The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls for Effective Cyber Defense (CIS Controls) version 18 is a set of guidelines developed to help organizations implement and maintain a comprehensive cybersecurity program. These controls provide a prioritized approach to improving an organization’s cybersecurity posture.
The CIS Controls are important because they help organizations focus their efforts on the most critical areas of cybersecurity. By implementing these controls, organizations can reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and protect their valuable assets.
CONTROL 1 : INVENTORY AND CONTROL OF HARDWARE ASSETS
Control 1 emphasizes the significance of knowing what hardware is connected to your network and ensuring that all hardware is authorized and appropriately configured. This control is essential as it enables organizations to identify and manage potential security risks arising from unauthorized or incorrectly configured hardware. You can use cutting-edge tools like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and Symantec Altiris to comply with this control efficiently.
CONTROL 2 : INVENTORY AND CONTROL OF SOFTWARE ASSETS
Control 2 emphasizes the importance of knowing what software is installed on your network and ensuring that all software is authorized and adequately configured. This control is crucial as it enables organizations to identify and manage potential security risks arising from unauthorized or incorrectly configured software. Solutions for this control include state-of-the-art tools like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and IBM BigFix.
CONTROL 3 : CONTINUOUS VULNERABILITY MANAGEMENT
Control 3 focuses on the importance of quickly identifying and addressing vulnerabilities. This control is vital because attackers can exploit vulnerabilities to gain access to your systems and data. To ensure strong cybersecurity, vulnerability scanning tools like Qualys and Nessus are indispensable solutions for this control.
CONTROL 4 : CONTROLLED USE OF ADMINISTRATIVE PRIVILEGES
Control 4 emphasizes the importance of limiting access to administrative privileges to those who genuinely need them. This control is vital because administrative privileges can be used to make unauthorized changes to systems and data. You can utilize tools like Microsoft Active Directory and CyberArk Privileged Access Security to ensure strong cybersecurity.
CONTROL 5 : SECURE CONFIGURATION FOR HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE ON MOBILE DEVICES, LAPTOPS, WORKSTATIONS, AND SERVERS
Control 5 emphasizes the importance of correctly configuring hardware and software to guarantee they are secure. This control is crucial because improperly configured systems can be vulnerable to attack. Solutions for this control include advanced tools like Microsoft System Center Configuration Manager and IBM BigFix.
CONTROL 6 : MAINTENANCE, MONITORING, AND ANALYSIS OF AUDIT LOGS
Control 6 focuses on the importance of maintaining audit logs and analyzing them for signs of potential security breaches. This control is essential because audit logs can provide valuable information about security incidents. To ensure strong cybersecurity, tools like Splunk and IBM QRadar are essential solutions for this control.
CONTROL 7 : EMAIL AND WEB BROWSER PROTECTIONS
This control highlights the significance of safeguarding email and web browsing from malevolent content. Cybercriminals often use email and web browsers to deliver malware and other malicious attacks. It is crucial to use powerful tools like Proofpoint and Cisco Email Security to keep these channels secure and prevent harmful content from penetrating your organization.
CONTROL 8 : MALWARE DEFENSES
This control emphasizes the importance of protecting your systems from malware. Malware can cause significant harm, including data theft and destruction. Antivirus and endpoint protection tools like McAfee, Crowdstrike, and Symantec Endpoint Protection can provide your organization with the necessary defenses against malware.
CONTROL 9 : LIMITATION AND CONTROL OF NETWORK PORTS, PROTOCOLS, AND SERVICES
This control focuses on the importance of controlling access to network ports, protocols, and services. Attackers can exploit open ports, protocols, and services to gain access to your systems and data, making this control vital for protecting your organization. Tools like Cisco Identity Services Engine and F5 BIG-IP can help you limit and control network access.
CONTROL 10 : DATA RECOVERY CAPABILITY
This control highlights the significance of recovering data in the event of a disaster. Your organization’s data is one of its most valuable assets, and it is critical to have backup and recovery solutions in place in case of a disaster. Solutions like Veeam and Commvault can help you recover lost data and keep your business operations running smoothly.
CONTROL 11 : SECURE CONFIGURATIONS FOR NETWORK DEVICES SUCH AS FIREWALLS, ROUTERS, AND SWITCHES
This control focuses on the importance of properly configuring network devices like firewalls, routers, and switches to ensure they are secure. These devices are essential components of your network and must be protected from vulnerabilities. Tools like Rancid, Cisco Security Manager, and Juniper Networks Security Director can help you configure your network devices securely.
