Skip to content
Networking
ASD ISMISM-1628

ASD ISM 1628 Prevent anonymity network traffic in outbound connections

What it says

Outbound network connections to anonymity networks are blocked.

Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.

What it means

In plain English

Ensure outbound connections to anonymous networks are blocked for security.

This control means you need to stop computers in your organisation from connecting to networks that hide where internet traffic is coming from, like Tor. It's important because if someone in your organisation can browse anonymously, they might do something harmful or illegal without being traced, causing security risks or legal issues for your business.

Why it matters

If anonymity networks are reachable outbound, staff or malware can exfiltrate data and evade monitoring, increasing insider-threat and legal/compliance risk.

How to implement

  1. The IT team should set up your internet firewall to block access to known anonymity networks like Tor.

    This can be done by updating the firewall settings with a list of these networks' server addresses, which are often provided by cyber security agencies like the Australian Cyber Security Centre.

  2. System administrators should ensure that access to anonymity networks is routinely monitored.

    Use existing network monitoring tools to flag unusual traffic that might indicate attempted connections and set up alerts to notify the team if such activity is detected.

  3. Managers should educate staff on the potential legal and security risks of using anonymous browsing.

    Hold regular information sessions or training workshops to explain why connecting to these networks is harmful and how it can affect the entire organisation.

  4. System owners should periodically review and update the network's filtering rules.

    Work with IT specialists to check that the list of blocked anonymity networks is current and includes any new ones that have been identified.

  5. Contract with a cyber security provider to conduct regular audits of your network's security settings.

    They should verify that connections to anonymity networks are blocked and help identify any configuration weaknesses that could be exploited.

Keep it running

Block outbound Tor/I2P and known anonymity VPN endpoints at the firewall/proxy, and review logs and threat intel regularly to catch new exit nodes.

Evidence and audit

  1. Check 1 of 4What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    The latest firewall configuration report from the IT team.

    Look at

    The list of blocked server addresses or networks to ensure anonymity networks like Tor are included.

    Good evidence

    Result is a detailed list showing all identified anonymity networks are blocked.

  2. Check 2 of 4What an auditor asks for

    Good evidence

    Is no logged traffic moving to or from those networks.

  3. Check 3 of 4What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Evidence of user education materials or attendance records from recent awareness sessions. Review agendas or training content to confirm that digital security and risks of anonymity networks were covered.

    Good evidence

    Result shows regular training sessions with relevant content covered.

  4. Check 4 of 4What an auditor asks for

    Good evidence

    Shows regular updates and documented procedures.

Mappings

Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.8.20, Network and network devices security, which this control partially meets.

ISO 27001

ISO/IEC 27001: 2 mappings

  • A.8.21Security of network servicesPartially meets

Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.