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ISO 27001 Network Security and Communications Audit Checklist

A specialized audit checklist for evaluating an organization's network security and communications practices in compliance with ISO 27001 requirements.

ISO 27001 Network Security and Communications Audit Checklist

by: audit-now
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About This Checklist

The ISO 27001 Network Security and Communications Audit Checklist is an indispensable tool for organizations aiming to fortify their information security infrastructure. This checklist focuses on evaluating an organization's network security measures, communication protocols, and data transfer practices in alignment with ISO 27001 standards. By systematically assessing network architecture, segmentation strategies, secure communication channels, and monitoring systems, organizations can enhance their ability to protect against cyber threats, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the confidentiality and integrity of data transmissions. This comprehensive checklist aids in identifying vulnerabilities in network infrastructure, improving secure communication practices, and ensuring compliance with ISO 27001 requirements for network security and information transfer.

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Industry

Information Technology

Standard

ISO/IEC 27001 - Information Security Management

Workspaces

IT Infrastructure
Network Operations Centers
Secure Facilities

Occupations

Network Security Engineer
IT Infrastructure Manager
Information Security Analyst
Network Administrator
Cybersecurity Specialist
1
Is the network properly segmented to minimize potential risks?

Select compliance status.

To ensure that sensitive data is protected and that access is limited to authorized personnel.
2
Are secure protocols (e.g., HTTPS, FTPS) implemented across all communications?

Indicate if secure protocols are used.

Secure protocols help protect data in transit and mitigate interception risks.
3
What is the current security level of the wireless network (0-10)?

Provide a security level rating.

To assess the strength of wireless security measures against unauthorized access.
Min: 0
Target: 8
Max: 10
4
Is remote access secured with appropriate measures (e.g., VPN, MFA)?

Select compliance status.

Securing remote access is critical to prevent unauthorized access to the network.
5
Is there a documented incident response plan available for cybersecurity incidents?

Provide details about the incident response plan.

A well-documented incident response plan is crucial for effective incident management and recovery.
6
When was the last security assessment or penetration test conducted?

Enter the date of the last assessment.

Regular assessments help identify vulnerabilities and ensure the efficacy of security measures.
7
Is sensitive data encrypted at rest and in transit?

Select the compliance status regarding data encryption.

Data encryption is essential to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access.
8
How often is phishing awareness training provided to employees (in months)?

Provide the frequency of training in months.

Regular training helps employees recognize and respond to phishing attempts effectively.
Min: 1
Target: 6
Max: 12
9
How often are user access rights reviewed and updated?

Select the frequency for user access reviews.

Regular reviews ensure that access rights are appropriate and align with job responsibilities.
10
Is multi-factor authentication (MFA) implemented for all critical systems?

Indicate if MFA is implemented.

MFA adds an additional layer of security to protect against unauthorized access.
11
What is the number of unauthorized access attempts recorded in the last month?

Provide the count of unauthorized access attempts.

Monitoring unauthorized access attempts helps to identify potential security threats.
Min: 0
Target: 5
Max: 100
12
When was the last update made to the access control policy?

Enter the date of the last policy update.

Keeping the access control policy updated is essential for addressing new security challenges.
13
Is there a data classification policy in place to categorize data based on sensitivity?

Select compliance status for data classification policy.

A clear data classification policy helps ensure appropriate handling of sensitive information.
14
Is sensitive data encrypted at rest?

Indicate if data at rest is encrypted.

Encrypting data at rest protects it from unauthorized access and breaches.
15
What is the average response time to data breaches (in hours)?

Provide the average response time in hours.

Quick response times are critical to minimizing damage during data breaches.
Min: 0
Target: 2
Max: 48
16
When was the last privacy impact assessment conducted?

Enter the date of the last assessment.

Conducting regular privacy impact assessments helps identify risks related to personal data.
17
Is the firewall configuration regularly reviewed for effectiveness?

Select compliance status for firewall configuration.

Regular reviews ensure that firewall settings are up-to-date and protect against new threats.
18
Is an intrusion detection system (IDS) implemented and actively monitored?

Indicate if an IDS is implemented and monitored.

An IDS is essential for detecting and responding to potential security threats in real-time.
19
What is the average network downtime experienced in the last 12 months (in hours)?

Provide the average downtime in hours.

Monitoring network downtime helps assess the reliability and availability of network services.
Min: 0
Target: 10
Max: 100
20
When was the last vulnerability assessment conducted on the network?

Enter the date of the last assessment.

Regular vulnerability assessments are critical for identifying and mitigating security risks.

FAQs

This checklist mainly covers Sections A.13 (Communications Security) and parts of A.12 (Operations Security) of ISO 27001 Annex A, focusing on network security, information transfer, and system acquisition, development, and maintenance.

The checklist includes items to verify proper network segmentation practices, such as the use of VLANs, firewalls, and access control lists to isolate sensitive systems and data.

Yes, it includes items to assess the security of wireless networks, including encryption protocols, authentication methods, and monitoring of wireless access points.

It includes items to evaluate the implementation of secure remote access solutions, such as VPNs, multi-factor authentication for remote users, and monitoring of remote connections.

Yes, the checklist includes items to verify secure communication practices with cloud services, including encryption of data in transit and secure API implementations.

Benefits

Enhances overall network security posture

Ensures compliance with ISO 27001 network and communication security requirements

Improves protection against network-based cyber threats

Facilitates secure information transfer within and outside the organization

Supports implementation of defense-in-depth strategies