Asset Management Checklist
This checklist helps you establish a reliable asset inventory and lifecycle process for hardware, software, and cloud-based resources. Proper asset management supports access control, incident response, and audit readiness — and is required for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks.
Checklist
Category | Item | Description |
|---|---|---|
Inventory Management | Maintain a centralized asset inventory | Include all laptops, phones, external drives, SaaS licenses, and cloud infrastructure |
Assign unique asset IDs | Each asset should have a unique, traceable ID (e.g., LAPTOP-032) | |
Track asset type, owner, and location | Record who is using the asset, its type (e.g., MacBook), and where it’s located | |
Log purchase and assignment date | Track when the asset was acquired and who it was issued to | |
Device Configuration | Enforce disk encryption | Ensure encryption is enabled on all laptops and mobile devices |
Require antivirus/EDR software | Track installation of security software or endpoint detection and response | |
Enable auto-lock and screen timeout | Devices should auto-lock after inactivity (e.g., 5 minutes) | |
Lifecycle Management | Conduct asset check-in during offboarding | Verify that devices and credentials are returned or wiped upon exit |
Reclaim, reassign, or retire assets | Define process for asset reuse or secure disposal | |
Maintain a history of transfers | Log any reassignments between employees | |
Cloud & SaaS Assets | Maintain list of active SaaS tools | Include billing owner, admin contacts, and data stored |
Review access permissions quarterly | Audit who has access and whether it’s still needed | |
Tag cloud assets with owner and purpose | Label cloud servers, storage, etc. by owner, app, and environment (e.g., prod/dev) | |
Audit & Monitoring | Review asset inventory quarterly | Validate that all issued equipment is accounted for |
Reconcile inventory with HR and IT records | Cross-check with employee roster and onboarding/offboarding logs | |
Keep logs of lost/stolen devices | Record incidents and actions taken (e.g., remote wipe) |