ASD ISM 0218 Label and protect long TS fibre-optic leads
What it says
If TOP SECRET fibre-optic fly leads exceeding five metres in length are used to connect wall outlet boxes to IT equipment, they are run in a protective and easily inspected pathway that is clearly labelled at the IT equipment end with the wall outlet box's identifier.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
What it means
In plain EnglishEnsure long TS fibre-optic cables are protected, easy to inspect, and labelled at the equipment end.
This control is about making sure that long fibre-optic cables, which are used to send data between equipment and wall outlets, are well protected and clearly labelled. It matters because if these cables are damaged or incorrectly connected, sensitive 'top secret' information could be exposed or lost, potentially leading to serious security breaches.
Free. Save your status, tasks and notes.
Why it matters
A lack of protection and labelling for >5m TS fibre-optic cables risks data breaches by exposing TOP SECRET communications to damage or misrouting.
How to implement
The IT team should create a clear and protective pathway for long fibre-optic cables.
They can do this by installing cable trays or conduits that are easy to open up for inspections, ensuring that all cables are tucked securely and cannot be damaged or accidentally unplugged.
Facility managers should ensure the pathways of these fibre-optic cables are properly maintained.
Conduct regular checks to make sure there is no physical damage or wear that might compromise the cables' security or performance.
The IT staff responsible for network setup should label the fibre-optic cables at the equipment end with the identifier from the wall outlet box.
Use durable labels that can withstand wear and tear and ensure they are easy to read.
Procurement officers should purchase only cables and labelling materials that meet required standards for top secrecy environments.
Work with vendors who understand security needs and can provide compliant products.
Managers should educate staff about the importance of not tampering with these labelled cables.
Host information sessions so everyone understands the role these cables play in securing sensitive information.
Keep it running
Regularly inspect the >5m TS fibre fly lead pathway for tampering/damage and confirm the IT-end label matches the wall outlet box identifier.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The cable layout plan: Request a document or blueprint showing where and how fibre-optic cables are installed.
Look at
The pathways to ensure they are direct and protective.
Good evidence
Plan is clear, with pathways that minimise exposure and damage risk.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Them how they label and verify the integrity of these cables.
Good evidence
Includes a regular inspection process and clear record-keeping of checks.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
Easy access to cable trays and clear, readable labels on each cable.
Good evidence
Inspection is quick, thorough, and finds no unlabelled or loosely secured cables.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
To see logs or schedules detailing regular maintenance.
Look at
Any recorded issues or repairs and how they were addressed.
Good evidence
Record is up-to-date, detailed, and shows timely resolutions to past issues.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
How well-protected the cables are and if any potential hazards are nearby. Good pathways are clearly secured, free from damage, and properly labelled.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.5.13, Labelling of information, which this control partially meets.
ISO/IEC 27001: 1 mapping
This control partially meets A.5.13.
ISM-0218 requires TOP SECRET fibre-optic fly leads over five metres to be run in a protective, easily inspected pathway and to be clearly labelled at the IT equipment end with the wall outlet box identifier. Annex A 5.13 requires the organisation to implement information labelling procedures aligned to its classification scheme, which can include labelling of associated assets and infrastructure (such as cabling/ports) used to handle classified information. ISM-0218 is a prescriptive, TS-specific application of labelling (plus physical routing/protection) while Annex A 5.13 is broader and does not mandate protective pathways or inspection characteristics.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.