# CIS 2.3 — Address Unauthorized Software

- Source: https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/a_gen_cis_23_c7f13ee0d0-cis-23-address-unauthorized-software
- Section: [Solutions](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions) › [AWS Checks New Version](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/62000112673) › [Respond](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/folders/f_gen_62000112673_respond)
- Last updated: 2026-05-30
- Publisher: iCompaas, Inc. (https://www.icompaas.com)

CIS · Control 2.3 · Priority: critical · Component: Respond

### What this control covers

Ensure that unauthorized software is either removed from use on enterprise assets or receives a documented exception. Review monthly, or more frequently.

### 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.

#### 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: Address Unauthorized Software.

### Quick checklist

-   Address — Software / Enterprise
-   Ensure — Software / Enterprise

### Related articles on this site

-   [NIST 800-171 3.4.8 Apply deny-by-exception (blacklisting) policy to prevent the use of unauthorized software or deny-all, permit-by-exception (whitelisting) policy to allow the execution of authorized software.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229287-nist-800-171-3-4-8-apply-deny-by-exception-blacklisting-policy-to-prevent-the-use-of-unauthorized-s)
-   [CMMC 2.0 CM.3.069 Apply deny-by-exception (blacklisting) policy to prevent the use of unauthorized software or deny-all, permit-by-exception (whitelisting) policy to allow the execution of authorized software.](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229472-cmmc-2-0-cm-3-069-apply-deny-by-exception-blacklisting-policy-to-prevent-the-use-of-unauthorized-so)
-   [Ensure Access Review is Set Up for External Users in Azure AD Privileged Identity Management (PIM](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000229788-ensure-access-review-is-set-up-for-external-users-in-azure-ad-privileged-identity-management-pim)
-   [Ensure IAM password policy requires at least one uppercase letter](https://support.icompaas.com/support/solutions/articles/62000080729-ensure-iam-password-policy-requires-at-least-one-uppercase-letter)

## Related compliance guidance

- [SOC 2 compliance: a practical implementation guide for cloud-native SaaS teams](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/soc-2-trust-services-criteria): Configuration checks like this one are the technical half of a SOC 2 / ISO 27001 programme — the guide shows where they fit, what else an auditor expects, and how to evidence them.
- [ISO/IEC 27001:2022 compliance: a practical implementation guide](https://support.icompaas.com/compliance/iso-27001-2022): ISO 27001 Annex A.8 (technological controls) is where cloud hardening evidence lands; the guide shows how to run the ISMS around it.