CIS Controls: A Comprehensive Guide for 2024

With cyber threats on the rise, organizations have to protect themselves against attacks and stay ahead of the game. One of the ways in which organizations can strengthen their protection against cyber threats is by adopting the Centre for Internet Security Controls, also known as the CIS Controls. These guidelines offer clear and practical steps to help protect your data and systems from external attacks.

In this article, we will cover most of the important aspects you need to know about CIS Controls. We will see what exactly they are, why they are important, how to implement them, challenges you may come across, and the trends that are shaping the future of CIS Controls.

What is CIS Control?

CIS Controls are a set of 18 actions that help protect organizations against cyber attacks. These were developed by the Centre for Internet Security as a simple framework for improving cybersecurity. The areas covered under CIS Controls include asset management, access control, and incident response.

Based on the size and security requirements of an organization, CIS Controls are categorized into three groups. IG1 is for small businesses that have limited IT resources, IG2 is for medium-sized organizations, and IG3 is for large enterprises with advanced security needs. This size-based approach makes sure that businesses of all sizes can enhance their security.

Why CIS Controls are Essential for Cybersecurity

CIS Controls provide a practical and prioritized framework for minimizing risk, enhancing compliance, and accelerating response time when an incident occurs. These controls help organizations of all sizes to tackle common cyber threats and protect their data and systems.

Here are some key reasons why CIS Controls are essential for all organizations:

Reduces Risk

CIS Controls tackle common cyber threats and minimizes the chances of attacks. For example, using multi-factor authentication (MFA) as stated in CIS Control 6 significantly lowers the chances of unauthorized access.

Improves Compliance

Many regulations, including GDPR and HIPAA, now refer to CIS Controls. Therefore, implementing CIS Controls helps businesses meet compliance standards and avoid legal issues.

Enhances Incident Response

CIS Controls provide steps on how to detect, respond and recover from a security breach incident. This allows organizations to prevent attacks and also handle them effectively when they happen.

CIS Controls List

Here is a list of 18 CIS Controls. These were earlier known as SANS Critical Security Controls (SANS Top 20). Now they are officially called the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls).

1. Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets: Keep track of all your devices to ensure they are secure.
2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets: Manage all the software your company uses to avoid security risks.
3. Data Protection: Safeguard important data to prevent unauthorized access or breaches.
4. Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software: Set up devices and software securely to reduce risks.
5. Account Management: Control and monitor user accounts to prevent unauthorized access.
6. Access Control Management: Limit who can access sensitive systems and data.
7. Continuous Vulnerability Management: Regularly check for and fix security gaps.
8. Audit Log Management: Keep logs of activities to detect and investigate issues.
9. Email and Web Browser Protections: Secure email and web browsers to block threats.
10. Malware Defenses: Use antivirus tools to prevent harmful software from entering your systems.
11. Data Recovery: Ensure you can recover data in case of a cyberattack or failure.
12. Network Infrastructure Management: Manage network devices to keep systems safe and running smoothly.
13. Network Monitoring and Defense: Constantly monitor your network to detect and stop threats.
14. Security Awareness and Skills Training: Teach employees about cybersecurity to reduce human errors.
15. Service Provider Management: Make sure external vendors follow your security policies.
16. Application Software Security: Protect apps from vulnerabilities and cyberattacks.
17. Incident Response Management: Have a plan to handle security incidents quickly and effectively.
18. Penetration Testing: Regularly test your security by simulating attacks to find weaknesses.

Steps to Implement CIS Controls in Your Organization

Implementing CIS Controls starts with reviewing your current security setup, prioritizing controls based on risk levels, and developing an implementation plan. It is also important to train employees, and regularly monitor and adjust in order to maintain strong cybersecurity.

To effectively implement CIS Controls in your organization, you need to follow a planned approach. Here are the steps to guide you through the process:  

Assess Current Security Setup

Start by understanding your current cybersecurity setup. Identify gaps or weaknesses using the CIS Controls framework in your security policies, technologies and practices.  

Prioritize Controls Based on Risk

Focus on the most important controls first. Prioritize the controls based on your organization’s specific risks and vulnerabilities. For example, if you handle sensitive data, you should prioritize controls related to data protection and access management.

Develop an Implementation Plan

Create a plan that outlines how each control will be implemented. The plan should include timelines, responsibilities and budget for tools and resources. The plan should be flexible to adapt to changes.

Train Employees

It is important that employees understand their role in ensuring cybersecurity. They should have training that explains the importance of CIS Controls and how they apply to their day-to-day work. With regular training everyone can stay updated about new threats and best practices.  

Monitor and Adjust

Since cyber threats change regularly, you should continuously monitor the effectiveness of your controls and make updates as and when needed. Make use of monitoring tools to identify and flag threats in real-time.

Common Challenges in Implementing CIS Controls

Common challenges in implementing CIS Controls include resource constraints, complexity of certain controls, and resistance to change from employees. However, by prioritizing controls, utilizing specialized tools, and effective training and communication helps organizations to overcome these challenges.  

Here is a list of common challenges when implementing CIS Controls and how to overcome them.

Resources Constraints

Smaller organizations may struggle to implement all controls due to limited resources at their disposal. These organizations can tackle this challenge by prioritizing critical controls based on risk and implementing them one after the other as resources become available.  

Complexity

Some controls are complex and need specialized tools. For example, CIS Control 8 focuses on malware defenses. This would require advanced tools like endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems, which can be costly and difficult to manage.

Resistance to Change

Employees may resist new security measures if they feel that these changes will affect their day-to-day work. This can be handled by communicating to them clearly the importance of cybersecurity and how CIS controls protect the organization.

