Annex A 5.9 - Inventory of Information and Other Associated Assets
Description
Title of Control: Inventory of Information and Other Associated Assets
Introduction (what is it?): This control emphasises the creation and maintenance of an inventory of information and other associated assets, including their owners. The goal is to identify and manage these assets to preserve their security and assign appropriate ownership.
What is the purpose of it? The purpose of this control is to ensure that an organization identifies and manages its information and associated assets, assigning ownership and protecting them in accordance with their classification. This helps safeguard sensitive information and maintain effective asset management.
What are the benefits of meeting these requirements? Meeting these requirements offers several benefits:
Asset Identification: An accurate inventory ensures all assets, including information, hardware, software, personnel, and facilities, are identified and tracked.
Effective Classification: Proper classification of assets helps apply suitable security measures and protection.
Timely Ownership: Assigning ownership to assets ensures responsibility for their proper management.
Protection and Accountability: Asset owners are accountable for managing their assets' security and adherence to acceptable use policies.
Risk Management: Asset owners play a role in identifying and managing risks associated with their assets.
Support for Various Activities: Asset inventories support risk management, audit, vulnerability management, incident response, and recovery planning.
How difficult is this control to meet? The difficulty of meeting this control depends on the organisation's complexity, the variety of assets involved, and its commitment to maintaining accurate inventories. Automated tools can help manage and update asset inventories effectively.
What are the sub-requirements?
Develop and maintain an inventory of information and other associated assets, ensuring accuracy, consistency, and alignment with other inventories.
Include the location of assets in the inventory as appropriate.
Classify each asset based on associated information's classification (see 5.12).
Assign ownership of assets to individuals or groups, and identify their classification.
Implement a process for timely assignment of asset ownership.
Reassign ownership as necessary when current owners leave or change roles.
Define owner responsibilities, including proper management of assets' life cycle, classification, protection, access, risk management, and support for personnel.
Ensure ownership duties include involvement in risk identification and management.
Other information:
Asset inventories are essential for effective information protection and support various activities.
Ownership can be delegated but remains accountable to the person or group who delegated it.
Groups of assets can be designated to provide specific services, with the service owner accountable for their operation and delivery.
In conclusion, this control highlights the importance of maintaining an accurate inventory of information and other associated assets, assigning ownership, and ensuring responsible asset management. This helps organisations safeguard their assets, manage risks, and support various security-related activities.
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