ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.16 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.16 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Using a checklist for A.5.16 Identity Management ensures systematic implementation and monitoring of identity management processes, enhancing security and operational efficiency while achieving ISO 27001:2022 compliance. This structured approach helps mitigate risks, maintain regulatory adherence, and streamline access control management.

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ISO 27001 A.5.16 Identity Management Checklist

Identity Management (IDM) is a critical component of information security that involves managing digital identities and controlling access to resources. Under ISO/IEC 27001:2022, control A.5.16 emphasises the need for robust IDM practices to ensure that only authorised individuals access information systems and data.

Effective implementation is crucial for mitigating security risks, ensuring compliance, and maintaining the integrity and confidentiality of sensitive information.

Key Objectives:

  1. Establish and Maintain User Identities: Create and manage user identities throughout their lifecycle within the organisation.
  2. Control Access Rights: Ensure that access rights are assigned based on roles, responsibilities, and the principle of least privilege.
  3. Secure Authentication: Implement secure authentication methods to verify user identities.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.5.16? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

1. User Provisioning and De-Provisioning:

  • Provisioning:

    Challenge: Ensuring timely and accurate creation and modification of user accounts.

  • Solution: Implement automated provisioning tools to reduce errors and delays.
  • ISMS.online Feature: User Management tools for provisioning and de-provisioning.
  • Compliance Checklist:
  • Automate user provisioning processes.

    Maintain records of all provisioning activities.

    Implement workflows for approval of new accounts.
  • Associated ISO Clauses: 7.2 Competence, 7.3 Awareness, 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation
  • De-Provisioning:

      Challenge: Preventing unauthorised access due to delayed or missed de-provisioning.

    • Solution: Establish automated workflows for immediate revocation of access upon role changes or termination.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Automated de-provisioning processes.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Automate de-provisioning processes.

      Regularly review de-provisioned accounts.

      Maintain an audit trail of de-provisioning activities.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 6.1 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment, 8.3 Information Security Risk Treatment
  • 2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):

      Challenge: Defining and maintaining accurate role definitions and ensuring appropriate access levels.

    • Solution: Regularly review and update role definitions to align with organisational changes and security policies.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) management.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Define roles and associated access levels.

      Regularly review and update role definitions.

      Document changes in role definitions.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 5.3 Organisational Roles, Responsibilities, and Authorities, 7.2 Competence, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment

    3. Authentication Methods:

    • Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

      Challenge: User resistance to adopting new authentication methods.

    • Solution: Provide training and support to ease the transition and emphasise the importance of security.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Support for secure authentication methods like MFA.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Implement MFA for critical systems.

      Provide training on MFA usage.

      Monitor MFA adoption and address issues.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 6.2 Information Security Objectives and Planning to Achieve Them, 7.3 Awareness, 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation
  • Single Sign-On (SSO):

      Challenge: Integrating SSO with existing systems and applications.

    • Solution: Ensure compatibility and perform thorough testing before implementation.
    • ISMS.online Feature: SSO implementation support.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Implement SSO for compatible systems.

      Test SSO integration thoroughly.

      Provide support for SSO issues.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 8.1 Operational Planning and Control, 8.3 Information Security Risk Treatment

    4. Identity Verification:

      Challenge: Ensuring consistent and reliable identity verification processes.

    • Solution: Implement robust verification methods, such as biometrics or smart cards, and conduct regular audits.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Identity verification tools and audit capabilities.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Use robust identity verification methods.

      Conduct regular audits of identity verification processes.

      Maintain records of identity verification activities.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 9.2 Internal Audit, 8.1 Operational Planning and Control, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment

    5. Identity Synchronisation:

      Challenge: Maintaining consistency of identity information across multiple systems.

    • Solution: Use identity management tools to automate synchronisation and monitor for discrepancies.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Identity synchronisation tools.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Automate identity synchronisation across systems.

      Monitor synchronisation processes for discrepancies.

      Regularly audit synchronisation activities.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation, 8.1 Operational Planning and Control

    6. Monitoring and Auditing:

      Challenge: Continuously monitoring user activities and access while managing the volume of data generated.

    • Solution: Implement automated monitoring solutions and use AI-driven analytics to identify anomalies.
    • ISMS.online Feature: Incident Tracker and Audit Management tools for monitoring and auditing.
    • Compliance Checklist:
    • Implement automated user activity monitoring.

      Use AI-driven analytics to detect anomalies.

