CIS v8 Controls
The CIS Controls v8 is a prioritized set of 18 cybersecurity best practices designed to help organizations mitigate the most common and impactful cyber threats. This framework emphasizes a risk-based approach, ensuring that security measures align with real-world threats and organizational priorities.
It is widely applicable across industries and tailored for scalability, making it a practical choice for organizations of any size or maturity level.
By adhering to a recognized framework, organizations can demonstrate due diligence to stakeholders, regulatory bodies, and customers, fostering trust and accountability. Additionally, a framework provides scalability and flexibility, enabling the security program to adapt to evolving threats, technologies, and business needs.
Value Benefits of Choosing CIS v8
Each control is designed to address key aspects of cybersecurity, with guidance on implementation based on organizational size, resources, and risk tolerance.
- Actionable Prioritization: Offers a clear, step-by-step implementation guide, focusing on high-impact actions to improve security posture quickly.
- Adaptability: Scales to fit the needs of small, medium, and large organizations while remaining relevant to evolving cyber threats.
- Risk-Based Approach: Prioritizes controls based on measurable threat data, ensuring resources are used efficiently to address the most critical risks.
- Alignment with Other Frameworks: Maps to other standards like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS, enabling seamless integration into existing governance structures.
- Community-Driven Updates: Continuously refined by cybersecurity experts worldwide, ensuring the controls reflect the latest best practices and emerging threats.
It is widely applicable across industries and tailored for scalability, making it a practical choice for organizations of any size or maturity level.
The CIS 18 Control Families
1. Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets
Maintain an accurate inventory of devices to manage and secure them effectively.
2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets
Track and manage software to prevent unauthorized or vulnerable applications.
3. Data Protection
Safeguard sensitive data throughout its lifecycle to prevent unauthorized access or misuse.
4. Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software
Establish and maintain secure configurations for hardware and software to reduce vulnerabilities.
5. Account Management
Manage user accounts, including access permissions and privileges, to limit access based on roles.
6. Access Control Management
Enforce policies for granting, managing, and revoking access to data and systems.
7. Continuous Vulnerability Management
Regularly identify, assess, and address security vulnerabilities to minimize attack surface.
8. Audit Log Management
Collect, retain, and review logs to detect and respond to security incidents.
9. Email and Web Browser Protections
Secure email systems and web browsers to reduce exposure to phishing and malware.
10. Malware Defenses
Deploy tools and strategies to prevent, detect, and mitigate malware threats.
11. Data Recovery
Ensure secure, reliable data backups and recovery processes to maintain business continuity.
12. Network Infrastructure Management
Secure and manage network devices, ensuring they are configured to prevent unauthorized access.
Network Monitoring and Defense
Monitor network activity for anomalies and defend against threats in real time.
14. Security Awareness and Skills Training
Educate employees about security risks and best practices to build a human firewall.
15. Service Provider Management
Ensure third-party providers meet security requirements and manage their access to systems and data.
16. Application Software Security
Integrate secure development practices to minimize vulnerabilities in software applications.
17. Incident Response Management
Develop and maintain an incident response plan to quickly detect, respond to, and recover from security events.
18. Penetration Testing
Regularly test systems and defenses to identify vulnerabilities and assess security posture.