Annex A.8 of ISO 27001 includes 34 technological controls that focus on securing systems, networks, and data through technical measures like authentication, encryption, and monitoring. These controls address cyber risks such as malware, unauthorized access, and data breaches, complementing organizational, people, and physical controls to create a comprehensive ISMS.

Each control in Annex A.8 is defined in the normative ISO/IEC 27001:2022 standard with a unique identifier, title, and brief statement. For practical implementation, ISO/IEC 27002:2022, an informative companion, provides detailed guidance, examples, and best practices across 164 pages, using the same numbering for seamless reference. Both standards are available for purchase from the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) or national standards bodies (e.g., ANSI, BSI).

Complete List of Annex A.8 Technological Controls

The table below lists all 34 technological controls of Annex A.

Key Topics Covered in Annex A.8 Controls

Annex A.8 encompasses a wide range of technical measures to secure information systems, networks, and data. These controls are critical for defending against sophisticated cyber threats in 2025, such as ransomware, phishing, and supply chain attacks. Below is a breakdown of the main areas covered by A.8, with examples and their relevance.

Access and Authentication

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.1 (User Endpoint Devices)

• A.8.2 (Privileged Access Rights)

• A.8.3 (Information Access Restriction)

• A.8.4 (Access to Source Code)

• A.8.5 (Secure Authentication).

Purpose: Restrict access to systems and data to authorized users only. A.8.5 mandates secure authentication methods like multi-factor authentication (MFA), while A.8.2 controls privileged access to sensitive systems.

Relevance: With remote work and cloud adoption in 2025, robust access controls are essential to prevent unauthorized access.

Malware and Vulnerability Management

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.7 (Protection Against Malware)

• A.8.8 (Management of Technical Vulnerabilities).

Purpose: Protect systems from malware and address vulnerabilities. A.8.7 requires antivirus software and user awareness, while A.8.8 involves regular vulnerability scanning and patching.

Relevance: As malware evolves with AI-driven attacks, these controls are critical for proactive defense.

Data Protection and Privacy

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.10 (Information Deletion)

• A.8.11 (Data Masking)

• A.8.12 (Data Leakage Prevention)

• A.8.24 (Use of Cryptography).

Purpose: Safeguard sensitive data from exposure or loss. A.8.11 uses data masking to anonymize sensitive information, while A.8.24 mandates encryption for data in transit and at rest.

Relevance: With stricter privacy regulations like GDPR in 2025, these controls ensure compliance and data security.

System and Network Security

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.6 (Capacity Management)

• A.8.9 (Configuration Management)

• A.8.20 (Network Controls)

• A.8.21 (Security of Network Services)

• A.8.22 (Segregation of Networks)

• A.8.23 (Web Filtering).

Purpose: Secure system configurations and networks. A.8.22 segregates networks to limit attack spread, while A.8.23 filters malicious web content.

Relevance: Rising network-based attacks in 2025 make secure configurations and segmentation vital.

Monitoring and Logging

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.15 (Logging)

• A.8.16 (Monitoring Activities)

• A.8.17 (Clock Synchronization).

Purpose: Track and monitor system activities for threat detection. A.8.15 requires detailed audit logs, while A.8.16 involves real-time monitoring for anomalies.

Relevance: Real-time detection is crucial for rapid response to cyber incidents.

Secure Development and Testing

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.25 (Secure Development Life Cycle)

• A.8.26 (Application Security Requirements)

• A.8.27 (Secure System Architecture)

• A.8.28 (Secure Coding)

• A.8.29 (Security Testing)

• A.8.30 (Outsourced Development)

• A.8.31 (Separation of Environments)

• A.8.33 (Test Information).

Purpose: Ensure secure software development practices. A.8.28 promotes secure coding to prevent vulnerabilities, while A.8.31 separates development, test, and production environments.

Relevance: With software supply chain attacks increasing, secure development is critical.

Change and Operational Management

The following controls are related to this topic:

• A.8.18 (Use of Privileged Utility Programs)

• A.8.19 (Installation of Software)

• A.8.32 (Change Management)

• A.8.34 (Protection During Audit Testing).

Purpose: Manage system changes and operations securely. A.8.32 ensures controlled software updates, while A.8.34 protects systems during audits.

Relevance: Controlled changes prevent disruptions and vulnerabilities in operational systems.