DCH-22.2: Data Tags
Mechanisms exist to utilize data tags to automate tracking of sensitive/regulated data across the information lifecycle.
Control Question: Does the organization utilize data tags to automate tracking of sensitive/regulated data across the information lifecycle?
General (4)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| NIST 800-53 R5 (source) | PT-2(1) PT-3(1) SI-18(2) |
| NIST 800-53 R5 (NOC) (source) | PT-2(1) PT-3(1) SI-18(2) |
| SCF CORE ESP Level 2 Critical Infrastructure | DCH-22.2 |
| SCF CORE ESP Level 3 Advanced Threats | DCH-22.2 |
US (2)
| Framework | Mapping Values |
|---|---|
| US DHS CISA TIC 3.0 | 3.PEP.DA.DLABE |
| US - CA CCPA 2025 | 7123(c)(4)(A) |
Capability Maturity Model
Level 0 — Not Performed
There is no evidence of a capability to utilize data tags to automate tracking of sensitive/regulated data across the information lifecycle.
Level 1 — Performed Informally
C|P-CMM1 is N/A, since a structured process is required to utilize data tags to automate tracking of sensitive/regulated data across the information lifecycle.
Level 2 — Planned & Tracked
C|P-CMM2 is N/A, since a well-defined process is required to utilize data tags to automate tracking of sensitive/regulated data across the information lifecycle.
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
- DCH-22.2_A01 data tags are employed to automate the correction or deletion of Personal Data (PD) across the information life cycle within organizational systems.
- DCH-22.2_A02 the authorized processing of Personal Data (PD) is defined.
- DCH-22.2_A03 elements of Personal Data (PD) to be tagged are defined.
- DCH-22.2_A04 data tags containing authorized processing are attached to elements of Personal Data (PD).
- DCH-22.2_A05 processing purposes to be contained in data tags are defined.
- DCH-22.2_A06 data tags containing processing purposes are attached to elements of Personal Data (PD).
Technology Recommendations
Micro/Small
- Data classification program
- Metadata tagging
Small
- Data classification program
- Metadata tagging
Medium
- Data classification program
- Metadata tagging
Large
- Data classification program
- Metadata tagging
Enterprise
- Data classification program
- Metadata tagging