Ensure IT Equipment Meets EMI/EMC Standards
IT equipment is required to comply with standards to prevent electromagnetic interference.
Plain language
IT equipment must meet certain standards to avoid causing electronic or radio interference in other devices. This is important because if your office equipment interferes with nearby electronics, it can disrupt operations, cause errors in communication, and damage your reputation.
Framework
ASD Information Security Manual (ISM)
Control effect
Preventative
Classifications
NC, OS, P, S, TS
ISM last updated
May 2024
Control Stack last updated
18 May 2026
E8 maturity levels
N/A
Section
Emanation securityOfficial control statement
IT equipment meets industry and government standards relating to electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility.
Why it matters
Failure to meet EMI/EMC standards can cause interference with radios and networked systems, leading to data loss, outages and degraded operations.
Operational notes
Validate new and serviced IT equipment against applicable EMI/EMC standards, and record test results during maintenance to detect interference drift early.
Implementation tips
- Procurement Team should only purchase equipment meeting specified standards: They should ensure that any new IT equipment complies with Australian standards for electromagnetic interference and compatibility. This can be done by checking for certification labels and vendor assurance at the point of purchase.
- IT Team should regularly test equipment for compliance: They should periodically test office equipment using an EMI/EMC metre to ensure there’s no unintentional interference. This helps to identify any problems early before they can affect operations.
- System Owners should document compliance checks: They must maintain records of compliance for each piece of equipment. This involves noting the equipment model, serial number, compliance standard, and date of last check.
- Office Managers should train staff on equipment use: Ensure all users are aware of how to operate IT equipment without causing interference. This could be through a simple training session or instruction manual that highlights best practices.
- Facilities Managers should monitor for interference issues: They need to be alert to signs of interference, like unusual signal noise or device malfunctions. On detection, they should arrange an inspection to locate the source and fix it.
Audit / evidence tips
- AskThe equipment compliance records: Request the documentation showing which standards each device complies with GoodIs a file containing certificates for each device used in the office
- GoodIs a documented process that mandates compliance checks during procurement
- AskTo see a live or recorded demonstration of EMI/EMC testing GoodIs evidence showing the procedure and findings, ensuring no problematic emissions
- GoodIncludes regular checks with clear follow-up actions when problems are detected
- GoodIs a session that covers main interference points and encourages best practices
Cross-framework mappings
How ISM-0250 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 27001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (1) expand_less | ||
| Annex A 7.12 | ISM-0250 requires IT equipment to comply with electromagnetic interference/electromagnetic compatibility (EMI/EMC) standards to prevent i... | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.