Kimova AI ISO 27001 Auditing Series Physical Control A.7.9 Security of Assets Off-Premises

In today’s article at Kimova AI ISO 27001 auditing series, we explore Physical Control A.7.9: Security of Assets Off-Premises, which focuses on ensuring the security of organizational assets when they are located off-site, such as during remote work or business travel.

Control A.7.9: Security of Assets Off-Premises

This control addresses the protection of physical and information assets outside the organization’s premises, such as laptops, mobile devices, and important documentation. It ensures that assets remain secure, even when employees are working remotely or traveling.

Key Aspects of Control A.7.9

1. Establish Guidelines for Remote Asset Use
   • Explanation: Organizations should create clear policies on how assets should be handled when used off-premises.
   • Example: A software company provides employees with guidelines on using encrypted VPNs when accessing sensitive data from their laptops while working remotely.
2. Physical Security for Off-Site Assets
   • Explanation: Physical safeguards, such as using secure storage locations or carrying devices in locked cases, help protect assets.
   • Example: A sales representative is required to store their company laptop in a locked drawer in their hotel room when not in use during business trips.
3. Use of Encryption
   • Explanation: Data on devices used outside the office should be encrypted to ensure that even if a device is stolen, the information is protected.
   • Example: A consulting firm mandates full-disk encryption for all employee laptops to prevent unauthorized access in case of theft.
4. Regular Auditing of Asset Locations
   • Explanation: Organizations should periodically audit the location and condition of off-premises assets to ensure their security.
   • Example: An IT firm conducts quarterly checks to confirm that all mobile devices used by remote workers are accounted for and meet security requirements.
5. Incident Reporting for Lost or Stolen Assets
   • Explanation: Clear procedures must be in place to report any lost or stolen assets immediately.
   • Example: A project manager reports the theft of their company phone to the IT department, which immediately locks and wipes the device remotely.
6. Securing Backup Media
   • Explanation: Backup media, such as external hard drives, used off-premises should be securely stored and encrypted.
   • Example: An engineering firm ensures that all portable backup drives are kept in secure safes when taken off-site for disaster recovery purposes.
7. Controlled Access to Sensitive Information
   • Explanation: Employees working remotely should only have access to the information necessary for their work, limiting exposure to sensitive data.
   • Example: A legal firm restricts access to sensitive client documents for its remote workers, allowing only those handling the specific case to view the files.

Conclusion

Physical Control A.7.9: Security of Assets Off-Premises emphasizes the need to maintain robust security measures when assets are outside the organization’s controlled environment. By implementing clear guidelines, using encryption, and ensuring physical security, organizations can safeguard their information and devices while off-premises.

In the next article, we will discuss Physical Control A.7.10: Storage Media, focusing on how organizations should protect and manage various types of storage media, including backup drives and removable media.

For more details on how Kimova AI can assist with compliance and asset security, visit Kimova.AI.

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