ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.33 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 5.33 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Using a checklist for A.5.33 Protection of Records ensures systematic adherence to ISO 27001:2022 standards, enhancing record integrity, confidentiality, and availability. Achieving compliance fosters trust, reduces risks, and supports regulatory requirements.

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ISO 27001 A.5.33 Protection of Records Checklist

A.5.33 Protection of Records in ISO 27001:2022 outlines the requirements for safeguarding records to ensure their integrity, confidentiality, and availability. This control is essential for maintaining secure information management practices within an organisation.

Effective implementation of this control ensures that records are protected throughout their lifecycle, from creation to disposal, in compliance with legal, regulatory, and business requirements.

Below is a comprehensive guide on implementing A.5.33 Protection of Records, addressing common challenges, and leveraging ISMS.online features to ensure compliance.

Key Elements of A.5.33 Protection of Records

  • Record Identification and Classification:

    • Identify and classify records based on their sensitivity and importance.
    • Implement appropriate labelling and handling procedures to ensure proper identification.
  • Access Control:

    • Define and enforce access controls to restrict unauthorised access to records.
    • Ensure that only authorised personnel can access, modify, or handle the records.
  • Integrity Protection:

    • Implement measures to protect the integrity of records, ensuring that they are not altered or tampered with without proper authorisation.
    • Use digital signatures, checksums, or other integrity verification methods.
  • Storage and Backup:

    • Store records in secure locations, whether physical or digital, to prevent unauthorised access and environmental damage.
    • Implement backup procedures to ensure records are retrievable in case of data loss or corruption.
  • Retention and Disposal:

    • Define retention periods for different types of records based on legal, regulatory, and business requirements.
    • Ensure secure disposal of records that are no longer needed, using methods that prevent unauthorised recovery.
  • Audit and Monitoring:

    • Regularly audit and monitor record management practices to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
    • Maintain logs of access and modifications to records for accountability and traceability.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.5.33? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

Develop Policies and Procedures

Challenges: Ensuring policies are comprehensive and align with regulatory requirements can be complex. Achieving buy-in from all stakeholders may also be challenging.

Solutions:

  • Utilise ISMS.online’s Policy Templates and Policy Pack to create comprehensive policies that meet compliance requirements.
  • Ensure stakeholder involvement through collaborative tools for policy development.
  • Conduct regular reviews and updates to policies to keep them aligned with changing regulations and organisational needs.

Compliance Checklist:

Create comprehensive policies for record protection using ISMS.online’s Policy Templates.

Bundle necessary policies with Policy Pack for thorough coverage.

Implement Version Control to track policy changes.

Ensure stakeholder involvement through collaborative tools for policy development.

Training and Awareness

Challenges: Ensuring all employees are adequately trained and aware of the importance of record protection is often difficult. Resistance to change and keeping training up-to-date are common issues.

Solutions:

  • Implement training programmes using ISMS.online’s Training Modules and Training Tracking features to deliver continuous education and monitor compliance.
  • Use engaging training methods and materials to overcome resistance to change.
  • Schedule regular refresher courses to keep training up-to-date.

Compliance Checklist:

Implement training programmes with Training Modules to educate employees on record protection.

Track training completion and effectiveness with Training Tracking.

Conduct regular awareness sessions to reinforce the importance of record protection.

Technology Integration

Challenges: Integrating new technologies with existing systems can be technically challenging and costly. Ensuring compatibility and seamless operation without disrupting business processes is crucial.

Solutions:

  • Leverage ISMS.online’s Document Management and Backup solutions to enhance record protection through secure storage, version control, and automated backup systems.
  • Conduct thorough compatibility testing before integration.
  • Plan for phased implementation to minimise disruption.

Compliance Checklist:

Utilise ISMS.online’s Document Management system for secure record storage.

Implement Backup solutions to ensure data is retrievable in case of loss or corruption.

Ensure compatibility and seamless integration with existing systems.

Regular Review and Improvement

Challenges: Regularly reviewing and updating practices to adapt to new threats, technologies, and regulatory changes requires continuous effort and resources. Identifying and addressing gaps effectively can be challenging.

Solutions:

  • Use ISMS.online’s Audit Management features, including Audit Templates, Audit Plan, and Corrective Actions, to conduct regular reviews and ensure continuous improvement.
  • Establish a feedback mechanism to gather input from users and stakeholders.
  • Set up a schedule for regular audits and reviews.

Compliance Checklist:

Use Audit Templates to plan and conduct regular audits on record protection practices.

Schedule audits using the Audit Plan feature to ensure continuous monitoring.

Track and implement Corrective Actions identified during audits for continuous improvement.


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ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.5.33

  • Policy Management:

    • Policy Templates: Access to pre-built templates for creating policies related to record protection.
    • Policy Pack: Bundled policy packs that ensure all aspects of record management are covered.
    • Version Control: Track changes and maintain a history of policy updates.
  • Documentation:

    • Doc Templates: Use templates for documenting procedures and controls related to record protection.
    • Version Control: Ensure all documentation is up-to-date and historical versions are maintained for reference.
    • Collaboration: Facilitate team collaboration in developing and maintaining documentation.
  • Access Control:

    • Document Access: Control access to sensitive records and documentation within the platform.
    • Identity Management: Manage user identities and access rights to ensure only authorised personnel have access to records.
  • Audit Management:

    • Audit Templates: Use templates to plan and conduct audits focused on record protection.
    • Audit Plan: Schedule and manage audits to ensure regular review of record management practices.
    • Corrective Actions: Track and manage corrective actions identified during audits.
  • Incident Management:

    • Incident Tracker: Record and manage incidents related to record protection breaches.
    • Workflow: Define workflows for handling incidents, ensuring timely and effective response.
  • Risk Management:

    • Risk Bank: Maintain a repository of risks related to record protection.
    • Dynamic Risk Map: Visualise risks and their impact on record protection.
    • Risk Monitoring: Continuously monitor risks and implement mitigating controls.

Detailed Annex A.5.33 Compliance Checklist

Record Identification and Classification

Identify and classify records based on sensitivity and importance.

Implement labelling and handling procedures for proper identification.

Access Control

Define and enforce access controls to restrict unauthorised access to records.

Use Identity Management to manage user access rights and ensure only authorised personnel can handle records.

Integrity Protection

Implement digital signatures, checksums, or other methods to verify the integrity of records.

Regularly review and update integrity protection measures to adapt to new threats.

Storage and Backup

Store records in secure physical or digital locations.

Implement automated backup procedures to ensure records are retrievable in case of data loss.

Retention and Disposal

Define retention periods for records based on legal, regulatory, and business requirements.

Ensure secure disposal of records that are no longer needed, preventing unauthorised recovery.

Audit and Monitoring

Regularly audit and monitor record management practices.

Maintain logs of access and modifications to records for accountability and traceability.

Use ISMS.online’s Audit Management features to streamline the audit process.

By following this comprehensive guide, leveraging ISMS.online features, and adhering to the detailed compliance checklist, organisations can effectively demonstrate compliance with A.5.33 Protection of Records. This ensures robust and effective record management practices while overcoming common implementation challenges.


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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.5.33

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Let us show you how our comprehensive suite of tools can support your journey to secure, compliant, and efficient information management.

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