Introduction
You’ve classified your information now what?
If people can’t tell what’s confidential, restricted, or public at a glance, classification becomes meaningless.
That’s where ISO 27001 Control 5.42 Labelling of Information steps in.
It ensures information is clearly marked with its sensitivity level, so everyone in your organization knows how to protect it.
Because in cybersecurity, clarity prevents carelessness.
Why This Control Matters
Labels make security visible.
They tell users and systems how data should be stored, shared, and handled.
Without proper labelling, even well-classified data can end up:
- 🚫 Shared outside the company by mistake
- 🚫 Stored in the wrong system
- 🚫 Ignored by automated protection tools
Control 5.42, from ISO/IEC 27002:2022 Section 5.42, is an Organizational control that’s preventive and supports Confidentiality and Integrity through the Protect concept.
It bridges the gap between policy and practice.
What This Control Looks Like in Practice
Define a Labelling Scheme
Match it with your classification levels (e.g., Public, Internal, Confidential, Restricted).
Decide on colors, tags, or digital metadata for each level.
Use Consistent Labels Across Platforms
Apply the same system across emails, documents, and cloud storage.
Automate Where Possible
Tools like Microsoft Purview or Google Workspace DLP can auto-label sensitive data.
Train Employees
Make sure everyone understands what labels mean and how to apply them.
Review and Update
As new systems and data types emerge, refresh your labelling scheme.
⚠️ Common Pitfalls
- 🚫 Inconsistent labeling between teams or systems
- 🚫 Over-labelling everything as “Confidential”
- 🚫 No automation relying solely on manual tagging
- 🚫 Ignoring email and collaboration tool labelling
Canadian Cyber’s Take
At Canadian Cyber, we’ve seen organizations excel at classifying data but struggle to make it actionable.
We help clients integrate information labeling and Data Loss Prevention (DLP) into their workflows especially in Microsoft 365 and Azure environments.
With automation and user-friendly tagging, employees can protect sensitive information without slowing down work.
Because effective labeling doesn’t add friction it adds confidence.
Takeaway
Labels make information security visible, practical, and enforceable.
ISO 27001 Control 5.42 ensures everyone knows what kind of data they’re handling and how to treat it turning policy into everyday action.
How Canadian Cyber Can Help
At Canadian Cyber, we provide:
- Information Labelling and DLP Implementation (Microsoft 365 / Azure)
- ISO 27001 and ISO 27018 Consulting
- Employee Awareness and Governance Training
👉 Ready to make data protection automatic and clear?
Book a free consultation here.
