CIS Control 3.14: Log Sensitive Data Access, Modification, and Disposal
Sensitive data loses visibility the moment it's accessed without proper logging. CIS Control 3.14 requires your organization to capture and monitor all access to sensitive information, including modifications and disposal activities. This foundational control creates an audit trail that detects unauthorized activity, enables forensic investigation, and demonstrates compliance to regulators.
What this means
This control mandates that your organization implement centralized log management to record every instance of sensitive data access, changes, and deletion. Logs must capture who accessed the data, when it was accessed, what action was taken, and from which system or device. These logs become the evidence trail proving your organization knows what's happening to its most valuable information.
How to comply
- 1.Deploy a centralized log management system across all enterprise assets that generate logs
- 2.Configure logging on all systems storing or processing sensitive data, including databases, file servers, and applications
- 3.Capture access events including read, modify, copy, and delete actions with timestamps and user identification
- 4.Retain logs for a period aligned with your compliance framework requirements (typically 90 days minimum)
- 5.Implement log aggregation to correlate access events across multiple systems and detect suspicious patterns
- 6.Set up alerts for anomalous access patterns, after-hours access, or bulk data transfers
- 7.Review logs regularly and document findings in your compliance audit trail
Evidence auditors look for
- Log management system configuration showing sensitive data repositories are monitored
- Sample logs demonstrating captured access events with user, timestamp, and action details
- Log retention policy documentation covering minimum retention periods
- Alert configuration showing rules for detecting suspicious access patterns
- Monthly or quarterly log review reports with documented findings and remediation
- Integration documentation showing all sensitive data systems feeding into centralized logging
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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