ISO 27001 Data Classification and Handling Audit Checklist for Aerospace and Defense

A comprehensive audit checklist for evaluating and improving data classification and handling practices in Aerospace and Defense organizations, aligned with ISO 27001 standards and industry-specific requirements.

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About This Checklist

In the Aerospace and Defense sector, proper classification and handling of sensitive information are paramount to maintaining security and compliance. This ISO 27001-aligned Data Classification and Handling Audit Checklist is designed to help organizations assess and improve their practices for categorizing, labeling, and managing data throughout its lifecycle. By meticulously evaluating data classification schemes, access controls, and handling procedures, this checklist enables companies to identify vulnerabilities, ensure compliance with ISO 27001 standards, and enhance their overall data protection strategy. Implementing robust data classification and handling measures is crucial for safeguarding intellectual property, preventing unauthorized disclosure, and maintaining the integrity of critical information in the Aerospace and Defense industry.

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Industry

Aerospace and Defense

Standard

ISO/IEC 27001 - Information Security Management

Workspaces

Secure document control centers
Secure Facilities
Research and Development Facilities

Occupations

Information Security Officer
Data Protection Specialist
Compliance Manager
Export Control Officer
Records Management Specialist
1
Is the data classified according to the established standards?

Select the compliance status of data classification.

To ensure that data is handled according to its classification level and complies with ISO 27001.
2
Have all employees received training on proper information handling procedures?

Indicate whether training has been conducted.

To ensure that employees are aware of the correct protocols for handling sensitive information.
3
Is there a documented policy for managing sensitive information?

Provide details about the sensitive information management policy.

To confirm that there are policies in place to guide the handling of sensitive data.
4
What is the score for export control compliance based on the latest audit?

Enter the export control compliance audit score.

To quantitatively assess the effectiveness of export control compliance measures.
Min0
Target85
Max100
5
When was the last review of data classification conducted?

Select the date of the last review.

To track the frequency of data classification reviews for compliance.
6
Is access to classified information restricted to authorized personnel only?

Select the compliance status regarding access control.

To ensure that access control measures are effectively implemented to protect sensitive information.
7
Provide details of the incident response procedures in place for handling data breaches.

Describe the incident response procedures.

To assess the preparedness of the organization to respond to information security incidents.
8
How frequently is security awareness training conducted for employees?

Enter the frequency of training sessions (in months).

To ensure that training is provided regularly to maintain awareness of information security best practices.
Min1
TargetQuarterly
Max12
9
When was the last risk assessment conducted?

Select the date of the last risk assessment.

To verify the timeliness of risk assessments related to information security.
10
Is data encryption implemented for sensitive information?

Indicate whether data encryption is in place.

To ensure that sensitive data is protected through encryption mechanisms.
11
Is there a formal data retention policy in place that complies with ISO 27001?

Select the compliance status of the data retention policy.

To ensure that the organization retains data in accordance with established legal and regulatory requirements.
12
Describe the procedure for notifying individuals in the event of a data breach.

Provide details about the data breach notification procedure.

To confirm that the organization has a clear and effective process for notifying affected parties in case of a breach.
13
How many privacy impact assessments have been conducted in the past year?

Enter the number of privacy impact assessments conducted.

To evaluate the organization's commitment to assessing privacy risks associated with data processing.
Min0
Target5
Max100
14
When was the last review of the privacy policy conducted?

Select the date of the last privacy policy review.

To ensure that the privacy policy is regularly reviewed and updated as necessary.
15
Are there signed agreements in place with all third-party data processors?

Indicate whether agreements are in place with third-party processors.

To verify that the organization has legal agreements to govern data processing by third parties.
16
How often are management reviews of the Information Security Management System (ISMS) conducted?

Select the frequency of management reviews.

To ensure that management is regularly evaluating the effectiveness of the ISMS.
17
Are there documented procedures for corrective actions in place?

Indicate whether corrective action procedures are documented.

To ensure that there are processes to address non-conformities and improve the ISMS.
18
Provide a summary of the current risk treatment plan in place for managing information security risks.

Describe the risk treatment plan.

To assess the organization's approach to managing identified risks and vulnerabilities.
19
When was the last internal audit of the ISMS conducted?

Select the date of the last ISMS internal audit.

To verify the timeliness of internal audits for the Information Security Management System.
20
How many security incidents have been reported in the past year?

Enter the number of security incidents reported in the past year.

To evaluate the effectiveness of the ISMS in detecting and managing security incidents.
Min0
Target3
Max100
21
Has a security assessment been conducted for the cloud service provider?

Select the compliance status of the cloud service provider's security assessment.

To ensure that the cloud service provider meets security requirements and complies with ISO 27001 standards.
22
Is sensitive data stored in the cloud encrypted?

Indicate whether data encryption is implemented for cloud storage.

To ensure that sensitive information is adequately protected in cloud storage.
23
How many reviews of third-party access to cloud resources have been conducted in the past year?

Enter the number of third-party access reviews conducted.

To evaluate the organization's diligence in managing third-party access to cloud data.
Min0
Target2
Max100
24
When was the last security audit conducted for cloud services?

Select the date of the last cloud security audit.

To confirm the frequency and recency of security audits for cloud services.
25
Describe the incident response plan specific to cloud services.

Provide details about the incident response plan for cloud services.

To assess how well the organization is prepared to respond to incidents affecting cloud resources.

FAQs

Data classification is crucial in Aerospace and Defense due to the highly sensitive nature of information handled, including classified military data, proprietary technologies, and export-controlled information. Proper classification ensures appropriate security measures are applied to protect national security interests and maintain competitive advantages.

The checklist covers areas such as data classification schemes, labeling protocols, access control mechanisms, data storage and transmission procedures, employee training on data handling, secure disposal methods, and compliance with export control regulations specific to Aerospace and Defense.

Audits should be conducted at least annually, with more frequent reviews recommended for organizations handling highly classified information or following significant changes in regulatory requirements or organizational structure.

The audit team should include information security officers, data protection specialists, compliance managers, legal advisors specializing in export control, and representatives from key departments handling sensitive data. External auditors may also be involved for an independent assessment.

The checklist includes items to assess compliance with international data sharing regulations, such as ITAR and EAR, and evaluates procedures for secure data transfer across borders, ensuring that classified and export-controlled information is properly protected during international collaborations.

Benefits of ISO 27001 Data Classification and Handling Audit Checklist for Aerospace and Defense

Ensures alignment of data classification and handling practices with ISO 27001 requirements

Identifies gaps in current data protection and handling procedures

Enhances protection of sensitive and classified information

Improves compliance with industry-specific regulations and export control laws

Reduces risks of data breaches and unauthorized information disclosure