What this control covers
Derives policies from the information security policy, documenting them with uniform structure, version control, and top management approval. Communicates objectives, scope, roles, dependencies, security strategy, and legal requirements to employees and third parties to ensure compliance and protect cloud data.
Why it matters
Risk is the language an executive team understands; this control connects technical reality to board-level decisions and budget allocation.
How to implement
AWS
Codify the policy intent as SCPs, AWS Config conformance packs, and Security Hub standards so the cloud enforces what the document says.
Azure
Codify in Azure Policy initiatives (built-in regulatory compliance for CIS, ISO 27001, SOC 2, HIPAA) and assign at management-group level.
GCP
Org Policy Service for guardrails and Config Validator in CI to pre-check Terraform plans against policy as code (Rego).
On-premises
Maintain a policy library with a documented review cadence (annual minimum); store in your GRC tool with attestation tracking. Map each policy to controls so an audit pull cites the exact policy clause.
Evidence to collect
policy_document— A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.
Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Documentation, communication and provision of policies and instructions.
Quick checklist
- Information — Security Policy / Management
- Risk — Security Policy / Management
- Documentation, — Security Policy / Management
- Security — Security Policy / Management
- Data — Security Policy / Management
- Policy — Security Policy / Management