Content inspection is the deep analysis of data contents — such as email attachments, web traffic, or file uploads — for security threats like malware, confidential information, or policy violations. The inspection goes beyond metadata to analyze actual content.
In an ISMS, content inspection supports implementation of ISO 27001 Annex A controls A.8.20 (Network Security), A.8.23 (Web Filtering), and A.8.12 (Data Leakage Prevention — DLP). Technically, inspection is performed through proxies, next-generation firewalls, or dedicated DLP gateways. For encrypted traffic (TLS), TLS interception is required, which raises data protection and compliance questions. Document in your policy which traffic is inspected and which is exempt.