How many controls are in CIS ?

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a non-profit organization that provides a set of controls and best practices for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture. These controls are designed to address a wide range of threats and risks, including malware, phishing, and social engineering. In this article, we will take a closer look at the different controls offered by CIS and their significance in safeguarding digital assets.

The Control Categories

CIS controls can be categorized into three main groups: policies and procedures, risk management, and technical controls. These controls are designed to help organizations establish and maintain effective security practices, as well as to respond to and mitigate security incidents.

Policies and Procedures

Policies and procedures are the highest level of controls in CIS. They are designed to provide a clear and consistent approach to managing cybersecurity risks and ensure that all employees understand their roles and responsibilities in maintaining security. Examples of policies and procedures that are included in CIS include:

* Access Control policies

* Incident Response policies

* Network Segmentation policies

* User Account policies

* Data Classification policies

* Change Management policies

* Training and Awareness policies

Risk Management

Risk management is the process of identifying, assessing, and prioritizing potential security risks. It is an essential component of CIS controls, as it allows organizations to understand the vulnerabilities and threats that could impact their security posture. Examples of risk management controls that are included in CIS include:

* Risk Assessment controls

* Risk Management plans

* Risk tracking and reporting

* Risk mitigation strategies

Technical Controls

Technical controls are the lower level of controls in CIS. They are designed to provide a specific set of technical practices that can be implemented to mitigate security risks. Examples of technical controls that are included in CIS include:

* firewalls

* intrusion detection and prevention systems

* anti-malware software

* patch management

* network segmentation

* remote access controls

The Importance of CIS Controls

The controls offered by CIS are designed to help organizations establish and maintain effective security practices, as well as to respond to and mitigate security incidents. By implementing these controls, organizations can reduce the risk of security breaches and protect their digital assets.

In conclusion, the controls offered by CIS provide a comprehensive set of guidelines for organizations to enhance their cybersecurity posture. These controls serve as a framework for establishing and maintaining effective security practices, which is essential for protecting digital assets. By understanding the different controls included in CIS, organizations can take the necessary steps to establish a strong security posture and ensure the safety of their digital assets.