What is ISO 27001 Annex A 5.19 in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 5.19 requires a documented process to protect assets accessible by suppliers. Organisations must integrate security requirements into contracts using internal tools. This control ensures consistent protection levels across the supply chain. Management must maintain oversight within native document repositories like SharePoint.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Automated SaaS compliance platforms often fail to capture true supplier risk. These tools provide a “green tick” for uploading a contract. However: they decouple the security review from your daily procurement workflow. Auditors want to see actual management intent. We prefer evidence within your native systems: such as Jira or SharePoint. Using these tools proves that your team actively evaluates suppliers. “Black Box” platforms hide the human oversight required by ISO 27001. True compliance lives in your internal document history.
Transition Table (2013 vs 2022)
| ISO 27001:2013 Control | ISO 27001:2022 Control | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| A.15.1.1 Information security policy for supplier relationships | 5.19 Information security in supplier relationships | Simplified numbering. Focus remains on contractual security requirements. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 5.19 (Step-by-Step)
Effective implementation requires integrating security rules into your existing procurement tools. This approach creates a sustainable security culture. Use SharePoint and Jira to manage the full supplier lifecycle.
- Map Suppliers: Identify every third party with access to sensitive data. Record these in a SharePoint list.
- Assess Risk: Use Jira tickets to conduct security evaluations for new vendors. Document the findings manually.
- Contract Templates: Create standard security clauses in Confluence. Attach these to every new supplier agreement.
- Authorise Access: Require manager sign-off before granting a supplier system access. Store the approval in Jira.
- Review Performance: Set recurring tasks in Outlook to review supplier security. Document results in SharePoint.
ISO 27001 Annex A 5.19 Audit Evidence Checklist
Auditors look for manual records that prove human oversight. Internal document versions provide the strongest evidence of compliance. Focus on these items:
- Supplier inventory in SharePoint with assigned risk levels.
- Executed contracts containing specific security and audit clauses.
- Jira workflow history for supplier onboarding and risk assessment.
- Signed NDAs for all third parties accessing organisational information.
- Internal meeting minutes regarding supplier performance and security issues.
Relational Mapping
Annex A 5.19 depends on Clause 5.9 (Inventory of Information). It directly supports Clause 5.20 (Addressing Information Security within Supplier Agreements). It also informs Clause 5.21 (Managing Information Security in the ICT Supply Chain). These dependencies ensure a unified approach to third-party risk management.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you ensure suppliers follow your security rules?
User: We include mandatory security annexes in every contract via SharePoint.
Auditor: Where do you record the security risk of a new vendor?
User: We use a Jira onboarding ticket to document the risk assessment.
Auditor: How do you handle a supplier who fails a security review?
User: The line manager documents the remedial actions within the Jira ticket history.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Reason for Failure |
|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS platform’s “automated” score without internal verification. |
| Missing Security Clauses | Failing to include specific security requirements in high-risk supplier contracts. |
| Lack of Inventory | No central record of suppliers accessing sensitive organisational data. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001 Annex A 5.19?
Bottom Line Up Front: Annex A 5.19 requires organisations to define and document security requirements for suppliers. It ensures that third parties protect organisational assets. You must integrate these rules into contracts and daily operations. Effective management relies on internal document-based systems for oversight.
How do you manage supplier security risks?
Bottom Line Up Front: Organisations should use risk assessments to categorise suppliers. Map these assessments within Jira or SharePoint. High-risk suppliers require stricter contractual clauses and regular audits. This approach ensures security remains proportional to the services provided.
What evidence do auditors need for supplier relationships?
Bottom Line Up Front: Auditors require signed contracts containing security annexes and completed risk assessments. They look for meeting minutes proving regular supplier reviews. Evidence should reside in internal repositories like SharePoint. This proves management ownership and daily operational control.