Changes in ISO 27001 Organization Control A.5.12 Classification of Information from 2013 to 2022

Welcome back to Kimova AI’s ISO 27001 auditing series. In our previous article, we explored the changes in Control A.5.11: Return of Assets. Today, we will delve into Control A.5.12: Classification of Information, comparing the 2013 version with the 2022 version, and highlighting the similarities and differences.

Control A.5.12: Classification of Information

Control A.5.12 focuses on ensuring that information is appropriately classified to safeguard its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. This control helps organizations manage and protect information based on its sensitivity and criticality.

Key Changes in A.5.12

1. Expanded Classification Criteria
   • 2013 Version: The 2013 version required organizations to classify information but provided limited guidance on the criteria for classification.
   • 2022 Version: The 2022 update expands on the criteria for information classification, including more detailed guidance on factors such as sensitivity, legal and regulatory requirements, and business impact. This ensures a more comprehensive approach to classification.
2. Formalized Classification Procedures
   • 2013 Version: The previous version emphasized the need for classification but did not provide detailed procedures for how classification should be conducted and maintained.
   • 2022 Version: The updated version mandates formalized procedures for classifying information. This includes defining roles and responsibilities, establishing classification levels, and detailing processes for reviewing and updating classifications as necessary.
3. Integration with Risk Management
   • 2013 Version: There was an implicit requirement to consider risk in the classification process, but it was not explicitly stated.
   • 2022 Version: The 2022 update explicitly integrates information classification with the organization’s risk management processes. This ensures that classification decisions are aligned with the organization’s risk profile and mitigation strategies.
4. Increased Focus on User Awareness
   • 2013 Version: The previous version mentioned the importance of users being aware of classification policies, but did not emphasize training and awareness programs.
   • 2022 Version: The updated version places a greater emphasis on user awareness and training. It requires organizations to conduct regular training and awareness programs to ensure that all employees understand the classification policies and their responsibilities in handling classified information.

Implications of These Changes

1. More Detailed and Accurate Classification
   • The expanded classification criteria and formalized procedures ensure that information is classified more accurately and comprehensively. This detailed approach helps in protecting information based on its specific sensitivity and criticality.
2. Alignment with Risk Management
   • By integrating classification with risk management processes, organizations can make more informed decisions about how to protect their information. This alignment helps in identifying and mitigating risks associated with different types of information.
3. Enhanced User Understanding
   • The increased focus on user awareness and training ensures that all employees understand the importance of information classification and their role in maintaining it. This awareness helps in reducing the risk of mishandling classified information and improving overall information security.
4. Consistent and Up-to-Date Classification
   • The requirement for formalized procedures and regular reviews ensures that information classification remains consistent and up-to-date. This consistency is crucial for maintaining the effectiveness of classification policies and adapting to changes in the organization’s information landscape.

Conclusion

The updates to Control A.5.12 in ISO 27001:2022 emphasize a more detailed, formalized, and integrated approach to information classification. By expanding the classification criteria, formalizing procedures, integrating with risk management, and increasing user awareness, the standard helps organizations protect their information more effectively based on its sensitivity and criticality.

In our next article, we will explore Control A.5.13: Labelling of Information. Stay tuned for more insights and practical tips from Kimova AI as we continue to unravel the updates in ISO 27001:2022.

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