ISO27001 Annex A.18 – Compliance

In today’s digital world, data security is a priority for businesses of all sizes and industries. To ensure that your data is secure, you need to comply with the requirements of the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 27001 Annex A.18. Compliance with this standard can be complex, so it's beneficial to enlist the help of a cybersecurity consultant who has the expertise and experience necessary to ensure that your company is in compliance with the ISO standards.


What Is ISO 27001 Annex A.18?

SO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard for effective management and security of information with Annex A.18 covering compliance, which is important to ensuring effective data protection. It provides specific controls that require organisations to ensure they are equipped and capable of adhering to any applicable industry requirements or regulations. This post outlines the benefits of achieving A.18 control as well as providing a straightforward step-by-step guide on how to meet one particular control – A18.1.3 Protection of Records – that is applicable to most businesses, what documents, templates and evidence should be prepared for it, as well as how to present your evidence to auditors and how Periculo can help in this process.

The Benefits

By implementing Annex A.18 you will be able make sure your organisation meets the legal requirements set out in its operating country or jurisdiction along with any other industry requirements or regulatory standards which are applicable to your business operations and data protection procedures.

An efficient compliance system enables you to identify any areas where improvements need to be made before they become bigger issues, such as costly fines or damaging reputation damage due to non-compliance with legislation or regulation violations; resulting in improved client relationships and trust regarding their personal data processing activities by themselves and third parties.

Additionally, compliance also helps improve internal processes by making sure each department is following the same methodologies when collecting, storing, accessing and disposing customer information; reducing potential risks from negligence caused by human error or malicious activities from internal personnel actions (employee theft etc). In addition, regular internal reviews can increase staff awareness about current/future changes regarding regulations & what importance does it hold for the company operations and eventually overall increased satisfaction for customers & stakeholders alike.

Meeting A18.1.3 - Protection of records

Organisations must put in place appropriate measures for protecting records creating during their information life cycle (ILC). This includes processes related to collection, storage and use within their operational environment ensuring against accidental alteration & unauthorised access while meeting legal obligations and regulatory standards:

  • Prepare documentation showing the relevant rules that are applicable to specific types of records e.g age limits on certain subjects etc
  • Ensure secure storage systems are implemented including physical & digital repositories with defined access levels based upon personnel roles/responsibilities
  • Develop policies & procedures outlining rules & guidelines on who has authorisation over information assets & sensitive information
  • Make sure all employees receive sufficient training on handling confidential information correctly both physically & digitally throughout its ILC
  • Establish a system for recording all successful attempts at accesses/alterations but also failed attempts that have been blocked due ro lack permission
  • Review security systems periodically by running vulnerability scans ee4i Inaccurate Access Control tests etc

Documents Templates and Evidence Needed | How To Show And Present Evidence To Auditors | How Periculo Can Help

In order for businesses seeking compliance with Annex A 18 control it’s important that they develop comprehensive documentation outlining all policies processes advise members on appropriate methods for handling sensitivity related matters alongside backup plans if those processes fail; examples include Information Security Management System (ISMS) Policy Statement , Acceptable Use Policy , Data Protection Impact Assessments , Information Destruction Procedures etc. Additionally Businesses should create detailed audit logs showing authorised users attempting unauthorised access attempts (both blocked so unsuccessful) as well as who requests specific documents whenever personal details are requested; all these plus much more will form part of the required evidence package when presenting your case before either certifying authorities or Internal Audits.


A certified cybersecurity consultant can provide assistance throughout the entire process of achieving compliance with ISO 27001 Annex A.18, from initial assessment through implementation of the ISMS framework across your organisation’s systems. This involves assessing any existing controls you may have in place as well as identifying any vulnerabilities or areas where your existing measures are inadequate or incomplete. The consultant will then work with you to develop an ISMS strategy tailored to your specific needs, ensuring that all required elements are included in order to meet the standard’s requirements. This includes creating policies and procedures related to access control, authentication, incident response, encryption and other aspects of information security management. The consultant will also provide ongoing support throughout the implementation process by conducting regular audits and reviewing system logs for any potential incidents or suspicious activity.

Once the system is fully implemented, the consultant can provide ongoing support by monitoring system logs for any potential issues or vulnerabilities that may arise over time as technology evolves or new threats emerge in cyberspace . . They can also provide advice on ways to improve existing systems or implement additional measures designed to reduce risk levels even further than required by ISO standards alone.. Furthermore, many consultants offer training services designed to educate staff on how best to use their organization’s ISMS; this helps ensure that everyone in your organization understands how important it is to adhere to best practices when it comes to protecting sensitive data from unauthorized access or misuse.


ISO 27001 Annex A 18 compliance can be an intimidating task for those unfamiliar with cybersecurity protocols; however enlisting our help can make compliance much easier while increasing confidence in knowing that you have taken all necessary steps towards protecting your organisation’s sensitive data from malicious actors online. Not only do they have expertise in implementing a robust ISMS framework but they also have extensive knowledge about emerging threats in cyberspace which allows them to adapt quickly when necessary. With their help, you can rest assured knowing that you are taking all necessary precautions when it comes securing your business' data.