7.11 Supporting Utilities

Information processing facilities should be protected from power failures and other disruptions caused by failures in supporting utilities.

Supporting utilities in information security are tools and systems such as electricity, telecommunications, water supply, gas, sewage, ventilation, and air conditioning and software programs that are used to help manage and secure an organisation's information systems.

To organise utilities to support information processing facilities, organisations can take the following steps:

• Identify the specific utilities that are needed to support the information processing facilities. This may include electricity, telecommunications, water supply, gas, sewage, ventilation, and air conditioning.
• Develop a plan for how each of these utilities will be provided to the information processing facilities. This may involve working with utility companies to ensure that the necessary infrastructure is in place and that the facilities have access to the utilities they need.
• Implement the plan, making sure to follow all relevant laws and regulations. This may involve installing the necessary infrastructure, such as power lines and telecommunications equipment, and setting up contracts with utility providers.
• Monitor the utilities to ensure that they are functioning properly and that the information processing facilities have access to the utilities they need. This may involve regularly checking the infrastructure and equipment and monitoring usage and consumption.
• Take corrective action if any problems are identified. This may involve repairing or replacing equipment, adjusting contracts with utility providers, or implementing new policies and procedures to ensure that the information processing facilities have access to the necessary utilities.