ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Control 7.2

Explaining Annex A Control 7.2 Physical Entry

ISO 27001 Annex A Control 7.2 Physical Entry focuses on controlling physical access to secure areas within an organization. This control ensures that only authorized individuals can enter spaces where sensitive information and critical assets are stored or processed. The aim is to prevent unauthorized access that could lead to data breaches, theft, espionage, or other security risks.

Control Type

Information Security Properties

Cybersecurity Concepts

Operational Capabilities

Security Domains

Objective of Control 7.2

The primary objective of Control 7.2 is to prevent unauthorized physical access to the organization’s information and other associated assets, thereby safeguarding their confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

Purpose of Control 7.2

The purpose of this control is to prevent unauthorized access to information and assets by establishing entry control measures. Physical security is a significant component of overall information security, as many cyberattacks involve physical access (e.g., unauthorized entry into a server room to steal or manipulate data).

Control 7.2 establishes that:

Secure areas are only accessible to authorized personnel.
Access points (e.g., doors, gates, entryways) are properly monitored and controlled.
Visitor access is regulated, recorded, and restricted to specific areas.
Physical security measures complement digital security controls to prevent breaches.

Implementation Guidelines for Physical Entry Security

Implementing Control 7.2 effectively requires a combination of administrative, physical, and technical measures. Below are the key considerations and best practices for achieving compliance.

1. Restricting Access to Authorized Personnel

Access to secure areas should be strictly controlled to minimize security risks. To implement this:

Define access levels: Establish categories of personnel who require access based on job roles (e.g., IT staff, facility managers, executives).
Use a formal approval process: Ensure access rights are granted based on a need-to-know and least privilege principle.
Regularly review access permissions: Conduct periodic reviews to ensure that employees, contractors, and third parties have only the necessary access.

2. Authentication and Access Control Mechanisms

To strengthen physical entry security, organizations should implement authentication controls, such as:

Access control badges and ID cards: All authorized personnel should be issued company ID badges that grant access to restricted areas.
Biometric authentication: Fingerprint scanners, facial recognition, or iris scans can enhance access security.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Combining physical access cards with PIN codes or biometrics provides an additional layer of security.
Smart locks and keycard systems: Electronic locks with access logs help track who enters and exits secure areas.

3. Securing and Monitoring Entry Points

Secure entry points prevent unauthorized access while allowing smooth operations for authorized personnel. Organizations should:

Designate primary entry points: Restrict access to a few monitored entry points.
Install surveillance systems: CCTV cameras should be placed at key access points and monitored continuously.
Implement mantraps and airlocks: Sensitive areas, such as server rooms, can benefit from two-door authentication.
Secure emergency exits: Emergency doors should have alarms to prevent unauthorized use.

4. Physical Security for Reception and Visitor Management

Visitors can introduce security risks if not properly controlled. A visitor management system should include:

Identity verification: Require all visitors to show government-issued identification.
Pre-registration: Where possible, visitors should be pre-registered before arriving.
Escort policy: Visitors should always be accompanied by an authorized employee.
Visitor badges: Issue temporary visitor badges with restricted access rights.
Visitor logbook: Maintain detailed records of visitor check-ins and check-outs.

5. Security Measures for Delivery and Loading Areas

Delivery and loading zones are high-risk access points because unauthorized individuals can attempt to gain entry. To secure these areas:

Restrict access: Only designated staff should handle deliveries.
Separate loading areas from critical assets: Deliveries should not provide direct access to secure areas.
Screen deliveries for threats: All incoming packages should be inspected for tampering or hazardous materials.
Install surveillance: Cameras and motion sensors should monitor all loading and delivery points.

6. Protecting Access Logs and Audit Trails

Maintaining detailed records of physical access events is essential for security audits and forensic investigations. Organizations should:

Use electronic access logs: Digital logs provide better accuracy than manual logbooks.
Ensure log integrity: Access logs should be protected against tampering and unauthorized modifications.
Regularly review access logs: Identify unusual access patterns or unauthorized attempts.

7. Employee Awareness and Security Culture

Physical entry security is only as strong as the people enforcing it. Employees must:

Understand the importance of access control: Awareness training should cover the risks of tailgating (unauthorized people following employees into secure areas).
Report suspicious activity: Employees should be encouraged to report unauthorized personnel.
Follow badge display policies: Staff should wear company ID badges at all times.

8. Key Management and Physical Access Devices

Keys, key cards, and access codes require proper security management. Organizations should:

Maintain a key inventory: Track all issued physical keys and digital access credentials.
Use secure key storage: Keys should be kept in locked cabinets.
Regularly change access codes: Combination locks and PIN codes should be periodically updated.
Perform routine audits: Conduct annual key and access device audits.

Relevant ISO 27001 Controls Supporting Physical Entry

Control 7.2 is often associated with other security controls in ISO 27001 such as:

Control 5.9 Inventory of Information and other Associated Assets – Inventory guidelines.
Control 5.17 Authentication Information – Defines proper entity authentication guidelines.
Control 5.18 Access Rights – Defines how access is granted, modified, and revoked.
Control 5.33 Logging and Monitoring – Requires logs to track access attempts.
Control 7.1 Physical Security Perimeters – Establishes secure boundaries.
Control 7.3 Securing Offices, Rooms, and Facilities – Addresses the security of individual rooms.
Control 7.4 Physical Security Monitoring – Ensures ongoing monitoring of physical security.
Control 7.10 Storage media – guidlines on how to store media.

Templates to Assist with Implementation

Organizations can streamline compliance with Control 7.2 using pre-made security templates:

Physical Security Policy Template – Defines rules for access control.
Visitor Log Template – Documents all visitor activity.
Access Control Log Template – Tracks employee and contractor access.
Delivery Area Security Checklist – Ensures secure handling of shipments.
Key Management Log Template – Manages physical key issuance and audits.

Conclusion

ISO 27001 Control 7.2 is fundamental for Physical Security. Implementing strong physical entry controls prevents unauthorized access, mitigates security risks, and enhances overall protection of sensitive assets.

Your organization can achieve compliance by:

Restricting access based on job roles and necessity.
Using strong authentication measures.
Implementing visitor management systems.
Securing delivery and loading areas.
Maintaining comprehensive access logs.
Training employees on physical security policies.