SOC 2 CC6.5: Asset Decommissioning Controls
Asset decommissioning is where data breaches happen—if you're not destroying data before disposal, you're exposed. SOC 2 CC6.5 requires that you eliminate all logical and physical protections only after data has been irretrievably destroyed. This control ensures your organization doesn't leave sensitive information vulnerable during the end-of-life phase of hardware and software assets.
What this means
CC6.5 mandates that your organization must not discontinue protections over physical assets (servers, drives, devices) and logical protections (access controls, encryption keys) until you've confirmed that all recoverable data and software have been permanently destroyed or removed. This means you need documented procedures proving data is gone before assets leave your control—whether they're sold, recycled, or destroyed.
How to comply
- 1.Develop and document a formal asset decommissioning policy that includes data destruction requirements and timelines.
- 2.Classify all assets and identify which ones contain sensitive, regulated, or proprietary data.
- 3.Implement secure data sanitization methods (wiping, degaussing, physical destruction) appropriate to the asset type and data sensitivity.
- 4.Create a decommissioning checklist that verifies data destruction before any asset is removed from inventory.
- 5.Maintain certificates of destruction or digital wipe reports as evidence that data has been irretrievably eliminated.
- 6.Track all decommissioned assets in a centralized log with destruction method, date, and responsible party.
- 7.Test your data destruction tools periodically to ensure they reliably eliminate recovery risks.
- 8.Train staff involved in asset disposal on secure decommissioning procedures and data protection responsibilities.
Evidence auditors look for
- Asset decommissioning policy document specifying data destruction methods and timelines
- Certificates of destruction from certified e-waste recyclers
- Digital wipe reports showing successful data sanitization with timestamps
- Asset inventory logs tracking decommissioning status and destruction evidence
- Decommissioning checklists completed and signed by authorized personnel
- Records of staff training on secure asset disposal procedures
- Backup of encryption keys with documented destruction records
- Third-party audit reports confirming secure data destruction practices
Frequently asked questions
When will FAQs be available?
The FAQ for this control is currently being prepared.
GRCWatch automates asset lifecycle tracking and flags decommissioning deadlines, while maintaining a centralized evidence vault for destruction certificates and wipe reports—eliminating manual spreadsheets and compliance gaps.
See how GRCWatch handles this control automatically
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