CIS Benchmarks & Compliance

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has established certain guidelines for detecting, preventing, and responding to vulnerabilities around information security. These standards and regulatory requirements have been determined by a global consensus of security experts that is dedicated to improving cybersecurity.

The benchmarks apply to things like operating systems, network devices, cloud platforms, server software, and applications. The Center for Internet Security recognizes the need to stay atop of emerging threats; these CIS controls assist in protecting sensitive data.

Achieving compliance with these trusted CIS controls is adaptable to organizations of all sizes and types, with risk tolerance of all levels.

Benefits & Support of Achieving CIS Benchmarks

The globally-recognized standards of CIS benchmarks improve your security posture overall, simplifying the process of setting up and managing secure network configurations. This reduces your risk of data breaches and hardens the system overall.

CIS benchmarks are continually being updated by a community of experts who monitor new cyber threats and technologies; you’ll know what they know and be able to adjust accordingly. This free documentation is a cost-effective way to ensure you’re lowering your exposure to threats (a plus if yours is a non-profit organization). Plus, these CIS benchmarks align with regulations around NIST, HIPAA, and the like.

FAQ

How does a CIS compliance audit improve security posture?

A CIS compliance audit proactively identifies weaknesses, helps mitigate risks, and ensures that all systems are secure based on current best practices. This system hardening demonstrates a commitment to protecting sensitive data and network devices; a better security posture aligns with the requirements of both public and private organizations.

What does a CIS compliance audit involve?

It’s an independent review of your organization and how its security posture matches the standards and best practices set by the Center for Internet Security. They’ll do an onsite visit, review records, policies, and procedures that are related to your security controls and configuration. Interviews, checklists, and questionnaires are utilized.

Who needs a CIS controls audit?

Any organization that wants to harden its security posture will benefit from an audit around CIS benchmarks. These controls are flexible and scaleable. For those needing compliance with regulations like HIPAA or PCI DSS service , or those contractually obligated to certain cybersecurity standards, a CSI audit is helpful in demonstrating compliance.

How often should a CIS audit be performed?

A minimum of one audit each year is the standard recommended for maintaining best practices. However, depending on current or evolving cybersecurity threats and technology, more frequent audits may be required. If your organization has changed its IT infrastructure or handles extremely sensitive data, consider doing audits quarterly or monthly.

What is the role of the CIS Controls Implementation Guide?

This is the practical roadmap for implementing the security controls recommended by CIS. It helps an organization prioritize their critical devices, networks, and the like and harden their posture against cybersecurity threats. The guide simplifies this often-complex process with step-by-step controls to ensure compliance and security for any level of business.

How does CIS compliance help with regulatory requirements?

CIS controls align with many of the security requirements demanded by both public and private organizations. Because it’s a framework designed to secure your IT systems and data, it helps your company achieve compliance with the specific requirements outlined by NIST and HIPAA. CIS compliance provides the evidence for other kinds of audits.

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CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS)