When it comes to cyber security, the effectiveness of an infrastructure is not only measured by the number of tools available or the sophistication of the systems employed. Quality lies in the suitability and strategic implementation of security practices that align with organizational needs.

In this context, CIS Controls provide a set of priority actions for cyber defense. In this article, you’ll see:

• what CIS Controls are;
• which are the 18 controls of CIS Controls V8;
• the solutions that can help implement these controls.

What are CIS Controls?

CIS Controls represent a strategic set of measures developed to counter the most critical cyber threats facing organizations. Designed to be a practical compass, they guide companies on their journey to improve their digital security.

In addition, by adopting these controls, organizations also make significant progress towards full compliance with the ISO 27001 standard.

What are the 18 controls in CIS Controls V8?

The latest version, CIS Controls V8, represents a continuous evolution in the understanding of cyber threats and the best approaches to mitigating them. Here we briefly detail the 18 controls:

1. Hardware Inventory and Control: This refers to the identification and management of all hardware devices connected to the organization’s network, ensuring that only authorized devices can access it;
2. Software Inventory and Control: Focuses on identifying and managing all the software installed in the infrastructure, enabling the rapid detection of unauthorized or obsolete software;
3. Data Protection: Ensures that confidential data is protected against unauthorized access, alteration or deletion, using techniques such as encryption and tokenization;
4. Secure Configurations: This involves implementing configuration standards for all systems and devices, minimizing the risk of security breaches;
5. Account Management: Focuses on the creation, maintenance and revocation of user accounts, covering password policies and auditing;
6. Access Management: Ensures that only authorized people can access specific resources, systems and applications, protecting against unwanted access;
7. Continuous Vulnerability Management: This involves the continuous identification and remediation of vulnerabilities in systems and software;
8. Audit Log Management: Collects, stores and analyzes logs to detect and respond to suspicious or malicious activity;
9. Port, Protocol and Service Limitation and Control: Ensures that only necessary services are running and that ports and protocols are properly managed and protected;
10. Data Monitoring and Control: Focuses on tracking and controlling data as it moves through the network;
11. Network Monitoring and Protection: Implements continuous surveillance of network traffic to identify and respond to threats;
12. Boundary Protection: Refers to the protection of network boundaries from external threats, usually by means of firewalls and other security solutions;
13. Repository Data Protection: Guarantees the integrity and security of data stored on servers, databases or other media;
14. Data Protection in Transit: Prioritizes the security of data while it is being transferred between systems or over the internet;
15. Account Monitoring and Control: Focuses on observing and managing the use of accounts, identifying suspicious activity;
16. Incident Response Management: Prepares the organization to respond quickly to security incidents, minimizing damage;
17. Intrusion Test: Evaluates the effectiveness of security controls by simulating cyber attacks to identify vulnerabilities;
18. Mobile Device Control: Focused on managing and protecting mobile devices that access corporate resources. They ensure secure configuration, monitoring of network access and data protection.

What solutions can help implement CIS Controls?

In the cybersecurity landscape, choosing robust tools and appropriate tactics is only half the battle. For comprehensive protection and compliance, it is essential to align these tools and tactics with recognized standards and best practices. And it is precisely in this context that various solutions stand out to enhance the implementation of CIS Controls.

Let’s explore some of the main strategies and understand how they intertwine with controls, providing a more robust shield against cyber threats:

IAM (Identity and Access Management)

IAM is an essential strategy for implementing various CIS Controls. For example:

• Control 5 – Account Management: IAM effectively manages user accounts, from creation to revocation, covering password policies and auditing;
• Control 6 – Access Management: with IAM, you can manage who has access to specific systems and applications, ensuring security and compliance.

SIEM (Security Information and Event Management)

SIEM plays a crucial role, especially in detection and response controls:

• Control 7: SIEM alerts you to possible vulnerabilities in real time;
• Control 8: collection and analysis of audit logs to identify suspicious activity.
• Control 17: provision of information for rapid response to incidents.

Tokenization

When handling sensitive data, tokenization becomes a vital tool:

• Control 3 – Data Protection: replace confidential data with non-confidential tokens to minimize exposure risks.

Pentests (Invasion Tests)

Automated intrusion tests are fundamental to guaranteeing the effectiveness of security controls, particularly in the:

• Control 18: simulate the actions of possible attackers to identify vulnerabilities and reinforce critical areas.

In cybersecurity, precision and strategy are vital. Therefore, when it comes to implementing CIS Controls, it is imperative to choose the right partner to guide this process.

QRIAR, with its vast experience and personalized approach, takes into account the nuances and specific needs of each company, ensuring not only the implementation, but the optimization of these controls to maximize security.

If you want to know more about how we can help your organization, schedule a free demo.