ISO 27001 A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity Checklist

A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity is a critical control within the ISO 27001:2022 standard. It ensures that an organisation’s information and communication technology (ICT) systems are prepared to support business continuity during disruptions.

This control is essential for mitigating risks and ensuring that organisations can maintain operations under adverse conditions.

Given the complexity and importance of maintaining ICT readiness, Chief Information Security Officers (CISOs) face numerous challenges in implementing and demonstrating compliance with A.5.30.

Utilising the features of ISMS.online can significantly streamline this process, offering comprehensive tools for risk management, policy creation, incident handling, and more. Below is an in-depth exploration of A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity, the common challenges faced, solutions, and a detailed compliance checklist.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.5.30? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

1. Continuity Requirements:

Objective: Identify and document the necessary ICT resources and services required to support critical business functions during a disruption. Ensure these requirements are aligned with the business continuity plan.

Common Challenges: Accurately identifying all critical ICT assets and dependencies can be complex and time-consuming.

Solutions: Use the ISMS.online Risk Management Module’s Risk Bank and Dynamic Risk Map to systematically identify and assess risks related to ICT assets.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Identify external and internal issues
  • Understand the needs and expectations of interested parties
  • Determine the scope of the ISMS

2. Redundancy and Failover:

Objective: Implement redundancy for critical ICT components to avoid single points of failure. Ensure failover mechanisms are in place and tested regularly to provide seamless transition during an ICT failure.

Common Challenges: Ensuring comprehensive coverage and regular testing of redundancy mechanisms.

Solutions: Document and manage redundancy and failover plans within the ISMS.online Business Continuity Module.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Actions to address risks and opportunities
  • Information security objectives and planning to achieve them
  • Planning of changes

3. Data Backup and Recovery:

Objective: Establish robust data backup procedures to ensure data integrity and availability. Regularly test data recovery processes to verify that data can be restored quickly and accurately in case of data loss.

Common Challenges: Maintaining up-to-date backup processes and ensuring regular testing.

Solutions: Utilise ISMS.online to schedule and document backup and recovery tests, ensuring compliance and readiness.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Monitoring, measurement, analysis, and evaluation
  • Internal audit
  • Management review

4. Disaster Recovery Planning:

Objective: Develop and maintain a disaster recovery plan specifically for ICT systems. Ensure the plan includes procedures for recovering ICT infrastructure, applications, and data.

Common Challenges: Creating a comprehensive and current disaster recovery plan.

Solutions: Use ISMS.online’s policy templates and version control to maintain up-to-date disaster recovery plans.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Actions to address risks and opportunities
  • Information security objectives and planning to achieve them

5. Testing and Exercising:

Objective: Conduct regular tests and exercises to validate the effectiveness of the ICT readiness measures. Ensure staff are trained and aware of their roles and responsibilities in the event of a disruption.

Common Challenges: Regularly conducting comprehensive tests and ensuring staff readiness.

Solutions: Schedule and document tests using ISMS.online’s Test Schedules feature, and deliver training through Training Modules.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Competence
  • Awareness
  • Communication

6. Monitoring and Review:

Objective: Continuously monitor ICT systems to detect and respond to potential issues before they escalate into major disruptions. Regularly review and update the ICT readiness plan to address changes in technology, business processes, and emerging threats.

Common Challenges: Ensuring continuous monitoring and timely updates to the readiness plan.

Solutions: Leverage the Compliance Module in ISMS.online for continuous monitoring and regular reviews, and use the Audit Management Module to stay compliant with evolving standards and best practices.

Associated ISO Clauses:

  • Nonconformity and corrective action
  • Continual improvement

Objectives of A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity:

  • To minimise the impact of ICT disruptions on business operations.
  • To ensure critical business functions can continue or be restored quickly during an ICT failure.
  • To protect the organisation’s reputation and maintain customer trust by demonstrating resilience and preparedness.


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Detailed Annex A.5.30 Compliance Checklist

1. Assessment:

Identify and document all critical ICT assets and their dependencies.

Utilise ISMS.online’s Risk Management Module to systematically identify and assess risks.

Create a risk register and ensure it is regularly updated.

2. Planning:

Develop a comprehensive ICT readiness plan covering all potential disruption scenarios.

Include strategies for redundancy, backup, and disaster recovery in the plan.

Use ISMS.online’s Business Continuity Module to create and maintain continuity plans.

Ensure the plan aligns with the overall business continuity strategy.

3. Training:

Develop a training programme that covers roles and responsibilities during disruptions.

Utilise ISMS.online’s Training Modules to deliver and track training programmes.

Ensure all relevant staff complete the training and acknowledge their roles.

Conduct regular refresher training sessions.

4. Testing:

Schedule regular tests of the ICT readiness plan using ISMS.online’s Test Schedules feature.

Document the outcomes of each test and review for improvements.

Conduct simulations and drills to validate the effectiveness of readiness measures.

Update the ICT readiness plan based on test results.

5. Review:

Continuously monitor ICT systems for potential issues using ISMS.online’s Compliance Module.

Schedule and conduct regular reviews and audits using the Audit Management Module.

Update the ICT readiness plan to reflect changes in technology, business processes, and emerging threats.

Document and implement corrective actions for any identified non-conformities.

ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.5.30

1. Business Continuity Module:

  • Continuity Plans: Create and maintain detailed business continuity plans that include ICT readiness strategies.
  • Test Schedules: Schedule and document regular tests of the business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

2. Risk Management Module:

  • Risk Bank: Identify and assess risks related to ICT disruptions and document mitigation strategies.
  • Dynamic Risk Map: Visualise and monitor risks to ensure continuous readiness and response capabilities.

3. Incident Management Module:

  • Incident Tracker: Log and manage incidents, ensuring that any ICT disruptions are recorded and addressed promptly.
  • Workflow and Notifications: Automate response procedures and notify relevant personnel during an ICT incident.

4. Policy Management Module:

  • Policy Templates and Version Control: Maintain up-to-date policies related to ICT readiness and business continuity.
  • Document Access: Ensure all relevant staff have access to the latest versions of continuity and recovery plans.

5. Audit Management Module:

  • Audit Templates and Plans: Regularly audit the ICT readiness and business continuity measures to ensure compliance.
  • Corrective Actions and Documentation: Track and document any non-conformities and corrective actions taken.

6. Compliance Module:

  • Regs Database and Alert System: Stay informed about relevant regulatory requirements and ensure ongoing compliance with ISO 27001:2022 standards.

Benefits of Compliance

Implementing A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity involves several critical steps, each with potential challenges. Utilising the comprehensive features of ISMS.online helps to overcome these challenges and ensures robust preparedness, compliance, and resilience against ICT disruptions.

By following the outlined implementation steps, addressing common challenges, and leveraging ISMS.online’s capabilities, organisations can achieve and maintain high standards of business continuity and ICT readiness. This structured approach enhances preparedness, resilience, and operational stability, safeguarding the organisation against ICT disruptions and reinforcing stakeholder trust.


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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.5.30

Ready to ensure your organisation’s ICT readiness for business continuity and compliance with ISO 27001:2022? Discover how ISMS.online can streamline your compliance efforts, enhance your business continuity planning, and fortify your ICT systems against disruptions.

See firsthand how our comprehensive suite of features can support your organisation’s needs. Our expert team is ready to guide you through our platform, demonstrate its powerful capabilities, and answer any questions you may have.

Don’t wait—take the first step towards robust ICT readiness and seamless compliance. Contact ISMS.online now to schedule your personalised demo.


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