ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.4 Checklist Guide •

ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 7.4 Checklist Guide

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By Max Edwards | Updated 15 August 2024

Implementing a checklist for A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring ensures systematic adherence to ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standards, enhancing the effectiveness of security measures and facilitating continuous improvement. Achieving compliance not only safeguards physical assets but also strengthens overall information security and operational integrity.

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ISO 27001 A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring Checklist

A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring is a critical control within ISO/IEC 27001:2022 that ensures the security of physical environments through continuous and effective monitoring. This control focuses on detecting and responding to unauthorised access, breaches, and other security incidents in real-time.

Effective implementation of A.7.4 helps organisations protect their physical assets, maintain the integrity of their information systems, and ensure the safety of personnel.

In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the key aspects of A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring, outline common challenges faced by CISOs, and provide solutions for each challenge. Additionally, we will provide a detailed compliance checklist and explore how ISMS.online features can be leveraged to demonstrate compliance effectively.


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Why Should You Comply With Annex A.7.4? Key Aspects and Common Challenges

Monitoring Measures

    Common Challenges:

    • High implementation costs for surveillance systems and advanced sensors.
    • Integration issues with existing security infrastructure.
    • Ensuring comprehensive coverage without blind spots.

  • Solutions:

    • Scalable Implementation: Start with high-priority areas and expand as budget allows.
    • Infrastructure Assessment: Conduct thorough assessments to integrate new systems with minimal disruption.
    • Regular Site Assessments: Identify and eliminate blind spots to ensure full coverage.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 8: Operation.

Incident Detection

    Common Challenges:

    • Difficulty in promptly identifying and distinguishing real incidents from false alarms.
    • Ensuring timely reporting and logging of incidents.
    • Training security personnel effectively to recognise and report incidents.

  • Solutions:

    • Advanced Analytics: Use machine learning to differentiate between real incidents and false alarms.
    • Automated Systems: Implement automated incident reporting and logging.
    • Regular Training Programmes: Conduct comprehensive training, including simulations and drills.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 8.2: Risk Assessment.

Response Procedures

    Common Challenges:

    • Developing clear, actionable response procedures that are understood and followed by all relevant personnel.
    • Regularly updating and testing response procedures to keep them effective.
    • Coordinating responses across different teams and locations.


  • Solutions:

    • Detailed Procedures: Develop with input from all stakeholders.
    • Regular Updates and Tests: Schedule reviews and updates, incorporating lessons learned.
    • Centralised Coordination: Establish a centralised incident response team.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 8.3: Risk Treatment.

Access Control Integration

    Common Challenges:

    • Integrating physical security monitoring systems with access control systems smoothly.
    • Managing and auditing access logs effectively to ensure they are accurate and useful.
    • Ensuring that integration does not compromise the performance or security of either system.

  • Solutions:

    • Compatible Systems: Choose systems designed for seamless integration or use middleware.
    • Automated Log Management: Implement solutions for accuracy and ease of auditing.
    • Regular Assessments: Conduct performance and security assessments to avoid vulnerabilities.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 9.1: Monitoring, Measurement, Analysis and Evaluation.

Data Retention and Analysis

    Common Challenges:

    • Balancing the need for data retention with privacy concerns and regulatory requirements.
    • Storing and managing large volumes of surveillance data securely and efficiently.
    • Analysing data effectively to identify patterns and improve security measures.

  • Solutions:

    • Clear Retention Policies: Ensure compliance with regulatory requirements and balance privacy concerns.
    • Secure Storage Solutions: Use cloud-based services with encryption and access controls.
    • Advanced Analytics Tools: Regularly review and analyse monitoring data for actionable insights.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 7.5: Documented Information.

Continuous Improvement

    Common Challenges:

    • Establishing a culture of continual improvement and learning from incidents.
    • Implementing feedback mechanisms that provide actionable insights.
    • Keeping up with evolving security threats and adapting measures accordingly.

  • Solutions:

    • Culture Promotion: Regular training, awareness programmes, and leadership support.
    • Structured Feedback Mechanisms: Post-incident reviews and regular performance audits.
    • Threat Intelligence Services: Stay informed and adapt security measures proactively.
  • Related ISO 27001 Clauses:

    • Clause 10: Improvement.


