ASD ISM 1101 Terminate cabling closely in TOP SECRET areas
What it says
In TOP SECRET areas, cable reticulation systems leading into cabinets in server rooms or communications rooms are terminated as close as possible to the cabinet.
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What it means
In plain EnglishIn TOP SECRET areas, ensure cables are terminated very close to cabinets for security.
In areas handling top secret information, it's crucial to have cables end very close to their cabinets to prevent security risks like data theft or tampering. If cables are left exposed, someone could potentially tap into them and access sensitive information, leading to severe consequences for your business or organisation.
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Why it matters
Improper cable termination in TOP SECRET areas increases tapping risk, enabling data interception and espionage or classified data breaches.
How to implement
Facilities Manager should inspect cabling routes: Conduct a walkthrough of top secret areas to assess where cable terminations are relative to the cabinets.
Ensure any exposed lengths are minimised to prevent unauthorised access.
IT team must plan cabling layout: When setting up or upgrading cabinets in top secret areas, the IT team should design the cable routes to ensure the final connections are as close as possible to the cabinets.
Use cable management accessories to help keep the layout tidy and secure.
Security Officer should verify installation procedures: Work with facilities staff to incorporate verification checks during installation ensuring cables are terminated close to cabinets.
Regular checks can ensure compliance with security standards.
Training for technical staff: Conduct a training session to educate the technical team on the importance and methods for securing cable terminations, ensuring everyone understands the risks associated with improper installation.
Conduct periodic reviews: Establish a routine schedule for reviewing cabling set-ups in top secret areas.
Involve both the IT and facilities teams to confirm cables remain adequately terminated close to all cabinets.
Keep it running
Regularly confirm cabling is terminated as close as possible to cabinets; inspect trays/conduits for gaps, tampering, or unauthorised changes.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Cabling plans: Request detailed schematics showing cabling layouts in top secret areas.
Look at
How termination points are planned in relation to cabinets. Good plans will show minimal cable exposure outside cabinets.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
Completed checks corresponding to cable termination close to cabinets.
Good evidence
Will have initials or signatures indicating oversight during installation.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
How cables are managed and their proximity to cabinets. Good implementation shows minimal lengths of cables exposed outside their cabinets.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Logs that document regular checks and maintenance of cabling systems.
Look at
Regular entries verifying cable integrity. Good logs will show regular assessments with no noted issues.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The organisation's policy on cable termination practices in top secret areas.
Look at
Clear directives about how cables should be managed in server and communications rooms.
Good evidence
Policy will highlight the requirement for minimising cable exposure.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.7.6, Security measures for working in secure areas, which this control partially meets.
ISO/IEC 27001: 2 mappings
This control partially meets A.7.6.
ISM-1101 requires a specific security measure for TOP SECRET environments: terminating cable reticulation systems as close as possible to cabinets in server or communications rooms. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 7.6 requires organisations to design and implement security measures for working in secure areas, which can include controls to prevent physical tampering or interception of infrastructure such as cabling. ISM-1101 is a single, prescriptive technical/physical measure, while Annex A 7.6 is broader and covers many secure-area working controls.
This control partially meets A.7.12.
ISM-1101 requires that, in TOP SECRET areas, cable reticulation systems entering cabinets in server/communications rooms are terminated as close as possible to the cabinet to reduce exposure and tampering opportunities. ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A 7.12 requires organisations to protect power and data cabling from interception, interference or damage, which includes physical routing and termination practices. ISM-1101 is a specific high-assurance physical implementation for secure areas, while Annex A 7.12 is broader and applies across environments and cabling threats.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.