ISO 27001 – Control 5.14 – Information Transfer
Control 5.14 Wording
Control 5.14 – information transfer states “Information transfer rules, procedures, or agreements should be in place for all types of transfer facilities within the organization and between the organization and other parties”.
What this means
Control 5.15 – information transfer is aiming to ensure that any information transfer processes are robust and secure and available to all within the organisation. The most obvious means of data transfer is email but there is also the consideration of how you transfer files both within the organisation and outside of it.
Why Information Transfer Security Matters
Think of information transfer like a package delivery system. Just as you wouldn’t send valuable jewelry in a transparent envelope through regular mail, you shouldn’t transfer sensitive business information without proper protection. Every time information moves – whether electronically, physically, or verbally – it becomes vulnerable to interception, modification, or loss.
The Three Pillars of Information Transfer
1. Electronic Transfer
Most information transfer happen digitally these days. Control 5.14 addresses several critical aspects:
- Protection against malware in electronic communications
- Secure handling of sensitive attachments
- Prevention of misdirected communications
- Strict controls over public services (instant messaging, social media, cloud storage)
- Enhanced authentication for public network transfers
- Careful management of automated forwarding and messaging services
2. Physical Media Transfer
Where physical transfer of information occurs, key requirements include:
- Clear chain of custody protocols
- Secure packaging requirements
- Verified courier services
- Tamper-evident containers for sensitive materials
- Detailed logging of transfers
- Proper environmental protection for storage media
3. Verbal Communication
Often overlooked but equally important, verbal transfer of information needs its own security controls:
- Awareness of surroundings during confidential conversations
- Careful management of voicemail messages
- Proper screening of participants
- Implementation of appropriate room controls
- Use of classification disclaimers for sensitive discussions
Best Practices for Implementation
To effectively implement Control 5.14, organisations should:
- Develop clear transfer policies and procedures
- Establish formal agreements with external parties
- Implement appropriate technical controls
- Train personnel on secure transfer practices
- Regularly review and update transfer controls
- Maintain detailed transfer logs where required
- Consider legal and regulatory requirements.
The Role of Classification
Information classification plays a crucial role in transfer security. Different classification levels require different security measures:
- Higher classification = stronger controls
- Clear labeling systems
- Immediate understanding of handling requirements
- Appropriate protection measures for each level
Looking Ahead
As technology evolves and threats become more sophisticated, information transfer security must adapt. Organisations should regularly review and update their transfer controls to address new risks and technologies while maintaining compliance with relevant regulations.
Conclusion
Information transfer security isn’t just about protecting data – it’s about maintaining business continuity, preserving customer trust, and ensuring regulatory compliance. By implementing Control 5.14’s comprehensive framework, organisations can create a robust defence against information transfer risks while enabling efficient business operations.
Remember: Security in transfer isn’t about building walls – it’s about building secure channels that allow information to flow safely and efficiently.
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