ASD ISM 0198 Consultation for penetrating audio secure rooms
What it says
When penetrating a TOP SECRET audio secure room, the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation is consulted and all directions provided are complied with.
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What it means
In plain EnglishBefore entering top secret audio rooms, consult ASIO and follow their guidance.
When you need to enter a room that is set up to handle top secret audio information, you must first check with the Australian Security Intelligence Organisation (ASIO) and follow their advice. This is important because if someone gained access to sensitive information without proper procedures, it could lead to a serious breach of security, potentially compromising national safety.
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Why it matters
Not consulting ASIO before penetrating a TOP SECRET audio secure room can cause unauthorised disclosure and compromise national security operations.
How to implement
Office managers should reach out to ASIO before planning any work involving top secret audio secure rooms.
Call ASIO directly to ensure you get the correct advice and guidelines before proceeding with any entry or work in those rooms.
Security personnel should keep an updated contact list for key ASIO representatives.
This list should be easily accessible, so consultations can happen promptly before accessing or altering audio secure rooms.
Facilities managers should document and distribute the procedures provided by ASIO to all relevant staff members.
Create a simple checklist of steps to follow when accessing these rooms, including who to notify and what actions to take.
IT administrators should ensure any cabling work in audio secure rooms complies with ASIO guidelines.
Obtain the specific technical instructions from ASIO, and verify that all contractors understand these requirements.
Management should schedule regular training sessions for employees on handling secure audio environments.
Invite ASIO representatives to provide training or insights, ensuring everyone understands the importance and methods of maintaining security.
Keep it running
Before penetrating a TOP SECRET audio secure room, consult ASIO and follow all directions. Record approvals, dates, contacts and actions taken.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The consultation records with ASIO: Request emails or meeting notes detailing the guidance provided by ASIO before accessing top secret audio secure rooms.
Look at
Clear instructions from ASIO, including dates and responsible persons.
Good evidence
Is a documented agreement or directive from ASIO with clear actions listed.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The procedure or checklist staff use to ensure compliance with ASIO guidance.
Look at
Steps that reflect direct ASIO advice and include a process for verifying these steps were followed.
Good evidence
Would be a detailed checklist with staff initials and date stamps showing completed actions.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Them to explain how they ensure ASIO guidelines are followed before entering top secret audio rooms. Listen for clear, consistent recounts of protocols and names of ASIO contacts.
Good evidence
Includes specific examples of past interactions with ASIO and outcomes.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
References to ASIO guidance and evidence that employees understand the importance of compliance.
Good evidence
Session would involve interactive participation and reiteration of key ASIO principles.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
Recurring consultation patterns and timely follow-up.
Good evidence
Shows regular, documented contact with ASIO, indicating proactive management.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.7.3, Physical security for offices and facilities, which this control partially meets.
ISO/IEC 27001: 1 mapping
This control partially meets A.7.3.
ISM-0198 requires that when an organisation intends to penetrate (i.e. physically breach/enter in a way that compromises the integrity of) a TOP SECRET audio secure room, it must consult ASIO and comply with any directions ASIO provides. This relates to Annex A 7.3 because Annex A 7.3 requires physical security for rooms and facilities to be designed and implemented, which includes establishing controlled procedures and authorisations for high-risk access or work that could compromise secure areas. ISM-0198 is narrower because it applies only to a very specific scenario (penetration of a TOP SECRET audio secure room) and prescribes a specific external-authority consultation and direction-compliance mechanism, whereas Annex A 7.3 is a general, organisation-wide physical security design/implementation requirement covering many room/facility types and controls.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.