PE.L1-3.10.1: Limit Physical Access to Information Systems
Physical security is the foundation of any compliance program—unauthorized individuals accessing your systems or equipment can undo all your cybersecurity efforts. CMMC Level 1 requires you to restrict physical access to authorized personnel only. This control ensures that your devices, servers, and operating environments remain protected from theft, tampering, and unauthorized use.
What this means
This control requires you to establish and enforce policies that limit physical access to your organizational information systems, equipment, and facilities to only those individuals who have been authorized to access them. This includes restricting access to server rooms, network closets, workstations, mobile devices, and any environment where sensitive information is processed or stored. Authorized access should be based on business need and documented through access control lists or similar mechanisms.
How to comply
- 1.Identify all physical locations containing information systems, equipment, or sensitive data
- 2.Maintain a current list of authorized personnel for each location or system
- 3.Implement access controls such as locks, badges, biometric readers, or security gates
- 4.Monitor and log physical access attempts using sign-in sheets or electronic systems
- 5.Conduct regular reviews to remove access for terminated or transferred employees
- 6.Establish visitor protocols requiring escorts and limiting unattended access
- 7.Document physical security policies and communicate them to all employees
- 8.Perform periodic audits to verify compliance with physical access restrictions
Evidence auditors look for
- Physical access control policy document
- Authorized personnel list for secure areas
- Door locks, badge systems, or biometric access logs
- Visitor sign-in sheets or electronic tracking records
- CCTV footage or security camera system documentation
- Access audit reports showing removal of terminated employee access
- Employee training records on physical security procedures
- Incident reports related to unauthorized physical access attempts
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates physical access control tracking by centralizing your authorized personnel lists, documenting visitor logs, and flagging access discrepancies—eliminating spreadsheet errors and audit scrambles.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
Start free trial