ISO 27001:2022 Annex A Checklist
This is a free interactive ISO 27001:2022 Annex A checklist covering all 93 controls: 37 organisational, 8 people, 14 physical and 34 technological. Tick controls off in your browser, then download the same checklist as an Excel or CSV file. No signup, no email address, no paywall. Every control links to a plain English guide with implementation and audit evidence tips.
Last updated: August 2026. Maintained against ISO/IEC 27001:2022 (Annex A as detailed in ISO/IEC 27002:2022).
How to use this checklist
- Work top to bottom, or jump to a theme: Organisational (37), People (8), Physical (14), Technological (34).
- Mark each control Implemented, In progress or Not applicable. Your progress saves in your browser automatically. Nothing is uploaded and no account is needed.
- Open any control name for plain English guidance, implementation tips and audit evidence tips.
- Download the Excel or CSV version to work offline or in your GRC tool, or export your current progress as a CSV gap summary.
One honest caveat before you start: Annex A is not a compulsory to do list. It is a reference set of controls. Which controls apply to you is decided by your risk assessment and recorded in your Statement of Applicability, with a justification for anything you exclude. This checklist exists to help you run that decision control by control, then track implementation of the ones you keep.
Your progress
0 of 93 controls marked. Progress is saved in your browser.
Organisational controls (37)
All organisational controls- A.5.1 Policies for information security
Have clear, approved security policies that everyone knows about and follows.
- A.5.2 Defining Information Security Roles and Responsibilities
Clearly assign security roles and duties to ensure nothing is overlooked.
- A.5.3 Segregation of Duties
Ensure no one person can perform conflicting duties alone to prevent misuse.
- A.5.4 Management responsibilities for information security
Managers must ensure everyone follows and supports the organisation's security policies.
- A.5.5 Establish and Maintain Contact with Authorities
Ensure you can quickly contact authorities like police or regulators for security issues.
- A.5.6 Contact with special interest groups
Maintain ties with security groups to stay updated on threats and best practices.
- A.5.7 Threat Intelligence Collection and Analysis
Gather and study threat information to improve your security measures and readiness.
- A.5.8 Information security in project management
Include security checks in all projects to prevent risks from new systems.
- A.5.9 Inventory management of information and associated assets
Keep an updated list of information and assets, specifying who owns and manages each.
- A.5.10 Acceptable Use Policies for Information and Assets
Create and communicate rules for how information and assets should be used to ensure security.
- A.5.11 Return of Organisation's Assets upon Departure
Ensure that employees and external parties return all company assets when their job or contract ends.
- A.5.12 Information Classification Policy and Practices
Classify data based on security needs so everyone handles it correctly.
- A.5.13 Labelling of Information
Create and use clear labels to show how sensitive information is, so it is correctly handled.
- A.5.14 Information Transfer Policies and Procedures
Ensure secure and controlled transfer of information within and outside the organisation.
- A.5.15 Access Control Policies and Procedures
Set and apply rules for who can access information and systems based on their security needs.
- A.5.16 Identity life cycle management
Ensure all user and system identities are managed from creation to deactivation.
- A.5.17 Management of Authentication Information
Ensure secure and proper handling of passwords and authentication details.
- A.5.18 Managing Access Rights to Information Assets
Regularly check and adjust who can access sensitive information based on business rules.
- A.5.19 Managing Information Security in Supplier Relationships
Ensure suppliers of products/services do not pose security risks through defined processes.
- A.5.20 Integrating security clauses in supplier agreements
Ensure suppliers meet agreed security requirements relevant to their relationship.
- A.5.21 Managing Information Security in the ICT Supply Chain
Ensure ICT supply chain security by managing risks with processes and procedures.
- A.5.22 Monitoring and Managing Supplier Services
Keep track of and adapt to changes in how suppliers handle security and service delivery.
- A.5.23 Cloud Service Security Management
Ensure secure cloud service use with proper procedures for acquisition, management, and exit.
- A.5.24 Information security incident management planning and preparation
Ensure your organisation is ready to manage security incidents with clear processes and responsible roles.
- A.5.25 Assessment and decision on information security events
Evaluate security events to determine which are serious enough to be called incidents.
- A.5.26 Response to Information Security Incidents
Ensure security incidents are handled quickly and effectively following set procedures.
- A.5.27 Learning from information security incidents
Use knowledge from past incidents to boost security and prevent future issues.
- A.5.28 Procedures for Collecting and Preserving Evidence
Set up clear steps to gather and maintain evidence of security incidents securely.
- A.5.29 Maintain information security during disruptions
Plan to keep information secure even when normal operations are interrupted.
- A.5.30 ICT Readiness for Business Continuity
Ensure ICT systems are ready to support business goals during disruptions through proper planning and testing.
- A.5.31 Compliance with Information Security Legal Requirements
Identify and stay updated on information security legal obligations to avoid breaches.
