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Communications infrastructure
ASD ISMISM-1718

ASD ISM 1718 Colour code for SECRET cables

What it says

SECRET cables are coloured salmon pink.

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

What it means

In plain English

SECRET cables are identified by their salmon pink colour.

This control is about making sure that cables used for SECRET information are a salmon pink colour. It's critical because having these cables misidentified can lead to sensitive information being accessed by the wrong people, which could jeopardise security and confidentiality.

Why it matters

If SECRET cables are not salmon pink, they risk misidentification, potentially exposing sensitive data to unauthorised individuals.

How to implement

  1. IT manager should ensure that all cables intended for SECRET data are coloured salmon pink.

    This can be done by specifying salmon pink when ordering new cables and checking existing cables to confirm they meet this requirement.

  2. Procurement officers should include colour specifications in purchase orders for cables.

    They should clearly state that any cables for SECRET data must be salmon pink to comply with this security measure.

  3. Facility management should audit the current cable installations in secure areas.

    This involves physically checking that cables are correctly coloured and replacing any that are not the right shade.

  4. Security officers should regularly inspect cable colour compliance during routine building security checks.

    They can add this step to their checklist to ensure all areas continue to comply with the required standards.

  5. Training coordinators should educate all staff involved with handling or installing cables on the importance of using the correct colour.

    Run a short session highlighting the significance of using salmon pink for SECRET cables to maintain security.

Keep it running

Regularly verify SECRET cable colours remain salmon pink, and replace any that have faded so identification remains consistent.

Evidence and audit

  1. Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    The latest cable colour specification document: Verify if the document lists salmon pink for SECRET cables.

    Look at

    Clear guidelines on colour coding for security levels.

    Good evidence

    Shows salmon pink as designated for SECRET use, with no conflicting information.

  2. Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    To see purchase orders or invoices for cables: Check these documents to confirm salmon pink cables were ordered for SECRET use. Good evidence is a clear match between orders and the colour-specific requirements.

  3. Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    The facility's cable audit report: Review to see if the audit covered all areas with SECRET cables and noted any compliance issues.

    Good evidence

    Report lists all SECRET cable areas and confirms they meet the salmon pink requirement.

  4. Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    The security officers to demonstrate their inspection checklist.

    Look at

    Steps that include checking for salmon pink cables.

    Good evidence

    Checklist specifically names checks for salmon pink in SECRET areas.

  5. Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Training session records.

    Look at

    Attendance sheets and training materials to see if staff have been educated on cable colour importance. Good records show regular sessions and content explicitly covering the salmon pink requirement.

Mappings

Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.7.12, Secure cabling for power and data, which this control partially meets.

ISO 27001

ISO/IEC 27001: 1 mapping

  • A.7.12Secure cabling for power and dataPartially meets

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