Description

This curriculum spans the design and operationalization of information security controls across classification, access, transfer, retention, and third-party management, equivalent in scope to a multi-workshop program for implementing ISO 27001’s information processing requirements within a regulated enterprise.

Module 1: Defining Information Classification Frameworks

Selecting classification labels (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted) based on legal obligations and business impact.
Assigning ownership of classification criteria to data stewards within business units.
Mapping classification levels to data handling requirements such as encryption, access controls, and retention.
Integrating classification policies with existing document management systems and email platforms.
Establishing procedures for reclassification or declassification of information over time.
Enforcing classification at point of creation through mandatory metadata fields in content management tools.
Aligning classification schema with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA.
Designing exception processes for temporary overrides with documented justification and approval trails.

Module 2: Implementing Access Control for Information Assets

Defining role-based access control (RBAC) structures aligned with organizational job functions.
Conducting access reviews for privileged accounts on a quarterly basis with documented outcomes.
Integrating access provisioning workflows with HR offboarding and onboarding systems.
Enforcing least privilege by analyzing current access rights and removing excessive permissions.
Configuring multi-factor authentication for systems containing sensitive information.
Implementing just-in-time access for third-party vendors with time-bound permissions.
Logging and monitoring access to high-value information assets using SIEM integration.
Establishing break-glass access procedures with audit trail requirements and post-use review.

Module 3: Securing Information Transfer Mechanisms

Prohibiting unapproved cloud file-sharing services and enforcing use of enterprise-approved encrypted platforms.
Configuring DLP policies to detect and block unauthorized transmission of classified data.
Requiring encryption for all external email containing Confidential or higher classification.
Validating secure file transfer protocols (SFTP, AS2) for B2B data exchanges with trading partners.
Implementing watermarking or tracking for sensitive documents shared externally.
Establishing secure printing zones with authentication requirements for document release.
Enforcing TLS 1.2+ for all web-based data transfer endpoints.
Defining acceptable use of removable media with encryption and pre-authorization requirements.

Module 4: Managing Information Retention and Disposal

Developing retention schedules based on legal, regulatory, and operational requirements.
Mapping data types to specific retention periods and disposal methods (e.g., shredding, wiping).
Integrating retention rules into email archiving and backup systems.
Validating secure deletion techniques for storage media prior to disposal or reuse.
Documenting chain of custody for physical records during disposal.
Automating disposition workflows with approval steps and audit logging.
Conducting periodic audits to verify compliance with retention policies.
Handling legal holds by suspending automated deletion for specific datasets.

Module 5: Embedding Governance into System Development Life Cycles

Requiring security and classification requirements in project initiation documentation.
Conducting threat modeling during design phase for new applications processing sensitive data.
Enforcing code review checklists that include data handling and encryption standards.
Integrating static and dynamic application security testing (SAST/DAST) into CI/CD pipelines.
Validating data flow diagrams against approved architecture patterns.
Requiring data protection impact assessments (DPIAs) for high-risk processing activities.
Ensuring logging and monitoring capabilities are implemented before production deployment.
Documenting data residency constraints and applying geo-fencing in cloud deployments.

Module 6: Operationalizing Data Leakage Prevention

Defining DLP policy rules based on content, context, and user behavior patterns.
Deploying network-based DLP sensors at internet gateways and internal segmentation points.
Configuring endpoint DLP agents to monitor clipboard, printing, and USB activity.
Tuning false positive rates by analyzing alert logs and refining detection signatures.
Integrating DLP alerts with incident response workflows and ticketing systems.
Responding to policy violations with automated actions (quarantine, block, notify).
Conducting user awareness campaigns following repeated policy breaches.
Performing regular DLP rule reviews to reflect changes in data classification or business processes.

Module 7: Governing Third-Party Information Processing

Requiring contractual clauses that mandate ISO 27001 compliance or equivalent controls.
Conducting security assessments of third parties prior to onboarding.
Defining acceptable data processing locations and prohibiting unauthorized subcontracting.
Requiring encryption of data both in transit and at rest when held by vendors.
Establishing audit rights and defining procedures for third-party security reviews.
Monitoring third-party access to internal systems through privileged access management tools.
Requiring incident notification timelines and coordination procedures in service agreements.
Classifying third parties by risk level and applying differentiated control requirements.

Module 8: Monitoring and Auditing Information Handling Practices

Deploying centralized logging for systems that store or process classified information.
Defining log retention periods aligned with incident investigation and legal requirements.
Creating automated alerts for anomalous access patterns (e.g., off-hours access, bulk downloads).
Conducting regular log reviews for privileged accounts with documented findings.
Using UEBA tools to baseline normal user behavior and detect deviations.
Generating audit-ready reports for internal and external compliance assessments.
Ensuring logs are tamper-proof through write-once storage or cryptographic hashing.
Mapping audit findings to specific ISO 27001 control objectives for remediation tracking.

Module 9: Aligning Information Processing with Business Continuity

Classifying information assets by criticality to determine recovery time objectives (RTO).
Ensuring backup copies of critical data are stored offsite and encrypted.
Testing restoration of classified data sets during disaster recovery exercises.
Validating that backup media is subject to the same disposal controls as primary data.
Documenting data synchronization requirements between primary and secondary sites.
Ensuring access controls are replicated in backup environments to prevent unauthorized access.
Reviewing backup logs for completeness and integrity on a monthly basis.
Coordinating data recovery priorities with business unit leaders during incident response.

Module 10: Maintaining ISO 27001 Compliance Through Continuous Improvement

Conducting internal audits of information processing controls on an annual cycle.
Tracking non-conformities and implementing corrective actions with root cause analysis.
Updating Statement of Applicability (SoA) based on changes in business or threat landscape.
Reviewing risk treatment plans quarterly to ensure ongoing relevance.
Integrating management review inputs from incident reports, audit findings, and performance metrics.
Adjusting control effectiveness measures based on operational data and feedback loops.
Reassessing asset inventories and ownership assignments during organizational changes.
Documenting changes to information processing policies and communicating updates to stakeholders.