      Conduct regular audits of user activities.
    • Associated ISO Clauses: 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation, 9.2 Internal Audit, 9.3 Management Review


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    Best Practices Checklist for Annex A.5.16

    • Regular Reviews: Conduct periodic reviews of user accounts, roles, and access rights to ensure they remain accurate and relevant.

        Challenge: Keeping up with frequent reviews.

      • Solution: Automate review reminders and use dashboards to track review status.
      • ISMS.online Feature: Access Rights Review tools.
      • Compliance Checklist:
      • Schedule and conduct regular access reviews.

        Automate reminders for upcoming reviews.

        Document findings and actions from access reviews.
      • Associated ISO Clauses: 9.1 Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis, and Evaluation, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment
    • Least Privilege Principle: Always adhere to the principle of least privilege, granting users only the access necessary for their roles.

        Challenge: Determining the minimal access required.

      • Solution: Regularly review job functions and adjust access rights accordingly.
      • ISMS.online Feature: Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) management.
      • Compliance Checklist:
      • Define and implement least privilege policies.

        Regularly review and adjust access rights.

        Document and track adjustments to access rights.
      • Associated ISO Clauses: 8.1 Operational Planning and Control, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment
    • Employee Training: Educate employees about the importance of identity management and secure authentication practices.

        Challenge: Ensuring all employees complete training.

      • Solution: Implement mandatory training programmes with completion tracking.
      • ISMS.online Feature: Training Modules and Acknowledgment Tracking.
      • Compliance Checklist:
      • Develop and deliver identity management training programmes.

        Track completion of training by employees.

        Address gaps in training and provide additional support.
      • Associated ISO Clauses: 7.2 Competence, 7.3 Awareness
    • Incident Response: Develop and implement incident response procedures for identity-related security incidents.

        Challenge: Ensuring rapid and effective response to incidents.

      • Solution: Establish clear procedures and conduct regular drills.
      • ISMS.online Feature: Incident Tracker and Response Coordination tools.
      • Compliance Checklist:
      • Develop incident response procedures for identity-related incidents.

        Conduct regular incident response drills.

        Maintain records of incident response activities and outcomes.
      • Associated ISO Clauses: 6.1 Actions to Address Risks and Opportunities, 8.2 Information Security Risk Assessment, 10.1 Nonconformity and Corrective Action

    Benefits of Compliance

    • Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of unauthorised access and data breaches.
    • Operational Efficiency: Streamlines user access management processes.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Helps meet regulatory and compliance requirements related to access control and identity management.

    ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.5.16

    • User Management:
      • Identity Management: Tools for managing user identities, including provisioning, de-provisioning, and role-based access control.
      • Authentication Information: Support for secure authentication methods such as MFA and SSO.
    • Policy Management:
      • Policy Templates and Packs: Pre-defined policy templates to create and communicate identity management policies.
      • Version Control: Track changes and ensure the most current policies are in place and communicated effectively.
    • Access Control:
      • Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Manage access rights based on user roles and responsibilities.
      • Access Rights Review: Tools for regularly reviewing and auditing access rights to ensure compliance with the least privilege principle.
    • Monitoring and Reporting:
      • Incident Tracker: Monitor and report on identity-related security incidents.
      • Audit Management: Schedule and conduct audits to ensure identity management processes are effective and compliant.
    • Training and Awareness:
      • Training Modules: Provide training on secure identity management practices.
      • Acknowledgment Tracking: Track acknowledgment of training and policy understanding.
    • Compliance and Reporting:
      • Compliance Monitoring: Tools to ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001:2022 and other relevant regulations.
      • Performance Tracking: KPI tracking and reporting to demonstrate effective identity management practices.

    By leveraging these features, organisations can effectively manage user identities, ensure secure authentication, and demonstrate compliance with A.5.16 Identity Management under ISO 27001:2022. This integrated approach not only enhances security but also streamlines compliance and operational efficiency.


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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.5.16

    Are you ready to elevate your organisation’s identity management and ensure compliance with ISO 27001:2022? ISMS.online offers a comprehensive suite of tools designed to streamline your identity management processes, enhance security, and simplify compliance.

    Our features are tailored to help you manage user identities, control access rights, and implement robust authentication methods with ease.

    Don’t miss the opportunity to see how ISMS.online can transform your identity management practices and support your compliance journey. Contact us today to book a personalised demo and discover how our platform can meet your specific needs.

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