- A.5.32 Intellectual Property Rights Protection
Develop procedures to safeguard intellectual property rights to avoid legal issues.
- A.5.33 Protection of Records
Ensure records are safe from loss, damage, falsification, and unauthorised access.
- A.5.34 Privacy and Protection of Personally Identifiable Information
Ensure privacy and PII protection according to laws and contracts.
- A.5.35 Independent review of information security
Ensure independent reviews of information security management at regular intervals or after significant changes.
- A.5.36 Review compliance with information security policies
Regularly check if your organisation's security policies and rules are being followed.
- A.5.37 Documented Operating Procedures for Information Processing
Ensure procedures are written down and accessible to those who need them.
People controls (8)
All people controls- A.6.1 Personnel Background Verification
Conduct background checks on all job candidates before hiring to manage risks.
- A.6.2 Terms and conditions of employment for security
Ensure job agreements state everyone's info security duties clearly.
- A.6.3 Information security awareness, education and training program
Ensure everyone gets regular training and updates on information security relevant to their job.
- A.6.4 Disciplinary Process for Information Security Violations
Ensure staff understand consequences for breaking security rules to prevent violations.
- A.6.5 Responsibilities after employment termination or role change
Ensure security responsibilities are clear when employment ends or roles change.
- A.6.6 Confidentiality and Non-disclosure Agreements
Ensure all relevant parties sign agreements to protect confidential information.
- A.6.7 Remote Working Security Measures
Implement security measures to protect company info when working outside the office.
- A.6.8 Mechanisms for Reporting Security Events
Ensure staff can quickly report security problems through official channels to prevent bigger issues.
Physical controls (14)
All physical controls- A.7.1 Physical Security Perimeters
Define clear physical boundaries to protect sensitive areas and assets from unauthorized access.
- A.7.2 Physical access controls for secure areas
Ensure only authorised people can enter secure areas and prevent unauthorised access.
- A.7.3 Physical Security for Offices and Facilities
Ensure physical security to prevent unauthorized access to offices and facilities.
- A.7.4 Continuous monitoring of physical access to premises
Use systems like CCTV and alarms to detect unauthorized physical entry.
- A.7.5 Protecting against physical and environmental threats
Plan and implement actions to prevent damage from natural and human threats to physical infrastructure.
- A.7.6 Security Measures for Working in Secure Areas
Implement security measures to control and protect activities in secure areas.
- A.7.7 Clear desk and clear screen policies
Ensure desks and screens are clear of sensitive info to prevent unauthorized access.
- A.7.8 Equipment Siting and Protection
Ensure equipment is placed safely to prevent damage or unauthorised access.
- A.7.9 Security of Off-Site Assets
Ensure assets used outside the office are protected from theft or loss.
- A.7.10 Secure Management of Storage Media
Manage storage media safely from purchase to disposal based on your risk policies.
- A.7.11 Protection from Utility Failures
Make sure key equipment is safe from power and utility failures to avoid data loss.
- A.7.12 Secure Cabling for Power and Data
Ensure cables are protected from interception, damage, or interference to prevent security risks.
- A.7.13 Proper Maintenance of Equipment
Ensure all equipment is regularly maintained to prevent failures and protect data.
- A.7.14 Secure disposal or re-use of equipment
Ensure device data is erased or secured before disposal or reuse to prevent data breaches.
Technological controls (34)
All technological controls- A.8.1 Protection of User Endpoint Devices
Ensure all laptops, mobiles, and tablets are secure to protect stored information.
- A.8.2 Management of Privileged Access Rights
Control and limit who gets special access to sensitive systems to keep them secure.
- A.8.3 Restrict access to information and assets
Limit access to information based on set policies to prevent unauthorised use.
- A.8.4 Access management for source code and tools
Control who can read and change source code to avoid risks and maintain security.
- A.8.5 Secure authentication technologies and procedures
Use secure methods to confirm identities and control access to systems and data.
- A.8.6 Capacity Management for Resource Use
Ensure resources are monitored and adjusted to meet current and future needs to prevent system slowdowns or failures.
- A.8.7 Protection against malware
Implement measures and train users to prevent and detect malware threats.
- A.8.8 Management of Technical Vulnerabilities
Identify and address software vulnerabilities to prevent exploitation and security risks.
- A.8.9 Configuration Management for Secure IT Systems
Set and keep secure settings for all IT systems and watch for changes.
- A.8.10 Secure deletion of information when no longer needed
Delete data you don't need anymore to reduce risk and comply with laws.
- A.8.11 Data Masking for Sensitive Information
Use data masking to hide sensitive info based on policy requirements and legal obligations.
- A.8.12 Data Leakage Prevention Measures
Implement measures to stop sensitive data from being leaked or stolen from your systems.
