorise each asset based on defined classification levels.

Document the classification of each information asset.

Review and validate the classification of assets.

Ensure ongoing resource allocation for asset classification.

ISO 27001:2022 Clauses:

  • Clause 7.1: Resources
  • Clause 8.1: Operational planning and control
  • Clause 9.1: Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation

3. Label Information:

Purpose: Ensure information is clearly labelled according to its classification.

Challenges:

  • Consistency: Ensuring consistent application of labels across all information assets.
  • Awareness: Ensuring all employees understand and apply labelling correctly.

Solutions:

  • Standardised Labels: Develop and enforce the use of standardised labels for all information assets.
  • Training Programmes: Implement training programmes to educate employees on proper labelling practices.

Compliance Checklist:

Develop a standardised labelling system for information assets.

Apply labels consistently to all classified information assets.

Train employees on the importance and use of information labels.

Regularly audit labelled information to ensure compliance.

Update labelling practices as needed based on audits and feedback.

ISO 27001:2022 Clauses:

  • Clause 7.2: Competence
  • Clause 7.3: Awareness
  • Clause 7.4: Communication

4. Implement Handling Procedures:

Purpose: Define and implement procedures for handling classified information.

Challenges:

  • Procedure Complexity: Developing procedures that are comprehensive yet easy to follow.
  • Employee Buy-In: Ensuring all employees adhere to the handling procedures.

Solutions:

  • Clear Documentation: Document procedures in clear, easy-to-understand language.
  • Incentive Programmes: Develop incentive programmes to encourage adherence to handling procedures.
  • Real-World Examples: Provide examples and case studies of proper handling to demonstrate best practices.

Compliance Checklist:

Develop detailed procedures for handling classified information.

Communicate handling procedures to all employees.

Provide training on the handling procedures.

Monitor compliance with handling procedures.

Update procedures based on monitoring results and feedback.

ISO 27001:2022 Clauses:

  • Clause 8.2: Information security risk assessment
  • Clause 8.3: Information security risk treatment
  • Clause 10.1: Nonconformity and corrective action

5. Review and Update Classification:

Purpose: Ensure that information classifications remain accurate and relevant over time.

Challenges:

  • Continuous Monitoring: Maintaining an ongoing review process to keep classifications up-to-date.
  • Adaptability: Adapting classifications to reflect changes in sensitivity, ownership, or regulatory requirements.

Solutions:

  • Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits to ensure classifications remain accurate.
  • Change Management Process: Implement a robust change management process to handle updates.
  • Feedback Loop: Establish a feedback loop for continuous improvement based on audit findings and stakeholder input.

Compliance Checklist:

Establish a schedule for periodic reviews of information classifications.

Conduct regular reviews and update classifications as needed.

Document any changes made to information classifications.

Communicate classification updates to all relevant personnel.

Ensure review process includes checks for compliance with regulatory requirements.

ISO 27001:2022 Clauses:

  • Clause 9.2: Internal audit
  • Clause 9.3: Management review
  • Clause 10.2: Continual improvement

Benefits of Compliance

  • Enhanced Security: Ensures that sensitive information receives the appropriate level of protection.
  • Compliance: Helps meet regulatory and legal requirements related to data protection.
  • Risk Management: Reduces the risk of data breaches and information leakage.
  • Operational Efficiency: Provides clear guidelines for handling information, reducing ambiguity and potential errors.


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ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.5.12

ISMS.online offers several features that facilitate the implementation and maintenance of information classification controls, ensuring compliance with Annex A.5.12:

  • Policy Management:
    • Policy Templates: Provides pre-built templates for creating comprehensive information classification policies.
    • Policy Pack: Facilitates the distribution and communication of classification policies across the organisation.
    • Version Control: Ensures that the latest version of the classification policy is always available and accessible.
  • Document Management:
    • Document Control: Manages the creation, approval, and distribution of classification-related documents.
    • Document Access: Controls access to classified documents, ensuring only authorised personnel can view or edit them.
    • Document Retention: Manages the retention and disposal of classified documents according to policy requirements.
  • Asset Management:
    • Asset Registry: Maintains an inventory of information assets, including their classification levels.
    • Labelling System: Supports the consistent labelling of information assets based on their classification.
    • Access Control: Manages access rights to classified information assets, ensuring only authorised users can access sensitive information.
  • Training and Awareness:
    • Training Modules: Provides training on information classification policies and procedures to ensure all employees are aware of their responsibilities.
    • Training Tracking: Monitors employee completion of classification training to ensure compliance and understanding.
    • Assessment: Evaluates employee understanding of classification policies through assessments and quizzes.
  • Incident Management:
    • Incident Tracker: Logs incidents related to the mishandling of classified information, facilitating response and resolution.
    • Workflow: Manages the workflow for incident response, ensuring proper handling and documentation of classification-related incidents.
    • Notifications: Alerts relevant personnel about incidents involving classified information to ensure timely response.

By leveraging these ISMS.online features, organisations can effectively implement and maintain their information classification controls, ensuring compliance with ISO 27001:2022 Annex A.5.12.


