Information security

INF023

Understand what information and ICT systems you need to protect

To implement the right security measures, you need to understand what information you have and how valuable it is.

INFOSEC1 - Understand what you need to protect

Identify the information and ICT systems that your organisation manages. Assess the security risks (threats and vulnerabilities) and the business impact of any security breaches.

Create an inventory

A comprehensive inventory will help you to find out what types of information and ICT systems your organisation has, including those that support business continuity and disaster recovery plans.

Your organisation might have many different types of information and information assets, such as:

  • documents and papers, including intellectual property
  • electronic data collections, including databases, document stores, data extracts, and media (fixed or removable)
  • software, systems, or networks on which your information is stored, processed, or communicated
  • intellectual knowledge held by individuals
  • information you hold that is owned by others (for example, third-party or foreign government information).

For each type of information or ICT system, you should record:

  • how your organisation (including your providers and partners) uses, processes, shares, or stores it
  • any relevant confidentiality, integrity, availability, privacy, or legislative requirements
  • how long you need to keep and protect the information
  • the minimum level of system performance or information accessibility your organisation needs to function
  • what destruction or disposal requirements apply
  • the location of the information asset and its physical security requirements.


Understand the value of your information

You must understand the value, importance, and sensitivity of your information. This will determine the minimum requirements you need to protect it from harm.

Not all information should be treated equally. Some information is more valuable or sensitive, requiring a greater level of protection. The Business Impact Levels (BILs) is a tool that can be used to assess the value of your information and what impact might occur if your information is compromised.

Along with assessments of event likelihood, threats, and vulnerabilities, BILs should inform a robust risk assessment.   


Classify and assign protective markings

Based on the value of your information and equipment, classify and assign protective markings to it. The markings will inform your people on how to handle the information and protect it from harm. 


Supporting documents and information

Archives, information management, and public records

Privacy and data protection

Protective Security Requirements

Page last modified: 4/05/2022