Communications infrastructure

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policyASD ISM

Guidelines for communications infrastructure

53 controls in this part of theASD ISM. Each control links to plain-English guidance, audit tips and cross-framework mappings.

Cabling infrastructure

Ensure Cabling Meets Australian Standards

Install cables according to Australian Standards as required by the communications authority.

Exclusive Secret Cable Bundling in Infrastructure

SECRET cables must be kept separate in their own bundles or conduits to enhance security.

Sealing Conduit Joints in Shared Facilities

Use visible glue to seal plastic and TOP SECRET conduit joints in shared spaces.

Seal Removable Covers on TOP SECRET Cables

Use special seals to secure TOP SECRET cable covers in shared spaces to prevent tampering.

Consultation for Penetrating Audio Secure Rooms

Before entering top secret audio rooms, consult ASIO and follow their guidance.

Labelling Requirements for TOP SECRET Conduits

TOP SECRET conduits must have labels every 5 metres, marked 'TS RUN', and be at least 2.5 cm by 1 cm

Develop and Maintain Cable Labelling Processes

Ensure cables are labelled correctly by setting up and following specific procedures.

Maintain a Comprehensive Cable Register

Keep a detailed record of each cable, including ID, colour, and location, to ensure proper cable man

Segregate Patch Panels for Secret-Level Cables

Secret and top secret cables must be connected to separate patch panels for security.

Ensure Separate Cabinets for TOP SECRET Patch Panels

TOP SECRET patch panels must be within their own separate cabinets to enhance security.

Secure Separation of Non-TOP SECRET and TOP SECRET Panels

Install barriers and restrict access to mix different security level patch panels in cabinets.

Label and Protect Long TS Fibre-Optic Leads

Ensure long TS fibre-optic cables are protected, easy to inspect, and labelled at the equipment end.

Ensure Cables Are Not Salmon Pink or Red

Do not use salmon pink or red for non-classified, sensitive, or protected cables.

Proper Labelling of Wall Outlet Boxes

Label wall outlet boxes with system, cable, and box identifiers for easy identification.

Ensure Proper Labelling of Cables for Identification

Label cables on both ends for easy identification and inspection of where they start and end.

Terminate Cable Systems at Cabinet Boundaries

In TOP SECRET areas, cables connecting to cabinets outside server rooms stop at the cabinet edge.

Terminating TOP SECRET Cables in Cabinets

TOP SECRET cables must be connected only in designated TOP SECRET cabinets for security purposes.

Terminate Cabling Closely in Top Secret Areas

In TOP SECRET areas, ensure cables are terminated very close to cabinets for security.

Terminate Cable Reticulation Close to Cabinet

Ensure cables are ended near cabinets to improve connection and organisation.

Terminate Cables Outside Cabinets in Secure Areas

In top secret areas, cables must end at the cabinet's edge unless in server or communications rooms.

Ensure Wall Outlets Have Appropriate Cable Security

Wall outlets for SECRET and TOP SECRET should only have cables that match these classifications.

Colour Restrictions for Wall Outlet Boxes

Wall outlet boxes must not be coloured salmon pink or red to ensure proper classification.

Ensure Clear Plastic Covers for Wall Outlets

Wall outlet covers must be transparent plastic to visually inspect without obstruction.

Ensure Fibre-Optic Cables Replace Copper Cables

Use fibre-optic cables instead of copper to improve data security and efficiency in cabling infrastr

Ensure Cables Are Inspectable Every Five Metres

Cables outside TOP SECRET areas should be easy to inspect every five metres for security checks.

Ensure Separation in Cable Reticulation Systems

Cables and conduits in shared spaces must be visibly separated or partitioned to ensure safety and o

Ensure Cables Use Conduits in Walls

Ensures cables in walls are protected by running through flexible or plastic conduits.

Ensure Separation Between Top Secret and Other Cabinets

Ensure there's a visible gap between top secret and other cabinets for security reasons.

Ensure Cables in TOP SECRET Areas are Inspectable

Cables in highly secure areas must be checked along their entire length for any issues.

Secure TOP SECRET Cable Wall Exits

Ensure TOP SECRET cables that pass through walls to lower security areas are protected by conduits a

Ensure UPS Powers All Top Secret IT Equipment

All Top Secret IT equipment must use power from a board with a UPS to maintain functionality during

Use Enclosed Systems for Shared Facility Cables

Ensure cables in shared buildings are placed in closed pathways to prevent tampering.

Prevent Installation of TOP SECRET Cables in Shared Walls

In shared buildings, do not place TOP SECRET cables within walls shared with other spaces.

Use Clear Plastic for Shared Facility Cabling Covers

In shared spaces, use clear plastic for cables on ceilings, floors, and walls to ensure visibility.

Ensure Correct Labelling of Non-conformant Cables

Non-standard cable colours for SECRET and TOP SECRET must be labelled correctly at inspection points

Label Building Management Cables Clearly

Label cables with purpose clearly at intervals to ensure easy identification.

Label Cables for Foreign Systems in Australia

Ensure all cables from foreign systems in Australia are labelled at check points.

Detail Cabling Paths and Points on Floor Plans

Floor plans should show cable paths, conduit systems, and key network component locations.

Colour Code for SECRET Cables

SECRET cables are identified by their salmon pink colour.

Colour Code for TOP SECRET Cables

TOP SECRET cables must be red to ensure easy identification and compliance.

Colour Coding for Secret Wall Outlet Boxes

Secret wall outlets must be salmon pink to ensure correct security level identification.

Red Colour Coding for TOP SECRET Outlet Boxes

TOP SECRET wall outlet boxes should be painted red for easy identification.

Ensure Consistent Cable Colours for Systems

Use the same colour cables for each separate system to avoid confusion.

Ensuring Exclusive Bundling for TOP SECRET Cables

TOP SECRET cables must be in separate bundles or conduits to ensure security.

Standardised Colour for Wall Outlet Boxes

Ensure wall outlet boxes have the same colour for each system for consistency.

Cabling Infrastructure

Develop and Verify a Cable Register

Maintain a detailed record of cables and regularly check it for accuracy.

Maintain and Verify Floor Plan Diagrams

Regularly update and review floor plans to ensure they are accurate and current.

Emanation security

Contact ASD for Emanation Security Assessment

When an emanation security risk assessment is required, it is sought as early as possible in a syste

Separate Classified and Personal Data on Personal Devices

Private devices must keep classified work data separate from personal data to protect sensitive info

Ensure IT Equipment Meets EMI/EMC Standards

IT equipment is required to comply with standards to prevent electromagnetic interference.

Request Risk Assessment for Emanation Security

System owners must ask for a security risk assessment when setting up SECRET or TOP SECRET systems.

Ensure Compliance with Emanation Security Doctrine

Organisations must follow guidelines for managing information leaks through electromagnetic emission

Implement Emanation Security Measures for Systems

System owners follow security advice to protect against information leaks from electronic devices.

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