ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Control 8.10
Abstract of Annex A Control 8.10: Information deletion
ISO 27001 Annex A Control 8.10: Information Deletion emphasizes the secure and timely deletion of information stored in various media when it is no longer required. This control ensures the confidentiality of sensitive information while adhering to legal, regulatory, and contractual requirements.
Control Type
- Preventive
Information Security Properties
- Confidentiality
Cybersecurity Concepts
- Protect
Operational Capabilities
- Information Protection
- Legal and Compliance
Security Domains
- Protection
Objective of Control 8.10
The goal of Control 8.10 is to ensure that sensitive information is securely and irreversibly deleted when it is no longer needed. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access, accidental disclosure, or potential recovery. It also supports compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks concerning data retention and deletion.
Purpose of Control 8.10
The purpose of this control:
- Protecting Confidentiality: Prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information.
- Regulatory Compliance: Align with laws, regulations, and contractual obligations for data deletion.
- Reducing Data Exposure Risks: Limit the retention of unnecessary or outdated data to avoid security vulnerabilities.
Understanding Information Deletion Requirements
Your organization accumulates vast amounts of data daily. Retaining unnecessary information increases the risk of breaches and legal violations. Control 8.10 requires that sensitive data be deleted securely and systematically. Key scenarios include:
- Data lifecycle end (e.g., expired retention period or project completion).
- Legal or regulatory mandates for deletion.
- Termination of third-party services storing your organization’s data.
Secure Deletion Methods
Choosing the right deletion method is critical. Secure deletion ensures that information is irrecoverable. Consider these methods:
- Electronic Overwriting: Replace existing data with random characters to prevent recovery.
- Cryptographic Erasure: Use encryption keys to render data unreadable.
- Secure Deletion Software: Permanently delete files, leaving no traces for forensic tools.
- Physical Destruction: Use shredding or degaussing for storage devices.
- Automating deletion processes based on retention policies.
- Maintaining logs of deletion activities as evidence.
- Using certified providers for secure disposal services.
Managing Information Deletion in Cloud Services
Cloud services introduce unique challenges for information deletion. To manage these:
- Evaluate the cloud provider’s deletion processes for compliance with your requirements.
- Automate deletion tasks according to your data retention policies.
- Verify deletion through logs or evidence provided by the cloud provider.
Third-Party and Vendor Considerations
When third-party vendors manage your information, ensure they adhere to your deletion policies. Key steps include:
- Contractual Agreements: Specify deletion requirements in contracts.
- Evidence of Deletion: Obtain and verify logs or certifications.
- Secure Return of Equipment: Remove sensitive data before returning devices.
Implementation Guidelines
Implementing Control 8.10 requires a structured approach:
- Configure Systems: Automate deletion based on predefined retention periods.
- Audit Processes: Regularly review and validate deletion practices.
- Delete Redundancies: Remove obsolete versions and temporary files.
- Tools: Use approved software or services for secure deletion.
- Customize Methods: Choose appropriate deletion techniques for different media.
Controls & Standards Supporting Control 8.10
Several other ISO 27001 controls complement Control 8.10:
- Control 7.14: Secure disposal or re-use of equipment
- ISO/IEC 27017: Guidance on data deletion in cloud environments.
- ISO/IEC 27555: Standards for deleting Personally Identifiable Information (PII).
Templates Supporting Control 8.10
Your organization can benefit from the following templates available on our website:
- Data Retention Policy Template: Establish guidelines for data retention and deletion timelines.
- Vendor Risk Assessment Questionnaire Template: Ensure third-party compliance with deletion requirements.
- Asset Management Policy Template: Track and manage storage assets for secure decommissioning.
Key Takeaways and Best Practices
To effectively implement Control 8.10:
- Regularly review data retention policies and deletion practices.
- Train employees on secure deletion methods.
- Monitor and audit deletion activities.
- Use automation to enforce compliance consistently.
