Introduction

In cybersecurity, authentication information like passwords, PINs, tokens, and security keys is what stands between your sensitive systems and the outside world.

If those credentials fall into the wrong hands, an attacker doesn’t need to “hack in” they can simply log in.
ISO 27001 Control 5.17 ensures that authentication details are created, stored, transmitted, and managed securely to prevent unauthorized access.

✅ Summary of Control 5.17: Authentication Information

🔒 Control Title: Authentication Information
📘 Source: ISO/IEC 27002:2022, Section 5.17
🧩 Control Category: Organizational
🔍 Attributes:

Control Type: #Preventive

Security Properties: #Confidentiality, #Integrity

Cybersecurity Concepts: #Protect

Operational Capabilities: #Credential_Management

Security Domain: #Protection_and_Defense

Control Objective

To protect authentication information (like passwords, tokens, and certificates) from compromise, ensuring it can only be used by the intended owner.

Implementation Guidance

1) Secure Credential Creation:

• Enforce strong password complexity and length
• Use cryptographic random generation for keys and tokens

2) Protect in Storage:

• Store passwords hashed and salted
• Store private keys securely (e.g., hardware security modules)

3) Protect in Transit:

• Encrypt authentication data during transmission (e.g., TLS/SSL)

4) Prevent Exposure:

• Mask passwords during entry
• Avoid sending credentials in plain text (including email)

5) Enforce Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA):

• Combine something you know (password), something you have (token), and something you are (biometric)

6) Regular Rotation and Expiry:

• Change credentials periodically and after suspected compromise

7) Educate Users:

• Avoid reusing passwords
• Recognize phishing attempts targeting authentication details

Why This Control Matters

Without secure authentication information management:

• A single stolen password can lead to a full system breach
• Credential stuffing and brute-force attacks become much more effective
• Insider abuse is harder to prevent

With strong controls:

• Stolen credentials are useless without additional authentication factors
• Exposure risks during storage and transmission are minimized
• Regulatory requirements for credential protection are met

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Storing passwords in plain text or weakly hashed formats
• Using default or vendor-supplied credentials in production systems
• Allowing password reuse across critical accounts
• Not requiring MFA for privileged access

Canadian Cyber’s Take

At Canadian Cyber, we implement credential management best practices that make it extremely difficult for attackers to abuse stolen authentication data.
From password vaulting to hardware-based keys, we ensure your credentials remain secure, unique, and well-guarded.

Ready to Protect the Keys to Your Digital Kingdom?

We can help you design ISO 27001-compliant authentication processes that keep intruders locked out.
👉 Click here to start strengthening your credential security.

• Share the blog on: