Understanding the Critical Security Controls (CIS) Framework 11/04/2023 – Posted in: Information Security, Security Framework – Tags: , , , , ,

Time needed to read: 4 minutes

In today’s digital world, cyber attacks and data breaches have become a significant threat to organizations. As a result, cybersecurity has become a top priority for businesses. To address these risks, organizations need to implement a set of best practices to ensure the security of their assets. The Critical Security Controls (CIS) framework is a widely adopted set of guidelines that provide a roadmap for securing an organization’s assets. In this blog post, we will explore the CIS controls and understand how they can help organizations in their cybersecurity efforts.

The CIS controls were developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) to provide organizations with a prioritized and actionable set of controls that can be used to improve their cybersecurity posture. The controls are designed to be flexible and can be customized to meet the unique needs of each organization.

The CIS controls are organized into three categories:

  1. Basic Cyber Hygiene Controls: These are the most critical controls that every organization should implement. They include measures such as maintaining an inventory of authorized and unauthorized devices, software, and services; configuring devices securely; and implementing continuous vulnerability management.
  2. Foundational Controls: These controls are designed to provide a solid foundation for an organization’s security program. They include measures such as implementing a security awareness and training program, securing network infrastructure, and controlling access to critical assets.
  3. Organizational Controls: These controls are focused on the governance and management of an organization’s security program. They include measures such as conducting regular security assessments, developing and implementing security policies and procedures, and establishing an incident response plan.

Implementing the CIS controls can provide several benefits to an organization. Firstly, it helps to reduce the risk of a cyber attack or data breach. By implementing the controls, organizations can ensure that their assets are secure, and any vulnerabilities are addressed promptly. Secondly, it can help organizations to comply with regulatory requirements. Many regulations, such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS), require organizations to implement specific security controls. By implementing the CIS controls, organizations can ensure that they meet these requirements. Finally, it can help organizations to build trust with their customers. With data breaches becoming more common, customers are becoming more concerned about the security of their data. By implementing the CIS controls, organizations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity and build trust with their customers.

In conclusion, the CIS controls provide organizations with a comprehensive framework for improving their cybersecurity posture. By implementing the controls, organizations can reduce the risk of a cyber attack or data breach, comply with regulatory requirements, and build trust with their customers. It is essential to note that implementing the CIS controls is not a one-time activity; it requires continuous monitoring and improvement. Organizations must regularly review and update their security controls to ensure that they remain effective.

References

  1. Center for Internet Security (CIS) – https://www.cisecurity.org/
  2. CIS Controls V8 – https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/cis-controls-list/