Strengthen Your Cyber Defenses with Trusted CIS Security Standards
Protect what matters most your data and systems with CIS security standards trusted by experts to keep threats at bay by S&I Security.
What is CIS Compliance?
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls are a set of prioritized cybersecurity best practices designed to defend organisations against common threats posed by hackers and cybercriminals. These actionable measures focus on high-impact, low-effort improvements that strengthen your security posture quickly and effectively.
Formerly known as the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS CSC), the framework was streamlined from 20 to 18 controls with the release of Version 8 and is now simply referred to as CIS Controls.
Developed by cybersecurity experts from the NSA and leading digital forensics professionals, the CIS Controls reflect real-world attack patterns. Their continuous updates ensure the framework stays relevant in combating today’s evolving cyber threats.
Who Uses CIS Controls?
CIS Controls are utilized by a broad range of organisations and professionals aiming to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure regulatory compliance. Businesses of all sizes from startups to multinational corporations leverage these controls to build a strong security foundation and reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats. Government agencies and educational institutions also implement CIS Controls to protect sensitive data and critical infrastructure.
Cybersecurity teams use the controls to prioritize and implement best practices efficiently, while compliance officers and auditors rely on them to evaluate internal policies against established standards. Managed security service providers (MSSPs) and IT consultants often incorporate CIS Controls into client security assessments and remediation strategies.
What Are CIS Benchmarks?
CIS Benchmarks are recognized best practices used by organisations to secure and harden their system configurations. Developed by cybersecurity experts, these benchmarks provide step-by-step guidance to reduce vulnerabilities and improve overall security posture.
CIS Benchmarks are categorized into two levels:
- Level 1 offers foundational security measures that are relatively easy to implement and help minimize surface-level risks.
- Level 2 includes more advanced configurations designed for organisations requiring stronger security, offering robust protection against sophisticated cyber threats.
These benchmarks span across various environments, including:
- Web applications (e.g., internet browsers).
Mobile devices (e.g., Android-based systems).
- Network infrastructure (e.g., Local Area Networks).
- Cloud platforms and services (e.g., SaaS, PaaS, IaaS).
By aligning with CIS Benchmarks, organisations can ensure their systems are securely configured, reduce attack surfaces, and meet compliance requirements with confidence.
18 CIS Controls
The 18 CIS Controls are a prioritized set of cybersecurity best practices designed to help organisations prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats. They provide a structured approach to safeguarding systems, data, and networks, covering areas such as asset management, access control, vulnerability management, incident response, and continuous monitoring.
Basic
- Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets.
- Inventory and Control of Software Assets.
- Data Protection.
- Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software.
- Account Management.
Foundational
- Access Control Management
- Continuous Vulnerability Management
- Audit Log Management
- Email and Web Browser Protections
- Malware Defenses.
Organisational
- Network Infrastructure Management
- Network Monitoring and Defense
- Security Awareness and Skills Training
- Service Provider Management
- Application Software Security
- Incident Response Management
- Penetration Testing
Benefits
How CIS Controls Add Value to Your Organisation
- Threat Prevention: Since the CIS Controls are an evolving framework, implementation will keep your cyber defenses up-to-date with the latest threats.
- Asset Control: By implementing CIS requirements, you’ll ensure that access is restricted to authorized personnel only.
- Secure Communications: From email and chat to enterprise messaging apps, adopting CIS Controls keeps all communications confidential and secure.
- Security Benchmarking: The Center for Internet Security Benchmarks are included in CIS requirements and will allow you to accurately assess your cybersecurity posture.
- Brand Protection: Keeping hackers at bay also means keeping your business out of the headlines. Protect your reputation with CIS Controls implementation.
- Ongoing Training: A key portion of CIS Controls implementation and adoption is training staff at all levels on basic cybersecurity best practices and cyber hygiene.
How S&I Security Can Help Your Organisation
Our dedicated CIS Controls experts will work with you each step of the way to complete all benchmarks and milestones.Our team stays up-to-date on the latest requirements for version 8 of CIS Controls.
S&I Security will assess your entire cybersecurity infrastructure and present a clear path towards meeting CIS requirements.
We’ll ensure that you meet all Center for Internet Security benchmarks within your customized timeline and budget and ensure a streamlined and precisely organized process for your team along the wa
Our CIS Controls compliance experts won’t just get you compliant. S&I Security is a long-term partner for operationalizing the 18 CIS controls. We are a full-suite cybersecurity and compliance advisory provider.
Get Started Today!
Contact us now to schedule a consultation and strengthen your cybersecurity defenses. Let’s protect your business from tomorrow’s threats, today!