PE.L2-3.10.1: Limit Physical Access to Information Systems
Restricting physical access to your IT infrastructure is a critical CMMC Level 2 requirement that prevents unauthorized personnel from directly compromising your systems. This control ensures only authorized individuals can enter spaces housing your organizational equipment and information systems. Effective implementation protects against theft, tampering, and insider threats.
What this means
This control requires organizations to establish and enforce physical access restrictions to all areas containing information systems, equipment, and operating environments. You must verify that only authorized personnel can enter these spaces, whether through badges, keys, biometric systems, or visitor logs. The goal is to create a physical security perimeter that prevents unauthorized individuals from accessing, modifying, or stealing critical assets.
How to comply
- 1.Inventory all locations housing IT systems, servers, networking equipment, and sensitive data storage
- 2.Establish an authorization policy defining who has physical access rights to each secured area
- 3.Implement access controls such as locks, badge readers, biometric scanners, or security gates
- 4.Maintain visitor logs and escort requirements for non-employees entering restricted areas
- 5.Conduct regular audits to ensure access controls are functioning and access lists are current
- 6.Document access revocation procedures for employees who change roles or leave the organization
- 7.Perform periodic physical security assessments to identify and remediate gaps
Evidence auditors look for
- Physical access control policy and procedures documentation
- Badge system logs showing authorized access entries and timestamps
- Visitor sign-in sheets with dates, times, and escorting personnel
- Door lock and keycard inventory with authorized holder lists
- Access control matrix mapping personnel to authorized areas
- Audit reports from physical security assessments
- Training records showing employees understand physical access requirements
- Access revocation logs when employees are terminated or reassigned
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
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