verifiedISO/IEC 27001:2022
ISO 27001 Annex A 6.8Mechanisms for Reporting Security Events
Official control statement
The organization shall provide a mechanism for personnel to report observed or suspected information security events through appropriate channels in a timely manner.
verifiedISO/IEC 27001:2022Annex A 6.8
Quoted as published. Everything else on this page is written by Control Stack.
In plain English
Ensure staff can quickly report security problems through official channels to prevent bigger issues.
People controlsISO/IEC 27001:2022
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What this means in practice
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.
01 - Overview
Framework
ISO/IEC 27001:2022
Control effect (Control Stack)
Detective
ISO 27001 domain
People controls
Classifications
N/A
Official last update
24 Oct 2022
Control Stack last updated
29 Sept 2026
priority_high
Why it matters
Without clear reporting channels, staff may not report observed or suspected security events promptly, which delays triage and escalation and increases the likelihood and impact of a breach.
settings
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.
02 - Implement
build
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.
03 - Audit
fact_check
Audit / evidence tips
- AskRequest the organisation's written procedure for reporting information security events.Look atExamine the clarity and accessibility of the procedure, making sure it includes clear channels and contacts for reporting.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.Look atCheck the frequency, attendance, and content of these sessions.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.Look atAnalyse the reports for completeness and promptness of entries.GoodConsistent record of reports indicating timely recording of events with adequate details.
- AskRequest to see communications or reminders sent about the reporting procedure.Look atExamine how regularly these communications are sent and their content.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.Look atReview any conducted tests or simulations of the reporting process.GoodDocumented tests indicating that the reporting procedure works effectively and any issues are promptly addressed.
04 - Mappings
link
Cross-framework mappings
How Annex A 6.8 relates to controls across ISO/IEC 27001, ISO/IEC 42001, Essential Eight, and ASD ISM.
ISO 42001
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
sync_altPartially overlaps(2)expand_less | ||
| Annex A 3.3 | Annex A 3.3 (ISO/IEC 42001) requires the organisation to implement an accessible process for reporting concerns about the organisation's ... | |
| Annex A 8.3 | Annex A 8.3 (External Reporting) requires the organisation to provide capabilities for interested external parties to report adverse impa... | |
E8
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
sync_altPartially overlaps(4)expand_less | ||
| E8-AC-ML2.9 | Annex A 6.8 requires the organisation to provide defined channels for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
| E8-MF-ML2.11 | Annex A 6.8 requires the organisation to provide defined channels so personnel and relevant parties can promptly report security events a... | |
| E8-RA-ML2.11 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined channels to enable prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
| E8-AH-ML2.16 | Annex A 6.8 requires mechanisms and defined channels for prompt reporting of security events and suspected weaknesses | |
handshakeSupports(1)expand_less | ||
| E8-RA-ML2.12 | E8-RA-ML2.12 requires prompt reporting of cyber security incidents to ASD once they occur or are discovered | |
ASD ISM
| Control | Notes | Details |
|---|---|---|
open_in_fullBroader than(2)expand_less | ||
| ISM-0142 | ISM-0142 requires organisations to report compromise or suspected compromise of cryptographic equipment or keying material to the CISO (o... | |
| ISM-0820 | Annex A 6.8 requires defined mechanisms for reporting information security events and suspected weaknesses promptly | |
sync_altPartially 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-2071 | ISM-2071 requires personnel who deal with user account details to be trained to recognise social engineering, manage attempted manipulati... | |
| ISM-2105 | ISM-2105 requires personnel to report cases where work-related duty information is posted on unauthorised online services | |
handshakeSupports(1)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... | |
extensionDepends on(1)expand_less | ||
| ISM-1740 | ISM-1740 requires personnel handling payment details to know what BEC is and how to report it through the organisation's processes | |
These mappings show relationships between controls across frameworks. They do not imply full equivalence or certification.
Related ISO 27001 controls in People controls
Annex A 6.5
Responsibilities after employment termination or role change
Annex A 6.6
Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements
Annex A 6.7
Remote Working Security Measures
Annex A 6.1
Personnel Background Verification
Annex A 6.2
Terms and conditions of employment for security
Annex A 6.3
Information security awareness, education and training program
See all People controls controls, or browse the full ISO 27001 Annex A library. You can also track all 93 controls with the free ISO 27001 Annex A checklist.
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