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Every Annex A Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Annex A.5 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.5.1Policies for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.2Information Security Roles and Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.3Segregation of Duties Checklist
Annex A.5.4Management Responsibilities Checklist
Annex A.5.5Contact With Authorities Checklist
Annex A.5.6Contact With Special Interest Groups Checklist
Annex A.5.7Threat Intelligence Checklist
Annex A.5.8Information Security in Project Management Checklist
Annex A.5.9Inventory of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.10Acceptable Use of Information and Other Associated Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.11Return of Assets Checklist
Annex A.5.12Classification of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.13Labelling of Information Checklist
Annex A.5.14Information Transfer Checklist
Annex A.5.15Access Control Checklist
Annex A.5.16Identity Management Checklist
Annex A.5.17Authentication Information Checklist
Annex A.5.18Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.19Information Security in Supplier Relationships Checklist
Annex A.5.20Addressing Information Security Within Supplier Agreements Checklist
Annex A.5.21Managing Information Security in the ICT Supply Chain Checklist
Annex A.5.22Monitoring, Review and Change Management of Supplier Services Checklist
Annex A.5.23Information Security for Use of Cloud Services Checklist
Annex A.5.24Information Security Incident Management Planning and Preparation Checklist
Annex A.5.25Assessment and Decision on Information Security Events Checklist
Annex A.5.26Response to Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.27Learning From Information Security Incidents Checklist
Annex A.5.28Collection of Evidence Checklist
Annex A.5.29Information Security During Disruption Checklist
Annex A.5.30ICT Readiness for Business Continuity Checklist
Annex A.5.31Legal, Statutory, Regulatory and Contractual Requirements Checklist
Annex A.5.32Intellectual Property Rights Checklist
Annex A.5.33Protection of Records Checklist
Annex A.5.34Privacy and Protection of PII Checklist
Annex A.5.35Independent Review of Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.36Compliance With Policies, Rules, and Standards for Information Security Checklist
Annex A.5.37Documented Operating Procedures Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.6 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.6.1Screening Checklist
Annex A.6.2Terms and Conditions of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.3Information Security Awareness, Education and Training Checklist
Annex A.6.4Disciplinary Process Checklist
Annex A.6.5Responsibilities After Termination or Change of Employment Checklist
Annex A.6.6Confidentiality or Non-Disclosure Agreements Checklist
Annex A.6.7Remote Working Checklist
Annex A.6.8Information Security Event Reporting Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.7 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.7.1Physical Security Perimeters Checklist
Annex A.7.2Physical Entry Checklist
Annex A.7.3Securing Offices, Rooms, and Facilities Checklist
Annex A.7.4Physical Security Monitoring Checklist
Annex A.7.5Protecting Against Physical and Environmental Threats Checklist
Annex A.7.6Working in Secure Areas Checklist
Annex A.7.7Clear Desk and Clear Screen Checklist
Annex A.7.8Equipment Siting and Protection Checklist
Annex A.7.9Security of Assets Off-Premises Checklist
Annex A.7.10Storage Media Checklist
Annex A.7.11Supporting Utilities Checklist
Annex A.7.12Cabling Security Checklist
Annex A.7.13Equipment Maintenance Checklist
Annex A.7.14Secure Disposal or Re-Use of Equipment Checklist


ISO 27001 Annex A.8 Control Checklist Table

ISO 27001 Control NumberISO 27001 Control Checklist
Annex A.8.1User Endpoint Devices Checklist
Annex A.8.2Privileged Access Rights Checklist
Annex A.8.3Information Access Restriction Checklist
Annex A.8.4Access to Source Code Checklist
Annex A.8.5Secure Authentication Checklist
Annex A.8.6Capacity Management Checklist
Annex A.8.7Protection Against Malware Checklist
Annex A.8.8Management of Technical Vulnerabilities Checklist
Annex A.8.9Configuration Management Checklist
Annex A.8.10Information Deletion Checklist
Annex A.8.11Data Masking Checklist
Annex A.8.12Data Leakage Prevention Checklist
Annex A.8.13Information Backup Checklist
Annex A.8.14Redundancy of Information Processing Facilities Checklist
Annex A.8.15Logging Checklist
Annex A.8.16Monitoring Activities Checklist
Annex A.8.17Clock Synchronisation Checklist
Annex A.8.18Use of Privileged Utility Programs Checklist
Annex A.8.19Installation of Software on Operational Systems Checklist
Annex A.8.20Networks Security Checklist
Annex A.8.21Security of Network Services Checklist
Annex A.8.22Segregation of Networks Checklist
Annex A.8.23Web Filtering Checklist
Annex A.8.24Use of Cryptography Checklist
Annex A.8.25Secure Development Life Cycle Checklist
Annex A.8.26Application Security Requirements Checklist
Annex A.8.27Secure System Architecture and Engineering Principles Checklist
Annex A.8.28Secure Coding Checklist
Annex A.8.29Security Testing in Development and Acceptance Checklist
Annex A.8.30Outsourced Development Checklist
Annex A.8.31Separation of Development, Test and Production Environments Checklist
Annex A.8.32Change Management Checklist
Annex A.8.33Test Information Checklist
Annex A.8.34Protection of Information Systems During Audit Testing Checklist


How ISMS.online Help With A.5.12

Are you ready to enhance your information security and ensure compliance with ISO 27001:2022 Annex A.5.12?

ISMS.online provides the comprehensive tools and features you need to effectively classify and protect your information assets. Our platform simplifies the implementation of robust information classification controls, helping you safeguard sensitive data and meet regulatory requirements.

Don’t wait to elevate your information security management system. Contact ISMS.online today to learn more about how our solutions can transform your organisation’s security posture. Book a demo with our experts to see first-hand how ISMS.online can help you achieve seamless compliance and operational efficiency.

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