ISO 27001 Annex A 5.13 Labelling Of Information

ISO 27001 Annex A 5.13 Labelling Of Information

ISO 27001 Annex A 5.13 is all about labeling information. This rule is a key part of your security plan. It makes sure that important data is clearly marked. This helps people know how to handle and share it safely. It also helps computers handle data the right way.


What You Need to Do

  • Make a plan: You must create a set of rules for labeling. This plan should tell you how to label information. It should also cover both paper and digital files.
  • Give training: Everyone who works for your company needs to know how to label things. They also need to know what to do with data once it is labeled.
  • Use metadata: For digital files, you should use metadata. This is data about data. It helps a computer know what a file is and how to handle it. The new rule from 2022 says you must do this.
  • Be careful: Sometimes, labeling something as “secret” can be bad. It can make it easier for people who want to steal data to find it. You should think about this when you make your plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does an auditor check?

An auditor will check that you have a plan for labeling. They will also make sure that you have trained your staff on how to use it. They will look at your documents to see that they are labeled correctly.

Are there changes to this clause?

Yes. The new 2022 version of the rule adds a key point. It says that you must use metadata. The old rule just listed it as a good idea.

Who is in charge of this?

The person in charge of your data assets is in charge of making sure this rule is followed.


This video explains how to implement ISO 27001 Annex A 5.13 and what an auditor will check for.

ISO 27001 Annex A 5.13 Labelling Of Information (inc metadata) Explained