ASD ISM 1720 Colour coding for SECRET wall outlet boxes
What it says
SECRET wall outlet boxes are coloured salmon pink.
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
What it means
In plain EnglishSecret wall outlets must be salmon pink to ensure correct security level identification.
Wall outlet boxes that carry cables labelled 'SECRET' need to be coloured salmon pink. This distinctive colour coding helps everyone quickly spot and properly secure sensitive areas, minimising the risk of accidental information leaks.
Free. Save your status, tasks and notes.
Why it matters
If SECRET wall outlet boxes are not salmon pink, staff may not recognise SECRET outlets, increasing the risk of improper connection or handling in SECRET areas.
How to implement
Facilities manager should coordinate with the maintenance team to ensure all SECRET wall outlet boxes are salmon pink.
Use a standardised paint or overlay that is durable and matches the specified salmon pink colour.
IT department needs to identify all existing wall outlets used for SECRET cabling.
Conduct a walk-through of the premises, checking each outlet to ensure the correct colour is used.
Procurement officer should update the purchasing guidelines to specify that all new outlet boxes for SECRET wiring must be salmon pink before installation.
Work with suppliers to ensure this colour requirement is met.
Train staff responsible for physical security to recognise salmon pink outlet boxes as a sign of SECRET-level communications.
Use simple visual aids and regular briefings to reinforce this awareness.
Engage an external auditor or compliance officer annually to verify that all relevant outlet boxes are the correct salmon pink colour.
Ensure they check selected locations at random for compliance.
Keep it running
Inspect SECRET wall outlet boxes during routine checks; repaint or replace any that are not salmon pink so SECRET outlets remain clearly identifiable.
Evidence and audit
- Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
An inventory list of all wall outlets designated for SECRET use.
Look at
How each outlet is recorded, including its colour and location.
Good evidence
A detailed list showing salmon pink as the colour for all SECRET outlets.
- Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
Recent training records for the staff responsible for security checks.
Look at
Training outcomes that included recognising salmon pink as the identifier for SECRET outlets.
Good evidence
Certificates or attendance sheets showing staff have completed such training within the last year.
- Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
Orders from suppliers specifying the colour and purpose.
Good evidence
Recent invoices showing purchasing of salmon pink wall outlet boxes for SECRET use.
- Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for
Ask for
The maintenance logs that record any updates or changes to outlet colours.
Look at
Entries showing ongoing compliance checks and corrections if necessary.
Good evidence
Maintenance logs showing salmon pink verification checks.
- Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for
Look at
Photos for consistency with records and colour requirement.
Good evidence
Dated photos showing salmon pink outlets in specified locations.
Mappings
Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.5.13, Labelling of information, which this control partially meets.
ISO/IEC 27001: 2 mappings
This control partially meets A.5.13.
ISM-1720 requires wall outlet boxes for SECRET systems to be coloured salmon pink, giving a visible classification marking on network infrastructure. This is a specific application of the labelling procedures that Annex A 5.13 requires in line with the organisation's classification scheme, extending classification labelling to the physical assets through which classified information flows. Annex A 5.13 covers labelling of information and associated assets in all formats, whereas ISM-1720 prescribes a single colour convention for one classification level.
This control partially meets A.7.12.
ISM-1720 requires wall outlet boxes for SECRET systems to be coloured salmon pink so that the classification of each connection point is immediately visible. This supports the protection of data cabling required by Annex A 7.12, because clearly identifiable outlets reduce the risk of accidental cross-patching or unauthorised connection that could lead to interception of or interference with classified data. Annex A 7.12 covers the protection of all power, data and supporting service cabling from interception, interference or damage, while ISM-1720 addresses only the colour marking of outlets for one classification.
Mappings show how controls relate across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.