Implementing Effective Information Labelling Procedures
Information labelling is an essential aspect of an organisation’s information security strategy, ensuring that data is accurately classified, communicated, and managed, so that’s where ISO 27001 control 5.13 comes in. By developing and implementing well-defined labelling procedures aligned with the organisation’s classification scheme, businesses can enhance both manual and automated data handling processes.
Table of Contents
Purpose of Information Labelling
The primary objectives of information labelling are to:
- Clearly communicate the classification and sensitivity of information.
- Facilitate secure handling, storage, and sharing of data across all formats.
- Support automated processing and management of information within the organisation.
Developing Comprehensive Labelling Procedures
Labelling procedures should address all formats of information and associated assets, ensuring they align with the organisation’s classification scheme. Key considerations include:
1. Scope of Labelling Procedures
- Applicability: Define how labelling applies to various formats, including electronic, physical, and other data types.
- Omissions: Specify instances where labelling may not be required (e.g., non-confidential information) to reduce unnecessary workloads.
- Handling Limitations: Establish protocols for cases where labelling is technically challenging or infeasible.
2. Labelling Techniques
Effective labelling techniques include:
- Physical Labels: Tags or stickers for documents and devices.
- Headers and Footers: Displayed classification information at the top or bottom of documents.
- Metadata: Embedded digital tags that define data classification and other key attributes.
- Watermarking: Visible markings to highlight the sensitivity of documents.
- Rubber Stamps: Traditional stamps for marking physical documents.
3. Metadata for Digital Assets
- Leverage metadata to manage and control digital information, particularly for confidentiality requirements.
- Enable efficient searches and support automated systems in making decisions based on classification labels.
- Define clear processes for attaching metadata to digital assets in alignment with the organisation’s ICT architecture and information model.
Implementing and Managing Labelling Procedures
1. Training and Awareness
- Provide all personnel with training on the importance of information labelling and its role in information security.
- Ensure employees understand how to correctly label and handle classified information.
2. Ensuring Accurate System Outputs
- Systems generating classified information must include appropriate classification labels on all outputs, especially for sensitive or critical data.
3. Enhancing Metadata Use
- Add relevant metadata to classified information, such as:
- The organisational process responsible for creating the data.
- The date and time of creation.
- Use metadata to improve accountability and ensure traceability within information systems.
Addressing Challenges in Information Labelling
1. Mitigating Risks of Labelling
- Visibility to Threat Actors: Labelling sensitive information can inadvertently highlight it as a target for malicious actors. Implement additional security controls to mitigate this risk.
2. Overcoming System Limitations
- Some systems may not label individual files or database records but instead protect all data at the highest classification level within the system. In these cases:
- Determine the appropriate classification level upon data export.
- Ensure exported data is correctly labelled to reflect its classification.
FAQs
What is the purpose of Control 5.13 in ISO 27001?
Control 5.13 ensures that information is appropriately labelled based on its sensitivity and required level of protection. This helps users know how to handle, store, and share information correctly.
What types of information should be labelled?
Any information that needs protection, such as:
– Confidential business data
– Personal or sensitive personal data
– Intellectual property
– Internal-use-only documents
Labels can apply to both physical and digital formats.
What should an information label include?
Labels typically include:
– Classification level (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted)
– Owner or source
– Handling instructions (e.g., do not share externally)
Optional: Retention period or security markings (like “Encrypt before sending”)
How does labelling help in protecting information?
It provides clear guidance to users about:
– Who can access the information
– How it should be shared or stored
– Whether extra protections like encryption or deletion schedules are needed
Labelling also supports accountability and auditability.
Is labelling required for compliance with laws like GDPR?
While GDPR doesn’t explicitly require labelling, it does require appropriate security measures and data classification. Labelling helps meet these requirements by ensuring personal data is easily identifiable and properly handled.
Conclusion
A robust and well-implemented information labelling system is crucial for ensuring data security and efficient information management. By aligning labelling procedures with the organisation’s classification scheme, providing comprehensive training, and addressing potential challenges, organisations can safeguard sensitive information while enhancing operational efficiency and compliance.
