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DCH-11: Data Reclassification

DCH 8 — High Protect

Mechanisms exist to reclassify data, including associated Technology Assets, Applications and/or Services (TAAS), commensurate with the security category and/or classification level of the information.

Control Question: Does the organization reclassify data, including associated Technology Assets, Applications and/or Services (TAAS), commensurate with the security category and/or classification level of the information?

General (4)
Framework Mapping Values
AICPA TSC 2017:2022 (used for SOC 2) (source) CC2.1-POF7
NIST 800-53 R4 MP-8
NIST 800-53 R5 (source) MP-8 MP-8(3)
NIST 800-53 R5 (NOC) (source) MP-8 MP-8(3)
US (2)
Framework Mapping Values
US CERT RMM 1.2 KIM:SG4.SP3
US NISPOM 2020 8-310
APAC (2)
Framework Mapping Values
APAC Australia ISM June 2024 ISM-0325 ISM-0330
APAC New Zealand NZISM 3.6 13.2.10.C.01 13.2.11.C.01

Capability Maturity Model

Level 0 — Not Performed

There is no evidence of a capability to reclassify data, including associated Technology Assets, Applications and/or Services (TAAS), commensurate with the security category and/ or classification level of the information.

Level 1 — Performed Informally

C|P-CMM1 is N/A, since a structured process is required to reclassify data, including associated Technology Assets, Applications and/or Services (TAAS), commensurate with the security category and/ or classification level of the information.

Level 2 — Planned & Tracked

Data Classification & Handling (DCH) efforts are requirements-driven and governed at a local/regional level, but are not consistent across the organization. CMM Level 2 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist: o Document where sensitive/regulated data is stored, transmitted and processed to identify data repositories and data flows. o Create and maintain Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and network diagrams. o Are expected to take the initiative to work with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to ensure applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations are properly addressed, including the storage, transmission and processing of sensitive/regulated data o Geolocation requirements for sensitive/regulated data types, including the transfer of data to third-countries or international organizations. o Requirements for minimizing data collection to what is necessary for business purposes. o Requirements for limiting the use of sensitive/regulated data in testing, training and research.

  • Data management is decentralized (e.g., a localized/regionalized function) and uses non-standardized methods to implement secure, resilient and compliant practices.
  • IT/cybersecurity personnel identify cybersecurity and data protection controls that are appropriate to address applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual requirements for data management.
  • Data protection controls are primarily administrative and preventative in nature (e.g., policies & standards) to classify, protect and dispose of systems and data, including storage media.
  • A data classification process exists to identify categories of data and specific protection requirements.
  • A data retention process exists and is a manual process to govern.
  • Data/process owners:
  • A manual data retention process exists.
  • Content filtering blocks users from performing ad hoc file transfers through unapproved file transfer services (e.g., Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is used to restrict and protect the data that resides on mobile devices.
  • Physical controls, administrative processes and technologies focus on protecting High Value Assets (HVAs), including environments where sensitive/regulated data is stored, transmitted and processed.
  • Administrative means (e.g., policies and standards) dictate:
Level 3 — Well Defined

Data Classification & Handling (DCH) efforts are standardized across the organization and centrally managed, where technically feasible, to ensure consistency. CMM Level 3 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist: o Are expected to take the initiative to work with Data Protection Officers (DPOs) to ensure applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations are properly addressed, including the storage, transmission and processing of sensitive/regulated data. o Maintain decentralized inventory logs of all sensitive/regulated media and update sensitive/regulated media inventories at least annually. o Create and maintain Data Flow Diagrams (DFDs) and network diagrams. o Document where sensitive/regulated data is stored, transmitted and processed in order to document data repositories and data flows. o Identify data classification types to ensure adequate cybersecurity and data protection controls are in place to protect organizational information and individual data privacy. o Identify and document the location of information on which the information resides. o Restrict and govern the transfer of data to third-countries or international organizations. o Limit the disclosure of data to authorized parties. o Mark media in accordance with data protection requirements so that personnel are alerted to distribution limitations, handling caveats and applicable security requirements. o Prohibit “rogue instances” where unapproved third parties are engaged to store, process or transmit data, including budget reviews and firewall connection authorizations. o Protect and control digital and non-digital media during transport outside of controlled areas using appropriate security measures. o Govern the use of personal devices (e.g., Bring Your Own Device (BYOD)) as part of acceptable and unacceptable behaviors. o Dictate requirements for minimizing data collection to what is necessary for business purposes. o Dictate requirements for limiting the use of sensitive/regulated data in testing, training and research.

