PRIV- 23 – Sensor Data Collection and Usage

What is this control about?

Implementing the control ‘Sensor Data Collection and Usage’ is crucial for organizations because it enables them to harness the power of sensor data while ensuring proper governance, privacy, and security. Sensors play a pivotal role in today’s technology landscape, as they are deployed in various devices and systems to collect real-time data about the environment, processes, and user interactions. These sensors can range from temperature and motion sensors in buildings to IoT devices, wearables, and industrial equipment.

Available tools in the marketplace

Tools:

Splunk IBM

Available templates

TrustCloud has a curated list of templates internally or externally sourced to help you get started. Click on the link for a downloadable version:

• N/A – No recommendations

Control implementation

Here are some guidelines to implement a Sensor Data Collection and Usage:

• Identify Sensors and Data Types: Begin by identifying all the sensors used within the organization and the types of data they collect. This step involves understanding the purpose of each sensor and the sensitivity of the data they capture.
• Data Classification: Classify the sensor data based on its sensitivity and criticality. Categorize the data into different levels, such as public, internal, confidential, and highly confidential, to determine the appropriate security measures for each data type.
• Data Collection Policies: Develop clear and comprehensive data collection policies that outline the purposes and limitations of data collection. Define what data is collected, how it is collected, where it is stored, and how long it will be retained. Ensure that the policies align with privacy regulations and the organization’s data governance framework.
• Data Encryption and Security: Implement strong encryption mechanisms for data transmission and storage to protect sensor data from unauthorized access. Use industry-standard encryption algorithms and protocols to ensure data confidentiality and integrity.
• Access Controls: Establish access controls to restrict data access to authorized personnel only. Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) to ensure that only those with a legitimate need can access the sensor data.
• Monitoring and Logging: Set up a monitoring and logging system to track data access and usage. Implement real-time monitoring for anomalies in sensor data and log all data access events for auditing purposes.
• Data Retention and Deletion: Define data retention policies and ensure that data is retained only for the necessary duration. Establish a process for data deletion when it is no longer needed or when requested by data subjects.
• Data Privacy and Compliance: Ensure that the data collection and usage practices comply with relevant data privacy regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) or the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA).
• Data Quality Assurance: Implement measures to ensure the accuracy and reliability of sensor data. Regularly review and validate the collected data to identify and address any issues.
• Data Ethics and Governance: Establish a data ethics framework that addresses the responsible and ethical use of sensor data. Develop a data governance program to oversee the data collection, usage, and management processes.
• Vendor Management: If the organization relies on third-party vendors for sensor data collection and management, conduct thorough vendor assessments to ensure they comply with data protection and security requirements.
• Employee Training: Conduct training sessions for employees and staff involved in sensor data collection and usage. Educate them about data protection practices, privacy regulations, and their responsibilities in handling sensor data

What evidence do auditors look for?

Most auditors, at a minimum, are looking for the below-suggested action:

1. Provide the Data Collection Policies

Evidence example

For the suggested action, an example is provided below:

1. Provide the Data Collection Policies

Use this template