CIS Critical Security Controls

What is CIS Critical Security Controls

The CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) are a prioritized set of best practices designed to mitigate the most common cyber threats. Developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), they provide a streamlined approach to cybersecurity, updated to address modern challenges like cloud environments and supply chain risks.

Divided into Implementation Groups (IGs) to prioritize actions based on organizational resources and risk profiles:

• IG1: Foundational cyber hygiene for small/mid-sized organizations.
• IG2: Enhanced protections for organizations with sensitive data.
• IG3: Advanced defenses for enterprises facing sophisticated threats

 > Reduces attack surfaces, supports compliance, and improves incident response

The 18 CIS Critical Security Controls

1. Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets
   Actively track all hardware (servers, IoT devices, mobile endpoints) to identify unauthorized assets and enforce monitoring .

2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets
   Manage authorized software to prevent unauthorized installations, using allow lists and automated tools .

3. Data Protection
   Classify, encrypt (in transit/at rest), and monitor sensitive data. Includes data loss prevention (DLP) and secure disposal .

4. Secure Configuration of Assets and Software
   Replace default settings with hardened configurations (e.g., firewalls, session timeouts) to minimize vulnerabilities .

5. Account Management
   Govern credentials for user/admin/service accounts, enforce password policies, and disable dormant accounts .

6. Access Control Management
   Apply least-privilege principles, use multi-factor authentication (MFA), and centralize access via SSO .

7. Continuous Vulnerability Management
   Regularly scan for and remediate vulnerabilities using automated tools and threat intelligence .

8. Audit Log Management
   Collect and analyze logs to detect anomalies and support incident investigations.

9. Email and Web Browser Protections
   Block malicious URLs/attachments and train users to recognize phishing.

10. Malware Defenses
    Deploy anti-malware tools with automated updates and behavior-based detection.

11. Data Recovery
    Maintain automated backups, test restoration processes, and isolate backup data to counter ransomware .

12. Network Infrastructure Management
    Secure network devices (routers, switches) and enforce traffic filtering .

13. Network Monitoring and Defense
    Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) and traffic analysis to identify threats .

14. Security Awareness Training
    Educate employees on social engineering, secure authentication, and incident reporting .

15. Service Provider Management
    Vet third-party vendors handling sensitive data and include security clauses in contracts.

16. Application Software Security
    Integrate security into the software lifecycle (e.g., code reviews, patching).

17. Incident Response Management
    Develop playbooks, conduct drills, and define roles for rapid threat containment.

18. Penetration Testing
    Simulate attacks to identify gaps in people, processes, and technology

The CIS Controls map to major frameworks (e.g., NIST CSF, PCI DSS) and help meet regulations like GDPR and HIPAA

For full details, refer to the CIS Controls v8.1 documentation.

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