Benefits:

Prevents data breaches: Sanitizing equipment before it leaves your organization's control ensures any Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) stored on the device is removed. This reduces the risk of unauthorized access if the equipment is lost or stolen.

Ensures compliance: Implementing this control demonstrates your commitment to protecting CUI and helps meet the requirements of NIST 800-171, a standard for protecting sensitive information.

Accountability:

Senior Management: Sets the overall security posture: They define policies, allocate resources, and ensure compliance with regulations like CMMC (Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification). Approves processes: They authorize the removal of equipment only after proper sanitization procedures are established and implemented. Conducts periodic reviews: They assess the effectiveness of CUI protection measures and address any identified gaps.

IT Security Team: Develops and implements sanitization procedures: They create detailed guidelines for data wiping based on NIST SP 800-88, ensuring complete and irreversible CUI removal. Provides training and guidance: They train system owners and users on recognizing CUI, implementing sanitization procedures, and reporting any potential security incidents. Monitors and audits compliance: They monitor activities and conduct regular audits to verify adherence to established security protocols.

System Owners: Identify and label CUI: They are responsible for accurately identifying and classifying data as CUI within their assigned systems. Implement technical controls: They enforce security controls on their system, restricting unauthorized access and preventing data breaches. Oversee the sanitization process: They ensure that equipment under their ownership is sanitized before off-site maintenance, following established procedures.

Individual Users: Handle CUI responsibly: They are responsible for safeguarding CUI by following established security protocols, such as using strong passwords and avoiding unauthorized data sharing. Report suspicious activity: They report any suspicious activity or potential security breaches to the designated authorities promptly.

Implementation:

Develop a policy: Define procedures for sanitizing equipment removed for off-site maintenance. This should include who is responsible, what equipment requires sanitization, and the approved sanitization methods.

Identify sanitization methods: Choose methods like data wiping software or physical destruction of storage media, considering factors like device type and sensitivity of CUI.

Train personnel: Train those responsible for sanitization on the procedures and chosen methods. Ensure they understand the importance of thorough sanitization to prevent data recovery.

Document the process: Maintain records of when and how each equipment was sanitized. This includes the specific sanitization method used and who performed it.

Regularly review and update: Regularly review and update your policy and procedures to ensure they remain effective. This may involve incorporating new technologies or addressing identified gaps in the process.