Understanding and Implementing CIS Critical Security Controls for Optimal Cybersecurity
We’ve all heard time and again that cyber threats are evolving—but thankfully, so are the tools IT professionals can use to combat them. The CIS Critical Security Controls offer your organization a strategic, prioritized approach to cybersecurity that targets today’s most common risks. In this guide, we’ll explore what CIS Controls are, why they’re crucial, and how to implement them effectively—step by step. You’ll learn how to protect your business against everything from basic threats to advanced, targeted attacks using this comprehensive cybersecurity framework, starting with:
What are CIS critical security controls?
The importance of CIS controls in your cybersecurity strategy
Breakdown of key CIS control categories
CIS scoring: how to measure effectiveness
How to implement CIS controls in your business
What Are CIS Critical Security Controls?
CIS Critical Security Controls, developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), are a set of best practices aimed at helping organizations improve their cybersecurity defenses. Originally created by cybersecurity experts and vetted by industry professionals, these controls serve as a prioritized, flexible framework that any organization—regardless of size—can follow to mitigate cyber risks effectively. The CIS Controls are specifically designed to address the most common cyber threats and provide a baseline of security for protecting your organization's systems and data.
The framework is organized into 18 Critical Security Controls that cover everything from basic asset management to advanced threat detection and incident response. These controls emphasize the importance of fundamental security practices, such as managing vulnerabilities, implementing strong access controls, and monitoring user activities. By adopting these best practices, your organization can defend against a broad range of cyber threats—including malware attacks, data breaches, and insider threats.
What makes CIS Critical Security Controls particularly effective is their adaptability and prioritization based on your organization’s needs and resources. This prioritization allows you to address your most significant security gaps first, ensuring that limited resources are used efficiently and that cybersecurity measures have the greatest possible impact.
The Importance of Implementing CIS Controls in IT Security Strategy
CIS Controls offer businesses big and small a foundational security framework that equips them with essential tools to defend against modern threats. By implementing CIS Controls, you can take a proactive approach to cybersecurity—establishing strong defenses that safeguard your critical systems and data.
Benefits of Implementing CIS Controls:
Reducing Vulnerabilities: CIS Controls can help you identify and address common security weaknesses, minimizing potential entry points for attackers. By following these best practices, you can proactively close gaps that might otherwise be exploited by hackers.
Enhancing Incident Response: With CIS Controls in place, you’ll be better prepared to detect, respond to, and recover from security incidents. This quick response capability limits potential damage, reducing your financial losses and downtime.
Aligning with Best Practices: CIS Controls are recognized in the industry as a cybersecurity standard, making it easier for you to meet compliance requirements and build a security culture on industry-supported practice.
Ultimately, the CIS Controls are a core part creating a robust, layered defense system that addresses current threats while adapting to future challenges.
Breakdown of Key CIS Controls Categories
The CIS Critical Security Controls are organized into three main categories that together form a layered defense approach to cybersecurity. This structure allows your business to prioritize and implement controls progressively, creating a solid foundation for both day-to-day protection and long-term resilience.
1. Basic Controls
The Basic Controls are the essential building blocks for your cyber defense strategy. These controls focus on identifying and managing assets, such as hardware and software, as well as monitoring user activities and vulnerabilities. By covering fundamental aspects of security, Basic Controls help you to establish visibility over your systems and identify potential security risks early.
Examples of Basic Controls include Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets, and Continuous Vulnerability Management.
2. Foundational Controls
Building upon the Basic Controls, Foundational Controls enhance your organization’s ability to defend against more sophisticated cyber threats. These controls add a layer of robustness by focusing on aspects like controlled use of administrative privileges, secure configurations, and monitoring for unauthorized activity. Implementing Foundational Controls helps you to develop a more comprehensive, multi-layered defense. Examples of this type of control include Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software, and Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges.
3. Organizational Controls
Lastly, Organizational Controls focus on establishing strong security policies and practices, including personnel training and incident response planning. These controls ensure that security is not just a technical initiative but an integrated part of your organization’s culture and processes. By focusing on people and policies, Organizational Controls help build a security-aware workforce that can respond quickly and effectively to potential incidents. Examples include Security Awareness and Skills Training, and Incident Response Management.
Together, these categories support a layered defense approach by addressing security from multiple angles—technical, procedural, and human.
CIS Scoring: Measuring Security Effectiveness
CIS scoring is a system that helps organizations assess and track their security posture by evaluating compliance with CIS Critical Security Controls. It assigns scores to controls, giving a clear view of strengths and highlighting areas needing improvement, allowing you to prioritize resources and address vulnerabilities effectively.
At IX Solutions, we use the CIS Controls as a framework to conduct in-depth security assessments tailored to your organization’s unique environment. Our approach involves evaluating current security measures against CIS standards to identify both strengths and areas for improvement. By following the CIS Scoring model, we help you better understand your risk profile—not only helping IT leaders gain buy-in from executives by demonstrating risk, but also prioritizing enhancements that will offer the most significant impact on your security. These assessments also provide actionable insights, giving us a clear path forward to improve your cybersecurity posture.
Implementing CIS Controls: A Step-by-Step Approach
Here’s a practical, phased approach to get started with CIS Controls:
Assess Your Current Security Posture — Start with a CIS-aligned security assessment to see where you stand. This helps identify priority areas, especially useful for organizations with limited resources.
Prioritize Key Controls — Focus on controls that make the most sense for your organization’s size, resources, and risk level. For smaller teams, the Basic Controls—like asset inventory and vulnerability management—are a solid foundation.
Create a Phased Plan — Roll out controls gradually, starting with high-impact basics. Over time, expand into Foundational and Organizational Controls to strengthen your security.
Track Progress with CIS Scoring — Use CIS Scoring to keep tabs on your progress and adapt your approach as needed. Regular scoring lets you see what’s working and what might need adjusting.
Build Security Awareness — Engage your team with security training to build a security-focused culture. Organizational Controls are about more than tech—they’re about getting everyone on board.
By following these steps, you can implement the CIS Controls effectively, addressing top risks first and building a robust cybersecurity foundation. And of course, IX Solutions is here to guide you each step of the way.
Interested in Exploring a CIS Controls Assessment?
Ready to strengthen your cybersecurity? Contact us today to learn how a CIS Controls assessment can help you identify and prioritize critical improvements for a more resilient security posture.