Introduction
Imagine an audit where critical logs are missing.
Or a dispute where you can’t prove what happened because the evidence was altered or deleted.
That’s why ISO 27001 Control 5.48 Protection of Records exists.
It ensures that all organizational records from financial statements to security logs are properly stored, protected, and retrievable when needed.
Because in cybersecurity and compliance, if it isn’t recorded, it didn’t happen.
Why This Control Matters
Records are the backbone of accountability.
They prove compliance, support investigations, and preserve business continuity.
Losing or tampering with records can lead to regulatory penalties, reputational damage, or operational blind spots.
Control 5.48, from ISO/IEC 27002:2022 Section 5.48, is an Organizational control that’s preventive and detective in nature.
It safeguards Integrity and Availability through the Protect and Monitor cybersecurity concepts.
What This Control Involves
Define Record Types and Retention Periods
Identify what needs to be retained (e.g., audit logs, contracts, HR data).
Set retention schedules based on laws, regulations, and business needs.
Protect Records from Unauthorized Access or Change
Use access control, encryption, and digital signatures to maintain data integrity and confidentiality.
Ensure Availability
Store records securely with reliable backup and recovery mechanisms to ensure continuity.
Implement Secure Disposal Procedures
When records reach the end of their retention period, ensure they’re permanently and safely destroyed.
Maintain Audit Trails
Ensure any change or deletion is logged and traceable for accountability.
Common Pitfalls
- 🚫 No clear record retention policy
- 🚫 Over-reliance on personal drives or email archives
- 🚫 Logs deleted too early or retained too long
- 🚫 Lack of version control and audit tracking
Canadian Cyber’s Take
At Canadian Cyber, we help organizations design record management frameworks that balance security, compliance, and practicality.
We integrate secure storage and retention policies with platforms like Microsoft 365, Azure Storage, and SharePoint, ensuring that critical records remain available, unaltered, and audit-ready.
Because protecting records isn’t just about keeping files it’s about keeping evidence and integrity intact.
Takeaway
Records tell your organization’s story its actions, decisions, and accountability.
ISO 27001 Control 5.48 ensures those records stay authentic, available, and trustworthy.
When managed right, they’re not just evidence they’re your organization’s defense.
How Canadian Cyber Can Help
At Canadian Cyber, we provide:
- Records Protection and Retention Policy Development
- Microsoft 365 and SharePoint Record Management Setup
- ISO 27001 Implementation and Audit Readiness Reviews
👉 Ready to safeguard your organization’s most valuable evidence?
Book a free consultation here.
