What this control covers
This control mandates the physical control and secure storage of system media containing Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), including both digital and non-digital media. It includes inventory management, secure storage procedures, and the use of sanitization techniques to prevent unauthorized access or disclosure of CUI. This control supports the Media Security Management capability within the Media Protection (3.8) family.
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.
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.infra_scan— See the iCompaas Evidence library for the canonical source for this evidence type.
Signed policy or standard documents the safeguard. Focus: Media Storage.
Quick checklist
- Access — Management / Cui
- Information — Management / Cui
- Protection — Management / Cui
- System — Management / Cui
- Media — Management / Cui
- Physical — Management / Cui
Related articles on this site
- NIST 800-171 3.8.1 Protect (i.e., physically control and securely store) system media containing CUI, both paper and digital.
- NIST 800-171 3.8.5 Control access to media containing CUI and maintain accountability for media during transport outside of controlled areas.
- NIST 800-171 3.8.3 Sanitize or destroy system media containing CUI before disposal or release for reuse.
- NIST 800-171 3.8.6 Implement cryptographic mechanisms to protect the confidentiality of CUI stored on digital media during transport unless otherwise protected by alternative physical safeguards.