ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Control 7.13

Abstract of Annex A Control 7.13: Equipment maintenance

ISO 27001 Control 7.13, titled "Equipment Maintenance," emphasizes the necessity of properly maintaining equipment to ensure the availability, integrity, and confidentiality of information. Effective maintenance practices prevent potential security breaches, data loss, and operational disruptions.

Control Type

Information Security Properties

Cybersecurity Concepts

Operational Capabilities

Security Domains

Objective of Control 7.13

The objective of Control 7.13 – Equipment Maintenance is to prevent loss, damage, theft, or compromise of information and associated assets. Additionally, it aims to reduce downtime and operational disruptions caused by inadequate maintenance.

Through implementing a structured maintenance program, your organization can:

Ensure continuous operation of critical information systems.
Minimize security risks arising from outdated or failing equipment.
Maintain compliance with insurance and regulatory requirements.
Reduce the likelihood of data breaches due to equipment failures.
Prevent financial losses associated with unplanned downtime.

Purpose of Equipment Maintenance in Security

Your organization relies on a range of hardware and physical infrastructure to support its ISMS. This includes:

Information processing facilities (e.g., servers, data centers, network equipment).
Uninterruptible power supplies (UPS) and batteries.
Power generators, alternators, and converters that provide backup energy.
Physical security systems such as intrusion detection, alarms, and access control systems.
Fire suppression systems including smoke detectors and fire extinguishers.
Environmental controls such as air conditioning and climate control systems.
Lifts and elevators that support operational efficiency.

When these components are not maintained properly, it can result in:

Data breaches due to failing security systems.
Downtime that disrupts business operations.
Compromised information availability due to failed IT hardware.
Failure to meet regulatory and compliance obligations.

Guidelines for Implementing Equipment Maintenance

Your organization must establish clear procedures and policies to govern maintenance activities. The following are key aspects to consider:

1. Establish an Equipment Maintenance Policy

A formal policy should define:

Roles and responsibilities for maintenance personnel.
Maintenance frequency based on manufacturer recommendations.
Security controls to protect sensitive information during maintenance.
Compliance requirements for insurance and regulatory standards.

A well-documented policy ensures that all maintenance activities are consistent, trackable, and aligned with security best practices.

2. Maintain an Equipment Inventory

Keeping an up-to-date equipment inventory log is essential for:

Identifying all critical infrastructure requiring maintenance.
Tracking equipment location, ownership, and usage.
Scheduling preventive maintenance to avoid unexpected failures.
Ensuring that all maintenance activities are recorded and auditable.

Your inventory should include:

Type of equipment (e.g., network server, UPS, HVAC system).
Serial numbers and asset tags.
Manufacturer specifications and recommended maintenance intervals.
Location (on-premises, remote site, cloud-hosted equipment).
Responsible personnel for maintenance oversight.

3. Implement a Preventive Maintenance Program

A structured maintenance schedule should include:

Regular servicing based on vendor guidelines.
Periodic security and functionality checks.
Inspection of physical security controls (e.g., door locks, CCTV, alarm systems).
Routine testing of power and environmental controls.

Preventive maintenance ensures long-term reliability and reduces the risk of equipment failure leading to security incidents.

4. Authorize and Monitor Maintenance Personnel

Only authorized and trained personnel should perform maintenance tasks. This includes:

Internal IT and security teams.
Third-party maintenance providers with proper security clearances.
Remote support personnel (if required).

Best practices include: Requiring background checks for maintenance personnel.

Ensuring confidentiality agreements are signed.
Supervising on-site maintenance work.
Restricting access levels to sensitive systems.

Unauthorized access during maintenance can lead to data breaches, malware installations, or equipment tampering.

5. Control and Document Maintenance Activities

Your organization should document every maintenance action performed. The following records should be maintained:

Date and time of maintenance.
Person(s) conducting the maintenance.
Description of work performed.
Issues identified and corrective actions taken.
Verification of equipment functionality post-maintenance.

These records provide an audit trail to ensure compliance and track trends in equipment performance.

6. Implement Security Measures for Off-Premises Equipment

If equipment is removed from the premises for maintenance, security controls should be applied to prevent unauthorized access. This includes:

Encrypting sensitive data before transport.
Using tamper-proof storage containers for physical transport.
Applying chain-of-custody documentation for tracking.
Ensuring equipment is returned in a verified secure state.

Your organization must also comply with ISO 27001 Control 7.9 to secure assets that are temporarily off-site.

7. Perform Post-Maintenance Security Inspections

Before returning equipment to operation, it should be checked to ensure:

No unauthorized modifications have been made.
Security configurations are unchanged and intact.
The device functions properly without errors or vulnerabilities.

This step validates maintenance integrity and ensures equipment is ready for use without introducing security risks.

8. Apply Secure Disposal and Reuse Procedures

When equipment is retired or repurposed:

Erase all sensitive data using secure deletion methods.
Physically destroy outdated hardware when necessary.
Follow disposal best practices from ISO 27001 Annex A Control 7.14.

Failure to securely dispose of equipment can lead to data leaks and regulatory non-compliance.

Supporting Templates for Control 7.13

To facilitate compliance, your organization can use the following templates:

Equipment Maintenance Policy Template – Defines maintenance guidelines and responsibilities.
Equipment Inventory Log Template – Tracks asset locations, specifications, and maintenance schedules.
Maintenance Activity Record Template – Logs preventive and corrective maintenance actions.
Authorized Maintenance Personnel List Template – Maintains a registry of approved personnel.
Post-Maintenance Inspection Checklist – Verifies security and functionality after maintenance.

Takeaways for Your Organization

Equipment maintenance is a critical aspect of safeguarding information security and ensuring operational continuity.
A structured and well-documented maintenance program minimizes risks and supports ISO 27001 compliance.
Using related controls and supporting templates can streamline the implementation process.
Regular reviews and audits of maintenance activities strengthen your ISMS and demonstrate your commitment to information security.