What is ISO 27001 Annex A 7.1 Physical Security Perimeters in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 7.1 defines physical security perimeters as protective boundaries for information assets. This control requires documented processes integrated into internal tools like SharePoint. It ensures that only authorised personnel access sensitive areas. Effective perimeters combine physical barriers with strict management oversight.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Relying on automated SaaS compliance platforms creates surface-level security. These tools often show a green tick without verifying physical reality. Auditors frequently find broken gates or unmonitored doors despite SaaS dashboards claiming compliance. We prefer seeing evidence within your native document repositories. SharePoint version history proves your team actively manages site security. A dashboard tick is not a substitute for genuine management ownership of physical risks.
| ISO 27001:2013 Reference | ISO 27001:2022 Reference | Key Changes and Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Annex A 11.1.1 | Annex A 7.1 | The core requirements remain similar. The 2022 version emphasises continuous monitoring. It aligns physical controls with broader security management. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 7.1 (Step-by-Step)
Define your physical boundaries clearly using existing floor plans and asset registers. Implementation is a cultural shift: not a software installation. Use your current organisational tools to track security activities.
- Identify all sensitive areas using floor plans stored in SharePoint.
- Define the strength and type of barriers needed for each area.
- Use Jira to assign ownership of perimeter maintenance tasks.
- Document regular site surveys within your internal company wiki.
- Review access logs through your standard monthly management meetings.
ISO 27001 Annex A 7.1 Audit Evidence Checklist
Auditors look for manual records and internal document versions. These items prove human intent and operational oversight.
- Site maps highlighting protected perimeters with version control.
- Physical risk assessment records stored in Confluence.
- Meeting minutes discussing physical security breaches or improvements.
- Internal tickets for repairing locks or fences.
- Visitor log archives maintained in company-managed folders.
Relational Mapping: Clause Inter-dependencies
- Clause 7.1 (Resources): Provides the budget for physical barriers.
- Clause 8.1 (Operational Planning): Defines how perimeters are managed.
- Annex A 5.1 (Policies for Information Security): Sets the high-level physical security requirements.
Auditor Interview: Managing the Process
Auditor: How do you manage your physical perimeter records?
User: We store all site plans and maintenance logs in SharePoint. This ensures version control and team access.
Auditor: How do you know when a perimeter control fails?
User: Staff raise Jira tickets for any physical defects. We review these tickets during our monthly security meetings.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Description | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on SaaS ticks while physical fences are damaged. | Implement physical inspections recorded in internal wikis. |
| Missing Documentation | No clear map of protected perimeters exists. | Create and store site plans in SharePoint. |
| Lack of Oversight | Perimeter logs are never reviewed by management. | Include log reviews in monthly meeting agendas. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a physical security perimeter?
The bottom line: It is a boundary protecting sensitive assets. These perimeters include walls, fences, and card-controlled doors. They must be defined based on the sensitivity of the data inside. Documentation should reside in your internal management system.
How do I define a perimeter in ISO 27001?
The bottom line: Use your existing site floor plans. Mark areas containing servers or sensitive files as protected zones. Store these marked plans in SharePoint for auditor review. Ensure the plans reflect the current physical layout.
Why avoid SaaS for managing physical security evidence?
The bottom line: SaaS platforms decouple security from daily operations. Auditors value evidence found in your primary work tools. Using SharePoint or Jira proves the process is part of business-as-usual. It prevents the “disconnected compliance” trap.