Introduction

Think about how much information your organization shares every day:

• Financial reports with auditors
• Project files with clients
• Compliance data with regulators

Now imagine one careless email, one overshared cloud link, or one insecure file transfer. Suddenly, sensitive data is in the wrong hands and your organization is left cleaning up the mess.

This is exactly the risk that ISO/IEC 27002:2022, Section 5.24 was designed to tackle.

Why Information Sharing is a Double-Edged Sword

Sharing information is vital for productivity, but it also opens the door to risks like:

• Data leakage
• Unauthorized access
• Misuse of sensitive documents

That’s why ISO 27001 defines Control 5.24 Information Sharing as an Organizational control. It’s meant to be both preventive (stopping leaks before they happen) and detective (spotting issues when information is shared incorrectly).

At its core, it safeguards the three pillars of security Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability by applying cybersecurity concepts of Protect and Detect. In practice, it strengthens your operational capabilities around information management and secure communication, making sure your data stays safe no matter where it travels.

👉 In simpler terms: the control is about letting your people collaborate freely without losing control of sensitive data.

A Common Scenario

Picture this:
Your HR team shares a payroll file with an external consultant. Instead of using the approved secure file-sharing platform, someone quickly sends it through a personal Gmail account. A misaddressed email or a breach of that inbox, and now employee salaries, SIN numbers, and personal details are exposed.

This isn’t hypothetical it happens more often than many organizations realize.

Best Practices for Secure Information Sharing

• Use Approved Channels: Secure file-sharing platforms, encrypted email, and managed collaboration tools.
• Apply Access Controls: Limit who can open, forward, or download sensitive files.
• Label Documents Clearly: Mark “Confidential” or “Internal Use Only” so recipients know how to handle them.
• Log and Track: Keep a record of what was shared, when, and with whom.
• Train Employees: Make sure staff know the risks of using personal emails or unsecured apps.

Canadian Cyber’s Take

At Canadian Cyber, we’ve helped organizations of all sizes create practical information-sharing policies that align with ISO 27001.
Our approach balances security and usability because security that slows people down usually gets bypassed.

We guide clients in implementing the right mix of secure tools, access controls, and awareness training to protect shared information without killing collaboration.

Takeaway

Information sharing should feel like teamwork, not a security risk.
With ISO 27001 Control 5.24 in place and the right processes and culture you can enable collaboration while keeping your data safe.

How Canadian Cyber Can Help

At Canadian Cyber, we understand the unique challenges organizations face when it comes to compliance and secure collaboration.

Our ISO 27001 Consulting Services guide you through every step from designing secure information-sharing policies to implementing technical controls and preparing for audits.

We also bring our expertise from delivering SOC 2 consulting for fast-growing startups, where we’ve helped clients navigate gap assessments, implement safeguards, and achieve compliance while staying agile.

👉 Ready to strengthen your ISO 27001 program? Book a free consultation here.

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