What is ISO 27001 Annex A 8.18 in ISO 27001?
Annex A 8.18 requires a documented process for managing privileged utility programs. These tools can bypass or override established security controls. You must integrate their management into business-as-usual tools. This includes Jira for authorisation and SharePoint for policy. It ensures restricted access for authorised personnel only.
Auditor’s Eye: The Shortcut Trap
Automated SaaS platforms often provide a generic tick for utility management. This creates a dangerous illusion of compliance. Software cannot physically prevent a technician from running an unlisted script. Auditors prefer seeing your original Jira tickets. These prove that a human manager actually reviewed the risk. Integrated records in your native SharePoint library show genuine ownership. Relying on an external “Black Box” decouples security from your daily technical operations.
| ISO 27001:2013 Control | ISO 27001:2022 Control | Key Changes |
|---|---|---|
| Annex A 9.4.4 | Annex A 8.18 | The requirement to restrict utility use remains stable. Wording emphasizes protection and management oversight. |
How to Implement ISO 27001:2022 Annex A 8.18 (Step-by-Step)
The core requirement for Annex A 8.18 is restricting powerful software utilities. You must use existing tools to build a robust audit trail. This integrated approach ensures technical teams follow security protocols naturally. Follow these steps for implementation.
- Identify all utilities capable of overriding security perimeters.
- Record this inventory in a restricted SharePoint list.
- Establish a Jira workflow for temporary access requests.
- Document justification for every use session within the ticket.
- Update your Confluence wiki with manual logs of usage results.
- Set reminders in Outlook for quarterly utility access reviews.
- Remove any software utilities that serve no current business purpose.
ISO 27001 Annex A 8.18 Audit Evidence Checklist
Auditors look for manual records and internal document versions. These prove human oversight and operational intent. Your evidence must show that the process is active. Avoid showing disconnected dashboards from third-party software.
- A master register of privileged utilities in SharePoint.
- Jira workflow history for individual access approvals.
- Manual usage logs with timestamps stored in Confluence.
- Meeting minutes reviewing utility usage trends and risks.
- Documented evidence of removal for unnecessary utility software.
Relational Mapping
Annex A 8.18 connects to several core ISO 27001 controls:
- Annex A 8.2: Privileged access rights management.
- Annex A 8.5: Secure authentication requirements.
- Annex A 8.16: Monitoring and logging of system activity.
- Clause 8.1: Operational planning and control.
Auditor Interview
Auditor: How do you manage access to system utilities that override controls?
Manager: We maintain a master list in SharePoint. Access requires a Jira ticket with manager sign-off.
Auditor: How do you verify what the user did with the utility?
Manager: Every user must record their actions in our Confluence usage log. We review these logs monthly.
Common Non-Conformities
| Failure Mode | Description | Corrective Action |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Complacency | Relying on a SaaS dashboard tick without having internal procedural evidence. | Move authorisation and logging to Jira and Confluence. |
| Universal Access | Granting all technical staff access to powerful utilities. | Enforce the principle of least privilege in SharePoint. |
| No Usage Logs | Utilities are authorised but actions remain unrecorded. | Implement a mandatory logging policy in Confluence. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are privileged utility programs in ISO 27001?
The Bottom Line Up Front: Privileged utility programs are software tools that can bypass normal system security controls. Use these only under strict authorisation. You must document their use in organisational repositories like SharePoint or Jira. This ensures a clear audit trail of high-risk activities.
How should utility programs be authorised?
The Bottom Line Up Front: Formalise authorisation through a documented request process. Use Jira workflows to capture management approval before a user accesses these tools. This method provides date-stamped evidence of intent. It prevents unauthorised users from executing dangerous system changes.
Where should usage logs be stored?
The Bottom Line Up Front: Store all usage logs in your native document management system. Confluence and SharePoint offer excellent version control for these records. Avoid third-party dashboards that decouple logs from your primary operational environment. Centralised logs simplify the audit process.