What is ISO 27001 Annex A 8.1 User Endpoint Device Security in ISO 27001?
ISO 27001 Annex A 8.1 requires protecting information held on user endpoint devices. This control involves a documented process integrated into internal tools like SharePoint and Jira. It ensures that laptops, mobiles, and tablets meet security requirements before accessing data. Management must approve and monitor device usage through existing organisational workflows.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Automated compliance platforms often produce surface-level compliance. They provide a green tick but hide a lack of management ownership. Auditors want to see your actual GPO exports or MDM settings stored in SharePoint. We look for version-controlled policies in your native document repositories. Reliance on “Black Box” SaaS tools decouples security from daily operations. This creates an evidence gap during physical site audits. Real security lives in your internal records: not an external dashboard.
| ISO 27001:2013 Control | ISO 27001:2022 Control | Nature of Change |
|---|---|---|
| A.6.2.1 Mobile device policy | Annex A 8.1 | Broadened to include all user endpoint devices. Emphasises logical and physical security. |
How to Implement ISO 27001 Annex A 8.1 (Step-by-Step)
Implementation requires a documented process integrated into your existing business-as-usual tools. You must define security configurations and manage hardware throughout its lifecycle. Frame this as an organisational shift rather than a software installation. Use your internal document repositories for all evidence.
- Identify all hardware assets using a central SharePoint list.
- Map every device to a primary user for accountability.
- Document encryption and remote wipe standards in Confluence.
- Implement Jira workflows for requesting and approving new hardware.
- Log all configuration audits manually to prove human oversight.
ISO 27001 Annex A 8.1 User Endpoint Device Security Audit Evidence Checklist
Focus on manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and operational intent. Auditors check these repositories to verify your management system. Avoid using external platforms for core evidence storage.
- The master device register with SharePoint version history.
- Jira audit logs showing management approval for asset issuance.
- Technical configuration guides stored in your internal wiki.
- Meeting minutes from security reviews discussing device loss.
- Signed acceptable use agreements from every employee.
Relational Mapping
Annex A 8.1 does not stand alone. It relies on several core requirements:
- Annex A 5.9: Inventory of information and other assets.
- Annex A 8.2: Privileged access rights on devices.
- Annex A 7.10: Storage media security.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you manage endpoint device approvals?
Manager: We use a Jira workflow. Every request requires manager sign-off before IT issues hardware.
Auditor: Where is your evidence of remote wipe capability?
Manager: We keep GPO screenshots and MDM policy documents in SharePoint. These records show our mandatory encryption settings.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Description | Required Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS tool without internal records. | Move MDM logs to SharePoint for review. |
| Incomplete Register | Devices missing from the central asset list. | Perform a manual reconciliation of hardware. |
| Lack of Approval | Issuing devices without a documented Jira ticket. | Enforce authorisation workflows for all assets. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is ISO 27001 Annex A 8.1?
The Bottom Line: It is the requirement to secure user devices like laptops and mobiles. You must document your security rules and manage hardware issuance. Use SharePoint to track your inventory. This ensures that only authorised and secure devices access your data environment.
How do I prove endpoint security to an auditor?
The Bottom Line: Provide manual logs and internal document histories. Show your Jira approval workflows and SharePoint asset registers. Avoid showing third-party SaaS dashboards. Auditors want to see that your team actively manages the security process internally.
Does A 8.1 cover BYOD devices?
The Bottom Line: Yes, it includes any device accessing organisational information. You must define clear security rules for personal hardware. Manage these requirements through a documented BYOD policy in SharePoint. Ensure staff acknowledge these rules before they connect to your systems.