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Procurement and outsourcing
ASD ISMISM-1792

ASD ISM 1792 Assess authenticity of IT and OT deliveries

What it says

The authenticity of operating systems, applications, IT equipment, OT equipment and services are assessed as part of acceptance of products and services.

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

What it means

In plain English

Ensure that software and equipment are genuine before accepting them.

This control means you need to make sure any software or equipment you're using is the real deal, not a fake or compromised version. This is important because if you use counterfeit systems, they might have hidden vulnerabilities or malware that can lead to data breaches or system failures.

Why it matters

If deliveries are not authenticated, counterfeit IT/OT systems or software can be introduced, creating hidden vulnerabilities and causing breaches and downtime.

How to implement

  1. Procurement staff should verify authenticity: Before purchasing, they should check that vendors are legitimate by cross-referencing with trusted sources or using accredited suppliers.

    This prevents buying counterfeit or unauthorised products.

  2. IT managers should conduct authenticity checks: Use manufacturer-provided tools or contact the vendor to verify serial numbers and product authenticity after delivery.

    This helps ensure the product hasn't been tampered with or replaced with a knock-off.

  3. Operations staff should keep records: Document the authenticity verification process, including who did it, how, and when, and store this information securely.

    This creates a paper trail to prove due diligence.

  4. Management should establish policies: Develop clear guidelines requiring staff to follow specific steps for authenticity checks.

    Regular training sessions should reinforce the importance of these procedures.

  5. IT team should implement monitoring: Use tools to continuously monitor the integrity of installed systems and applications.

    This can help detect unauthorised changes or tampering after the initial deployment.

Keep it running

Regularly verify suppliers and perform checks on deliveries to authenticate equipment and software, preventing integration of counterfeit items.

Evidence and audit

  1. Check 1 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Proof of procurement checks: Request records that show how suppliers were verified before purchase.

    Look at

    Supplier accreditation or comparison against known trusted provider lists.

    Good evidence

    Includes documentation showing criteria used for assessment.

  2. Check 2 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Records of authenticity checks: Request logs or reports from the IT team detailing how software and equipment authenticity was verified.

    Look at

    How checks were conducted and evidence of vendor confirmation.

    Good evidence

    Includes time-stamped verification reports.

  3. Check 3 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Training records: Request attendance logs or training materials on how staff should verify authenticity.

    Look at

    Evidence of regular training sessions and updated materials.

    Good evidence

    Shows comprehensive training with attendance tracked.

  4. Check 4 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Policy documents: Request the organisation's policy on authenticity verification.

    Look at

    Clear procedural steps and responsibilities outlined in the document.

    Good evidence

    Shows a detailed, regularly updated policy.

  5. Check 5 of 5What an auditor asks for

    Ask for

    Monitoring reports: Request a summary of monitoring activities carried out by the IT team.

    Look at

    Logs of activity monitoring that can detect technical issues or tampering.

    Good evidence

    Includes periodic monitoring reports with documented findings.

Mappings

Closest match in ISO/IEC 27001: A.5.21, Managing information security in the ICT supply chain, which this control partially meets.

ISO 27001

ISO/IEC 27001: 1 mapping

ASD Essentials

ASD Essentials for enterprise IT: 1 mapping

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