CIS · Control 1.1 · Priority: critical · Component: Identify

What this control covers

Maintain a current inventory of all enterprise assets that store/process data--including end-user (portable/mobile), network, IoT, and server devices. Record each asset's static network address, MAC, machine name, owner, department, and network approval status. Use MDM for mobile devices where appropriate. Include assets connected physically, virtually, remotely, or via cloud--even if not fully controlled. Update the inventory at least every six months.

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

Cloud Asset Inventory exports a daily snapshot of every resource and IAM policy to BigQuery; combine with Org Policy for tag enforcement.

Google Workspace

Endpoint Management (basic/advanced) for BYOD/COPE; require screen lock, disk encryption and OS minimum; block sign-in on jailbroken devices.

GitHub

Apply branch protection on default and release branches: require PR review, status checks, signed commits, linear history, and dismiss stale reviews on new commits. Use CODEOWNERS for required reviewers, Dependabot + CodeQL for SAST, and the Dependency graph / SBOM export for vendor disclosures.

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

  • user_device_scan — Output from your MDM/EDR (Intune, Jamf, Kandji) showing managed-device count, posture and last-check-in.
  • policy_document — A signed, version-controlled policy stating leadership intent and the named owner.

Endpoint compliance telemetry (Intune, Jamf) proves managed coverage. Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Establish and Maintain Detailed Enterprise Asset Inventory.

Quick checklist

  • Establish And Maintain — End User / Portable
  • Address — End User / Portable

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