Asset management in information security involves maintaining a complete and accurate inventory of all assets that store, process or transmit information. This includes hardware (servers, laptops, mobile devices), software (applications, licences), data (databases, files) and intangible assets such as intellectual property and reputation.
A well-maintained asset register is a prerequisite for effective risk management, as risks can only be assessed and treated when the assets they affect are known. ISO 27001 requires organisations to identify information assets, assign ownership and apply appropriate classification levels to determine the security controls each asset requires.