What is ISO 27001 Annex A 5.14 in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 5.14 defines the requirements for secure information transfer. It is a documented process integrated into your primary business tools. The control requires rules: procedures: and agreements to protect information during transit. It covers all electronic: physical: and verbal transfers of data.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Generic SaaS compliance platforms often provide a “standard” transfer policy that ignores your actual technical setup. Auditors easily spot this lack of management ownership. We want to see how you manage transfers using your native tools like SharePoint or Jira. Showing a version-controlled agreement template in your internal DBMS carries more weight than a dashboard tick. Reliance on external “black box” portals often leads to surface-level compliance. Real security requires internal records that prove staff understand and follow the specific rules you have set.
Transition Table (2013 vs 2022)
| ISO 27001:2013 Control | ISO 27001:2022 Control | Summary of Change |
|---|---|---|
| A.13.2.1: A.13.2.2: A.13.2.3 | 5.14 Information Transfer | Merged three controls into one. Simplifies the management of transfer policies and agreements. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 5.14 (Step-by-Step)
Successful implementation requires moving away from software installations toward cultural change. Lead with the core requirement of establishing clear: documented transfer rules. Use your existing infrastructure to govern how data moves between parties. Answer-first: you must define your transfer protocols before selecting any specific encryption tool.
- Map Data Flows: Identify where sensitive data leaves your environment. Use a simple list in SharePoint.
- Create Policies: Write your Information Transfer Policy. Store it in a version-controlled internal document repository.
- Develop Agreements: Use Confluence to host standard transfer agreement templates. Ensure these include specific security clauses.
- Build Approval Workflows: Configure Jira tasks for high-risk transfers. Require manager sign-off before data moves.
- Monitor and Audit: Regularly review transfer logs. Document these reviews in your monthly security meeting minutes.
ISO 27001 Annex A 5.14 Audit Evidence Checklist
Focus on manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and intent. The auditor will look for the following items:
- Information Transfer Policy hosted on the company intranet.
- Standard Transfer Agreement templates with clear version history.
- Executed agreements with third-party partners and vendors.
- Jira tickets documenting the review and approval of sensitive transfers.
- Training logs showing staff have read the transfer procedures.
Relational Mapping
Annex A 5.14 depends on Clause 5.12 (Classification of Information). Labelling determines the security level required for a transfer. It supports Clause 5.24 (Information Security in Supplier Relationships) by defining transfer rules. Finally: it links to Clause 8.24 (Use of Cryptography) for technical protection requirements during transit.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you ensure a third party handles your data securely?
User: We use a standard transfer agreement template from our SharePoint DBMS.
Auditor: Who authorises the transfer of highly confidential database exports?
User: The Information Asset Owner must approve the Jira ticket before we proceed.
Auditor: Where are the rules for physical media transfer documented?
User: They are in our Information Transfer Policy stored on the company wiki.
Common Non-Conformities
| Non-Conformity | Audit Description |
|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS platform to “manage” compliance without internal procedural evidence or human oversight. |
| Missing Agreements | Transferring sensitive data to third parties without a documented transfer agreement or NDA. |
| Inconsistent Policy | Having a policy that does not reflect actual technical transfer methods used by employees. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001 Annex A 5.14?
Bottom Line Up Front: Annex A 5.14 requires organisations to establish rules: procedures: and agreements for transferring information. This applies to all communication facilities and internal or external parties. It ensures data remains protected during transit. Implementation focuses on policy: technical controls: and documented agreements.
How do you manage information transfer agreements?
Bottom Line Up Front: Agreements should address the security requirements of the information being moved. Use standard templates stored in SharePoint to ensure consistency. These agreements must cover encryption: data ownership: and handling instructions. They provide legal and operational certainty between parties.
What are the common risks in information transfer?
Bottom Line Up Front: Common risks include interception: data leakage: and unauthorised access. Lack of encryption and human error often cause these issues. Documented procedures help mitigate these risks. Auditors look for evidence of consistent application across all departments.
Would you like me to draft a sample Information Transfer Agreement template for your SharePoint library?