Mechanisms for Reporting Security Events
Ensure staff can quickly report security problems through official channels to prevent bigger issues.
Plain language
This control is about making sure everyone in your organisation knows how to quickly report any security issues they notice. Without a clear way to report problems, a small security issue might go unnoticed and turn into a big, costly disaster.
Framework
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Control effect
Detective
ISO 27001 domain
People controls
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
24 Oct 2022
Control Stack last updated
19 Mar 2026
Maturity levels
N/A
Official control statement
The organization shall provide a mechanism for personnel and other relevant parties to report information security events and suspected weaknesses promptly through defined channels.
Why it matters
Without clear, defined reporting channels, staff may not report suspected events/weaknesses promptly, delaying triage and escalation and increasing breach likelihood and impact.
Operational notes
Provide simple, well-publicised channels (e.g., hotline, email, portal) with clear triage/escalation steps; confirm receipt, allow anonymous reporting, and run periodic reporting drills.
Implementation tips
- The IT manager should establish a simple and accessible system for reporting security events. This could be an online form or a dedicated email address that is easy to find and use, ensuring that everyone can report issues quickly.
- HR should include a section on reporting information security events in their educational programs for new hires. This means creating clear, easy-to-understand training materials that teach employees about what constitutes a security event and how to report it.
- The board should support the development of a policy that outlines the company’s expectations for reporting security events. This involves drafting a document with input from legal and IT departments, ensuring it aligns with Australian regulations like the Privacy Act 1988 and CPS 234.
- The office manager should regularly remind staff about the reporting process during team meetings. This helps keep the procedure front-of-mind and encourages a culture of openness and responsibility.
- The IT team should regularly test and update the reporting process to ensure it remains effective. This includes simulating security events to check if the procedure works smoothly and staff know how to react.
Audit / evidence tips
-
AskRequest the organisation's written procedure for reporting information security events.
GoodThe procedure is easy to understand, widely disseminated among staff, and clearly outlines who to contact in case of security events.
-
AskAsk for records of training sessions related to security event reporting.
GoodRegular training sessions conducted for all employees, with clear records showing high participation and relevant content.
-
AskInquire about any logs or reports of information security events from the past year.
GoodConsistent record of reports indicating timely recording of events with adequate details.
-
AskRequest to see communications or reminders sent about the reporting procedure.
GoodFrequent reminders using clear language that encourages and directs staff on reporting obligations.
-
AskAsk for evidence of testing or review of the event reporting mechanisms.
GoodDocumented tests indicating that the reporting procedure works effectively and any issues are promptly addressed.
Cross-framework mappings
How Annex A 6.8 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
E8
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (4) expand_less | ||
| handshake Supports (1) expand_less | ||
| extension Depends on (1) expand_less | ||
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
| layers Partially meets (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0142 | ISM-0142 requires organisations to report compromise or suspected compromise of cryptographic equipment or keying material to the CISO (o... | |
| sync_alt Partially overlaps (8) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0043 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined channels for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
| ISM-0123 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined channels and mechanisms for personnel and relevant parties to promptly report security events and suspected ... | |
| ISM-0125 | Annex A 6.8 requires mechanisms and defined channels for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
| ISM-1088 | Annex A 6.8 requires mechanisms and defined channels for personnel and other relevant parties to report security events and suspected wea... | |
| ISM-1803 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined channels to report security events and suspected weaknesses promptly | |
| ISM-1880 | Annex A 6.8 requires mechanisms for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses through defined channels | |
| ISM-1881 | Annex A 6.8 requires the organisation to provide defined channels for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
| ISM-2071 | ISM-2071 requires personnel who deal with user account details to be trained to recognise social engineering, manage attempted manipulati... | |
| handshake Supports (4) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0252 | Annex A 6.8 requires the organisation to provide defined channels and mechanisms so people can promptly report security events and suspec... | |
| ISM-1556 | ISM-1556 involves monitoring for compromise indicators and credential resets after high-risk travel | |
| ISM-1740 | ISM-1740 requires personnel handling payment details to know what BEC is and how to report it through the organisation’s processes | |
| ISM-2001 | ISM-2001 requires executives to champion a cyber security culture, including encouraging appropriate behaviours and accountability | |
| extension Depends on (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-1523 | ISM-1523 requires that security-relevant events relating to CDS data transfer policies are sampled and assessed at least every three months | |
| link Related (1) expand_less | ||
| ISM-0820 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined mechanisms for reporting information security events and suspected weaknesses promptly | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.