What this control covers
Document the authority that permits the processing of personally identifiable information (PII) and ensure that only authorized processing is allowed. The processing includes creation, collection, use, storage, Maintenance, dissemination, and disposal of PII. Organizations must ensure compliance with relevant laws, executive orders, regulations, and policies, and implement privacy risk assessments to address any privacy risks associated with authorized processing.
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
Use Cloud KMS with customer-managed encryption keys (CMEK) for BigQuery, GCS, and Compute. Sensitive Data Protection (DLP API) inspects/de-identifies PII at scale.
Google Workspace
Enable client-side encryption for Drive/Docs and turn on Drive Labels + DLP rules to prevent external sharing of regulated data classes.
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: Authority To Process Personally Identifiable Information.
Quick checklist
- Policy — Management / Information
- Information — Management / Information
- Process — Management / Information
- Data — Management / Information
- Maintenance — Management / Information
- Protection — Management / Information