What is ISO 27001 Annex A 7.12 Cabling Security in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 7.12 protects power and data lines from unauthorized interception or physical damage. This documented process integrates into SharePoint site maps and asset registers. It ensures the physical security of telecommunications infrastructure. The control maintains information availability through active management oversight.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Cabling security is a physical challenge. SaaS platforms cannot inspect a riser or a conduit. They offer a green tick for a policy but ignore untidy server rooms. I want to see your actual site floor plans in SharePoint. Jira tickets for cabling repairs prove the system functions. Relying on software for physical controls leads to failure. Real evidence exists in your native document repositories.
| ISO 27001:2013 Reference | ISO 27001:2022 Reference | Key Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Annex A 11.2.3 | Annex A 7.12 | Protects cabling from damage and tapping. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 7.12 (Step-by-Step)
Implement cabling security by integrating maps into your existing organisational tools. Frame this as a cultural change: not a software installation. All steps focus on internal document repositories.
- Identify all data and power lines on your site.
- Map these routes on floor plans stored in SharePoint.
- Enclose exposed cabling in locked metal conduits.
- Ensure 30cm separation between power and data lines.
- Use Jira to schedule and log monthly physical inspections.
ISO 27001 Annex A 7.12 Cabling Security Audit Evidence Checklist
Auditors require manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and intent. Keep these files in your primary document management system.
- Version-controlled floor plans showing cable trunking routes.
- Jira tickets for physical audits of server room cabling.
- Confluence pages detailing cabling installation and separation standards.
- Minutes from facilities meetings regarding cabling risk reviews.
- Third-party certificates for shielded or armoured cabling installations.
Relational Mapping
Control A 7.12 depends on several core clauses:
- Annex A 7.1: Physical security perimeters protect the cable ends.
- Annex A 7.8: Equipment siting relates to where cables connect.
- Clause 8.1: Operational planning controls the maintenance programme.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you prevent unauthorized tapping of your network cables?
Manager: We run all data lines through locked conduits. We map these routes in SharePoint for regular inspection.
Auditor: How do you track physical changes to your cabling?
Manager: Every modification requires a Jira ticket. This provides a clear audit trail of all physical repairs.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Description | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS dashboard while cables are exposed. | Conduct physical walk-throughs. Document results in SharePoint. |
| Unmapped Routes | Cable locations are unknown to staff. | Create and store site maps in Confluence. |
| Poor Separation | Power and data cables are tied together. | Re-route cables to meet separation standards. Log in Jira. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001 Annex A 7.12?
The Bottom Line: It is the requirement to protect cabling from theft, tapping, or damage. You must document routes and use conduits. Manage this in SharePoint. This ensures your physical network infrastructure stays secure.
How do I protect cables in public areas?
The Bottom Line: Use locked conduits and armoured cabling. Avoid visible lines where possible. Record these protections in your internal wiki. This proves to auditors that you manage public-facing risks.
Can I use a SaaS tool for cabling security?
The Bottom Line: No. Software cannot see physical wires. Use SharePoint and Jira to manage your maps and inspections. Native tools prove genuine management ownership of site security.