  • A Governance, Risk & Compliance (GRC) function, or similar function, assists users in making information sharing decisions to ensure data is appropriately protected, regardless of where or how it is stored, processed and/ or transmitted.
  • A data classification process exists to identify categories of data and specific protection requirements.
  • A data retention process exists to protect archived data in accordance with applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations.
  • Data/process owners:
  • A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is used to help ensure the protection of sensitive/regulated data processed, stored or transmitted on internal or external systems, in order to implement cybersecurity and data protection controls in accordance with applicable statutory, regulatory and contractual obligations.
  • Human Resources (HR), documents formal “rules of behavior” as an employment requirement that stipulates acceptable and unacceptable practices pertaining to sensitive/regulated data handling.
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP), or similar content filtering capabilities, blocks users from performing ad hoc file transfers through unapproved file transfer services (e.g., Box, Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.).
  • Mobile Device Management (MDM) software is used to restrict and protect the data that resides on mobile devices.
  • Administrative processes and technologies:
Level 4 — Quantitatively Controlled

Data Classification & Handling (DCH) efforts are metrics driven and provide sufficient management insight (based on a quantitative understanding of process capabilities) to predict optimal performance, ensure continued operations and identify areas for improvement. In addition to CMM Level 3 criteria, CMM Level 4 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist:

  • Metrics reporting includes quantitative analysis of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).
  • Metrics reporting includes quantitative analysis of Key Risk Indicators (KRIs).
  • Scope of metrics, KPIs and KRIs covers organization-wide cybersecurity and data protection controls, including functions performed by third-parties.
  • Organizational leadership maintains a formal process to objectively review and respond to metrics, KPIs and KRIs (e.g., monthly or quarterly review).
  • Based on metrics analysis, process improvement recommendations are submitted for review and are handled in accordance with change control processes.
  • Both business and technical stakeholders are involved in reviewing and approving proposed changes.
Level 5 — Continuously Improving

Data Classification & Handling (DCH) efforts are “world-class” capabilities that leverage predictive analysis (e.g., machine learning, AI, etc.). In addition to CMM Level 4 criteria, CMM Level 5 control maturity would reasonably expect all, or at least most, the following criteria to exist:

  • Stakeholders make time-sensitive decisions to support operational efficiency, which may include automated remediation actions.
  • Based on predictive analysis, process improvements are implemented according to “continuous improvement” practices that affect process changes.

Assessment Objectives

  1. DCH-11_A01 a system media downgrading process is defined.
  2. DCH-11_A02 system media requiring downgrading is defined.
  3. DCH-11_A03 a system media downgrading process is established.
  4. DCH-11_A04 the system media downgrading process includes employing downgrading mechanisms with strength and integrity commensurate with the security category or classification of the information.
  5. DCH-11_A05 there is verification that the system media downgrading process is commensurate with the security category and/or classification level of the information to be removed.
  6. DCH-11_A06 there is verification that the system media downgrading process is commensurate with the access authorizations of the potential recipients of the downgraded information.
  7. DCH-11_A07 system media requiring downgrading is identified.
  8. DCH-11_A08 the identified system media is downgraded using the system media downgrading process.
  9. DCH-11_A09 system media containing sensitive and/or regulated information is identified.
  10. DCH-11_A10 system media containing sensitive and/or regulated information is downgraded prior to public release.

Technology Recommendations

Micro/Small

  • Data classification program

Small

  • Data classification program

Medium

  • Data classification program

Large

  • Data classification program
  • Data governance program

Enterprise

  • Data classification program
  • Data governance program

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