CONTROL 12 : BOUNDARY DEFENSE
This control emphasizes the importance of protecting your network boundary from unauthorized access. Your network boundary is often the first line of defense against external attackers, making it crucial to have strong defenses in place. Next-generation firewalls like Palo Alto Networks and Fortinet FortiGate can provide your organization with the necessary protection against unauthorized access.
CONTROL 13 : DATA PROTECTION
This control is all about safeguarding your sensitive data from unauthorized access or exposure. And let’s face it, the cost of data breaches can be crippling to your bottom line and your reputation. But fear not; there are solutions to help you sleep better at night, like top-notch data encryption tools such as Microsoft BitLocker and Symantec Data Loss Prevention.
CONTROL 14 : CONTROLLED ACCESS BASED ON THE NEED TO KNOW
When it comes to sensitive data, it’s all about controlling who gets to see it. Unauthorized access can lead to devastating financial and reputational consequences, and that’s why this control is so critical. But don’t worry. Solutions such as Microsoft Active Directory and Okta Identity Management can help you stay in control and protect your sensitive data.
CONTROL 15 : WIRELESS ACCESS CONTROL
Wireless networks can be a hacker’s paradise if they’re not properly secured. That’s where this control comes in. By controlling access to wireless networks, you can prevent unauthorized access and keep your data safe. With powerful tools like Cisco Identity Services Engine and Aruba ClearPass, you can secure your wireless networks and keep the bad guys out.
CONTROL 16 : ACCOUNT MONITORING AND CONTROL
Compromised user accounts are a hacker’s dream. That’s why this control is all about monitoring and controlling user accounts for signs of unauthorized activity. By keeping a watchful eye on user accounts, you can stop attackers in their tracks. And with advanced tools like Microsoft Advanced Threat Analytics and CyberArk Privileged Access Security, you can stay ahead of the game and protect your data.
CONTROL 17 : SECURITY SKILLS ASSESSMENT AND APPROPRIATE TRAINING TO FILL GAPS
Your staff is your first line of defense when it comes to cybersecurity, and that’s why this control is so important. By assessing your staff’s cybersecurity skills and knowledge, you can ensure they’re ready to respond to new threats as they emerge. And with top-notch training programs like SANS Institute and ISC(2) training, you can give your staff the skills they need to keep your organization safe, while there are companies like KnowBe4 that help with awareness training.
CONTROL 18 : APPLICATION SOFTWARE SECURITY
Applications can be a major vulnerability when it comes to cybersecurity. But with this control, you can ensure your applications are developed and deployed securely. Using top-tier application security testing tools such as Veracode and Fortify, you can identify and fix vulnerabilities before they can be exploited. So go ahead and confidently deploy your applications, knowing that you’re protected.
Overall, implementing CIS Controls can help organizations improve their cybersecurity posture and protect against a wide range of threats. By following these controls, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches, protect sensitive information, and ensure business continuity. However, it’s important to note that cybersecurity is an ongoing process and requires constant attention and updates to stay ahead of new threats.
EMPOWER YOUR CYBERSECURITY STRATEGY: ACHIEVING COMPLIANCE AND PROTECTION WITH PITAN INDUSTRIES
PiTan Industries is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions that can help organizations implement all of the CIS Controls and improve their overall cybersecurity posture. With a wide range of services and solutions, PiTan can help organizations identify vulnerabilities, implement best practices, and stay ahead of emerging threats.
PiTan offers a comprehensive suite of cybersecurity services that can help organizations at every stage of the CIS Controls implementation process. For example, PiTan’s cybersecurity assessment services can help organizations identify areas of weakness and develop a roadmap for improving their cybersecurity posture. PiTan’s vulnerability management services can help organizations identify and remediate vulnerabilities in their systems, while we can provide managed security services can provide ongoing monitoring and threat detection. In addition, PiTan offers a wide range of cybersecurity solutions that can help organizations implement individual controls within the CIS Controls framework.
For example, PiTan offers firewall and network security solutions that can help organizations implement Control 11: Secure Configurations for Network Devices. PiTan also provides endpoint security solutions that can help organizations implement Control 8: Malware Defenses and data protection and encryption solutions that can help organizations implement Control 13: Data Protection.
With PiTan’s help, organizations can implement CIS Controls and ensure ongoing compliance and improvement. PiTan’s cybersecurity experts stay up-to-date on the latest threats and trends and can help organizations adapt their cybersecurity strategies accordingly. With PiTan’s comprehensive cybersecurity solutions and expertise, organizations can protect their critical assets and minimize the risk of data breaches and other Cyber’s threats.