- A.8.13 Backup and Recovery Procedures for Data
Keep and test backups of data and systems regularly as per backup policy.
- A.8.14 Redundancy of Information Processing Facilities
Ensure systems have backups to avoid downtime and data loss.
- A.8.15 Logging of Activities and Events
Keep detailed logs of activities and events to detect attacks and ensure accountability.
- A.8.16 Monitoring Networks and Systems for Anomalous Behaviour
Regularly check networks and systems for unusual activity to address potential security threats.
- A.8.17 Clock synchronisation for information systems
Ensure all system clocks are set to the same time source to aid in event tracking and investigations.
- A.8.18 Use of Privileged Utility Programs
Restrict and control programs that can override system controls to prevent unauthorised access.
- A.8.19 Secure Software Installation Procedures
Ensure software installations are controlled to prevent security risks.
- A.8.20 Network and Network Devices Security
Secure and manage networks to prevent unauthorized access to your information.
- A.8.21 Security of Network Services
Ensure network services are secure, reliable, and meet agreed-upon standards.
- A.8.22 Network Segregation for Security
Separate network groups to limit risks and control access between services, users, and systems.
- A.8.23 Web Filtering to Reduce Malicious Website Exposure
Limit access to risky websites to avoid malware and phishing threats.
- A.8.24 Effective Use of Cryptography and Key Management
Create and enforce rules for using cryptography and managing keys effectively.
- A.8.25 Secure Development Lifecycle
Set rules for secure software and system development to avoid costly production issues.
- A.8.26 Defining Security Requirements for Applications
Ensure security needs are clear and approved when creating or buying applications.
- A.8.27 Secure system architecture and engineering principles
Create and use guidelines for building secure systems in all development projects.
- A.8.28 Secure Coding Practices in Software Development
Ensure software is built securely to prevent vulnerabilities.
- A.8.29 Security testing in development and acceptance
Ensure security tests are part of the development process to find issues early.
- A.8.30 Management of Outsourced System Development
Ensure your organisation oversees and checks outsourced development to maintain security.
- A.8.31 Separation of Development, Test, and Production Environments
Ensure development, testing, and production systems are separate to avoid disrupting live services.
- A.8.32 Change management procedures for information systems
Ensure all system changes follow a formal, approved process to prevent issues.
- A.8.33 Test Information Selection and Protection
Choose and protect test data carefully to avoid exposing sensitive information.
- A.8.34 Protection of information systems during audits
Ensure audit activities are planned and agreed with management to prevent system disruptions.
What this checklist is (and is not)
- It is a control by control tracker for Annex A of ISO/IEC 27001:2022, with the same 93 controls and four themes the standard uses.
- It is not a full certification project plan. The management system requirements in clauses 4 to 10 (scope, leadership, risk assessment, internal audit, management review) sit outside Annex A. For the project view, use the free ISO 27001 implementation checklist from our sister site Mindset Cyber.
- It is not a Statement of Applicability template, but the exported file gives you the control inventory and status columns an SoA is built on.
- Running Essential Eight as well? See how the two frameworks line up in our ISO 27001 to Essential Eight mapping, or browse the full ISO 27001 Annex A controls library.
Frequently asked questions
Is this ISO 27001 checklist really free?
Yes. The interactive checklist and the Excel and CSV downloads are completely free, with no signup, no email capture and no paywall. Progress is saved in your own browser and never uploaded.
How many controls are in ISO 27001:2022 Annex A?
ISO/IEC 27001:2022 Annex A contains 93 controls in four themes: 37 organisational controls (A.5), 8 people controls (A.6), 14 physical controls (A.7) and 34 technological controls (A.8). The 2013 edition had 114 controls in 14 domains; the 2022 revision consolidated them into 93.
Do we have to implement all 93 controls?
No. Annex A is a reference set, not a mandatory to do list. You select controls through your risk assessment and record what applies in your Statement of Applicability, with a justification for any control you exclude.
Is this the same as an ISO 27001 implementation checklist?
No. This checklist covers the Annex A controls only. An implementation checklist covers the whole certification project, including the clause 4 to 10 management system requirements such as scope, leadership, risk assessment and internal audit.
Can I use this checklist for a gap analysis or internal audit?
Yes. Mark each control as Implemented, In progress or Not applicable, use each control guide for audit evidence tips, and export your progress as a CSV gap summary.
What formats can I download?
Excel (.xlsx) with a status dropdown for every control, and plain CSV. Both list all 93 controls with theme, status, owner and evidence columns, and both are direct downloads with no signup.
Want help implementing the controls?
Control Stack keeps this checklist and the 93 control guides free. If you want formal training, our sister site Mindset Cyber runs PECB accredited ISO 27001 courses, including self paced Lead Implementer and Lead Auditor eLearning. Mindset Cyber provides training and exam vouchers; it is not a certification body and cannot certify your organisation.