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ISMS.online Features for Demonstrating Compliance with A.7.4

  • Incident Management:

    • Incident Tracker: Use this feature to log and track physical security incidents, ensuring prompt detection and documentation.
    • Workflow: Manage response procedures effectively with predefined workflows for handling incidents.
    • Notifications: Configure automatic notifications to alert relevant personnel immediately upon detection of a security incident.
    • Reporting: Generate detailed reports on incidents and responses for review and continuous improvement.
  • Audit Management:

    • Audit Templates: Utilise customisable audit templates to periodically review and assess the effectiveness of physical security monitoring measures.
    • Audit Plan: Schedule and manage audits to ensure regular evaluation of physical security controls.
    • Corrective Actions: Document and track corrective actions to address any weaknesses identified during audits.
  • Compliance Management:

    • Regs Database: Access a comprehensive database of regulations and standards to ensure compliance with legal and organisational requirements for physical security monitoring.
    • Alert System: Stay informed about changes in regulations and standards that may impact physical security measures.
    • Reporting: Generate compliance reports to demonstrate adherence to A.7.4 and other relevant controls.
  • Documentation Management:

    • Doc Templates: Create and maintain documentation for physical security policies, procedures, and monitoring systems.
    • Version Control: Manage document versions to ensure that the latest procedures and policies are always in use.
    • Collaboration: Enable collaborative creation and review of documents related to physical security monitoring.
  • Training and Awareness:

    • Training Modules: Develop and deliver training programmes for security personnel on monitoring measures, incident detection, and response procedures.
    • Training Tracking: Monitor and record the completion of training programmes to ensure all personnel are adequately prepared.
    • Assessment: Evaluate the effectiveness of training through assessments and feedback mechanisms.
  • Performance Tracking:

    • KPI Tracking: Define and track key performance indicators related to physical security monitoring, such as response times and incident resolution rates.
    • Trend Analysis: Analyse trends in security incidents and responses to identify areas for improvement and enhance overall security measures.

By leveraging these ISMS.online features, organisations can effectively demonstrate compliance with A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring, ensuring robust security measures are in place, well-documented, and continuously improved.

Detailed Annex A.7.4 Compliance Checklist

Monitoring Measures

  • Implement CCTV cameras at all critical entry points and sensitive areas.
  • Install motion detectors and alarms in key locations.
  • Ensure comprehensive coverage without blind spots.
  • Regularly test and maintain all monitoring equipment.

Incident Detection

  • Establish a process for prompt incident detection and logging.
  • Train security personnel on recognising and reporting suspicious activities.
  • Implement a system to distinguish between real incidents and false alarms.
  • Ensure timely reporting of all incidents.

Response Procedures

  • Define clear response procedures for physical security incidents.
  • Communicate response procedures to all relevant personnel.
  • Regularly test and update response procedures.
  • Coordinate response efforts across different teams and locations.

Access Control Integration

  • Integrate monitoring systems with access control systems.
  • Maintain accurate logs of access events.
  • Regularly audit access logs to ensure accuracy.
  • Ensure the integration does not compromise system performance or security.

Data Retention and Analysis

  • Retain surveillance footage and incident logs for a defined period.
  • Ensure data retention practices comply with legal and organisational requirements.
  • Store surveillance data securely and efficiently.
  • Regularly analyse monitoring data to identify patterns and improve security measures.

Continuous Improvement

  • Establish a culture of continual improvement in physical security.
  • Implement feedback mechanisms for actionable insights.
  • Regularly review and update physical security policies and controls.
  • Adapt security measures to address evolving threats.

By following this compliance checklist, organisations can systematically address the challenges and demonstrate adherence to the requirements of A.7.4 Physical Security Monitoring in ISO/IEC 27001:2022.


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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.7.4

Ready to take your physical security monitoring to the next level? Contact ISMS.online today and book a demo to see how our comprehensive suite of tools can help you achieve and maintain compliance with ISO/IEC 27001:2022.

Our platform is designed to simplify the implementation of robust security measures, streamline compliance management, and ensure continuous improvement.

Reach out to our team directly to schedule your personalised demo. Let us help you secure your organisation’s physical environment and enhance your overall security posture.

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