Best Practices for Effective Use of CIS Controls

Maximizing the effectiveness of CIS Controls involves automating necessary processes, asking for leadership support when needed, doing regular audits, and ensuring continuous employee training. These practices help organizations to update their cybersecurity protocols and stay protected against evolving threats.

Automate where possible

Use automation tools so you can make implementation and monitoring easier. Automation reduces the workload on IT staff and ensures that controls are put in place across the organization.

Engage Leadership

Ensure that the leadership team sees the importance of CIS controls and supports the effort to build cybersecurity. This support is key to building a security culture in the organization.

Regular Audits

Regular audits are necessary to ensure compliance with CIS Controls and identify areas of improvement. Audits will ensure that controls are working properly and help you adjust to new threats.

Continuous Training

Keep employees updated on the latest cybersecurity risks and how CIS Controls protect against them. Regular training will help them understand the importance of these controls and stay alert.

Tools and Technologies to Support CIS Controls Implementation

Tools like SIEM systems, vulnerability management tools, EDR solutions, and configuration management platforms are essential for implementing CIS Controls. These technologies help track security incidents, identify vulnerabilities, manage endpoints, and ensure systems are configured correctly.

Below are some of the most effective tools and technologies for implementing CIS Controls:

Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)

SIEM Systems monitor, detect, and respond to security incidents by gathering and analyzing data from multiple sources. They provide an overall view of your organization’s security status.

Vulnerability Management Tools

These tools find and fix vulnerabilities in your systems before attackers can exploit them. Regular scans and patches are key parts of CIS Controls.

Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR)

EDR Solutions monitor activities on endpoints in real time, detecting potential threats. By offering detailed insight into endpoint activity, these tools help to not only prevent but also to respond to attacks.

Configuration Management Tools

These tools help with correctly configuring the systems as per CIS Controls, which reduces the risk of misconfigurations. They also automate the process of enforcing policies and spotting any exceptions.  

Future Trends in CIS Controls

Future trends in CIS Controls will include stronger focus on cloud security, greater use of AI and machine learning for advanced threat detection, and increasing emphasis on Zero Trust architecture for continuous user and device validation. These developments will help organizations to stay ahead of the evolving cyber threats.

Some of key future trends that are likely to shape the next versions of CIS Controls are:

Greater Emphasis on Cloud Security

With more businesses moving to the cloud, it is likely that future CIS Controls will focus more on cloud infrastructure, applications and data.  

Integration with AI and Machine Learning

CIS Controls will make use of AI and machine learning to improve threat detection and response by identifying patterns and exceptions that indicate security breaches.

Zero Trust Architecture

As Zero Trust models grow in adoption, future CIS Controls may insist on continuous verification of all users and devices. These models work on the premise that no one is trusted by default, whether inside or outside the network.

Case Studies or Real-World Examples of CIS Controls in Action

A K-12 School District Formalizes Cybersecurity Policies

Cityscape Schools, a Texas K-12 district, adopted CIS Controls to boost its cybersecurity in spite of their limited resources. They struggled with formalizing policies while managing remote learning. Through CIS SecureSuite® Membership, Cityscape used CIS-CAT Pro for configuration management. This improved system security by 74%. Continuous monitoring for vulnerabilities, helped them meet Texas cybersecurity regulations and strengthened their cyber resilience.  

A Swiss Financial Institution Strengthens Cybersecurity

Mint Expert, a cybersecurity consultancy, helped a Swiss financial client with cyber incidents using CIS Controls. The financial institution saw a significant drop in security incidents. They dropped from one per month to fewer than one in every three months. They reported a 20% increase in perceived security by clients. They also saw a 15% reduction in overall IT costs. Implementing CIS Controls streamlined their cybersecurity efforts, saving them time and enhancing their overall cybersecurity.

Frequently Asked Questions on CIS Controls

What are CIS Controls?

CIS Controls are best practices created to help organizations protect themselves from cyber attacks. There are 18 controls covering areas like assets management, access control, and incident response. By implementing these controls, organizations can increase their security and minimize the risk of cyber attacks.

What is the difference between CIS and NIST Controls?

CIS Controls are more detailed and offer specific steps organizations can take in order to improve cybersecurity. Whereas, NIST controls provide a framework for managing risk but are less specific in terms of particular steps or actions. CIS and NIST Controls are widely respected, and many organizations choose to implement a combination of both for a more comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.

How many controls are there in CIS?

There are 18 CIS Controls and each focuses on different areas of cybersecurity. They are designed to be implemented in a prioritized manner to be beneficial for all sizes of organizations. These controls cover areas like asset management, access control, and incident response to provide comprehensive protection against cyber threats.

How do CIS Controls help with compliance?

CIS Controls are referenced in many established regulatory standards and frameworks, including NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), NIST SP 800-53, ISO/IEC 27001, PCI DSS, GDPR, HIPAA, and others. These are international security standards for protecting IT systems and data from cyberattacks. They enable businesses to strengthen their cybersecurity and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.

Can small businesses implement CIS Controls?

CIS Controls are designed in such a way that small businesses too can implement them. They can start with Implementation Group 1 (IG1), which includes basic but essential cybersecurity practices suitable for organizations of any size. By starting with IG1, small businesses can build a solid foundation for their cybersecurity efforts and scale up as their needs grow.

What is the latest version of CIS Controls?

The latest version of CIS Controls is version 8, which includes 18 critical security measures. They were developed based on actual incidents, expert feedback, and industry best practices. They are organized by function to help businesses of any size safeguard against threats, offering a practical and relevant approach to cybersecurity.

How Spendflo Can Help Setting Up CIS Controls

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