Cyber threats are relentless, lurking around every corner in the digital world. Hackers and cybercriminals are more aggressive than ever, making it essential to have a strong cybersecurity plan. Enter CIS Controls—your blueprint for protecting your organization from the most advanced threats the digital world can throw your way.
What Are CIS Controls?
In simple terms, CIS Controls are a set of best practices designed to protect your business from cyberattacks. Developed by top cybersecurity professionals, these 20 controls provide a comprehensive framework to secure your systems, protect sensitive data, and prevent breaches. Think of them as your actionable, practical guide for defence.
Why Should You Care About CIS Controls?
The cyber threat landscape is extreme right now. From sophisticated ransomware to simple phishing scams, cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities. Without a clear, cohesive security strategy, your business is susceptible.
Here's where CIS Controls come in, and why they’re crucial:
- Risk Reduction: CIS Controls tackle the vulnerabilities hackers like to exploit: weak passwords, outdated systems, and unauthorized access. Fix these, and you're already better off than most businesses.
- Prioritized Action: CIS Controls don’t ask you to do everything at once. Instead, they provide a ranked list of actions so you can focus on the most critical tasks first.
- Compliance Made Easy: CIS Controls align with major frameworks like NIST and ISO. By implementing them, you also tick off compliance requirements.
- Battle-Tested: These controls have been proven to work in real-world scenarios. They’re not just theoretical—they’re effective.
Levels of Implementation.
One of the key strengths of CIS Controls is that they offer three levels of implementation—so you can start small and scale up over time.
- Level 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene – This is the starting point for every small business. It includes foundational actions like inventorying hardware, patching systems, and securing email.
- Level 2: Foundational Controls – For mid-sized organizations ready to improve their defences, this level focuses on hardening systems, improving data security, and setting up monitoring.
- Level 3: Organizational-Defined Controls – This is for larger organizations that want to take their security to the next level, with more advanced measures like penetration testing and automated monitoring tools.
These levels let you scale your cybersecurity efforts based on your resources and maturity. You don’t have to do it all at once—you can grow into stronger defences.
The 20 CIS Controls.
These aren’t just for IT—they’re a basic framework every business needs to understand and stay secure.
1. Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets: Track every device connected to your network. If it’s not on the list, it’s a potential attack vector.
2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets: Know what software is running in your environment and ensure it's all authorized and up-to-date.
3. Continuous Vulnerability Management: Patch vulnerabilities before hackers can exploit them.
4. Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges: Limit admin access. If too many people have too much control, you're exposed.
5. Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software: Lock down your systems. A weak configuration is an open invitation for attackers.
6. Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs: Track everything. Logs help you detect suspicious activity in real time.
7. Email and Web Browser Protections: Phishing is still one of the most common attack methods. Block malicious emails and websites.
8. Malware Defenses: Stop malware before it enters your systems by implementing real-time protection.
9. Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Services, and Protocols: Don’t leave your network open. Close unnecessary ports.
10. Data Recovery Capabilities: Have a data recovery plan ready. A breach is inevitable; being prepared is your best defence.
11. Secure Configuration for Network Devices: Lock down routers, firewalls, and switches—your network’s foundation.
12. Boundary Defense: Protect your perimeter with firewalls and intrusion detection systems.
13. Data Protection: Keep your data safe, whether it's in storage or transit.
14. Controlled Access Based on Need to Know: Only give people access to the data they need to do their job. No exceptions.
15. Wireless Access Control: Control who connects to your network wirelessly. Weak wireless security is a hacker’s dream.
16. Account Monitoring and Control: Watch over your accounts closely—both user and device accounts.
17. Security Skills Assessment and Appropriate Training: Keep your team sharp. Regular training makes all the difference.
18. Application Software Security: Secure your development process and patch software vulnerabilities.
19. Incident Response and Management: Have a plan in place for handling security incidents. Speed matters.
20. Penetration Testing and Red Team Exercises: Test your defences before hackers do. Regular penetration testing is essential.
Conclusion.
The CIS Controls are more than just a framework—they’re your cybersecurity lifeline. In a world where cyber threats are constantly evolving, these 20 actionable steps help you stay ahead and protect your business. They’re not one-size-fits-all, but with the three levels of implementation, you can start small and scale your security over time.
If you want to protect your organization from the inevitable cyberattack, now’s the time to take action. With CIS Controls in your arsenal, you’ll not only minimize your risk but also create an attack-ready defence against whatever the digital world throws your way.