Understanding CIS 18 Security Assessments: Protecting Your Business with Critical Controls

 What Are CIS 18 Security Controls? 

The CIS cybersecurity framework is a set of best practices and guidelines designed to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), the framework is built around 18 key controls that cover various aspects of cybersecurity, including inventory management, vulnerability assessment, and incident response. 

Why Your Organization Needs a CIS 18 Assessment 

CIS 18 assessments emphasize a proactive approach to security, encouraging organizations to prioritize their efforts based on their unique environments and threat landscapes. By adopting the CIS framework, organizations can enhance their overall security posture, improve resilience against cyber threats, and foster a culture of continuous improvement in their cybersecurity practices. 

Step-by-Step Breakdown of a CIS 18 Security Assessment 

1. Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets 
   This involves identifying the IT-connected devices and assets on your network and checking that they're kept up to date. Such devices include network devices, end-user devices, IoT devices, servers and more. This helps keep track of what needs to be protected and highlights any unauthorized use of any devices. 
2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets 
   Keeps track of all software such as applications and operating systems. This stops any unauthorized use or installation of any software. 
3. Data Protection 
   Protecting sensitive data is one of the most important elements of cybersecurity. An automated system can monitor unauthorized data transfers, potentially stopping them and notifying your IT team. 
4. Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software 
   Make sure all applications and software meet the standards set by your security criteria. Any configuration errors can result in your system becoming compromised and potential data loss. Security automation can make it easier to monitor and secure your assets. 
5. Account Management 
   Different accounts are likely to have different privileges and access. Making sure all accounts are secure will prevent any outside parties from using them to access your network. 
6. Access Control Management 
   This verifies access is only granted to those who need it. Keeping privileges to a minimum reduces the risk of cyberattacks. 
7. Continuous Vulnerability Management 
   A scanning tool can continuously monitor your system to detect any vulnerabilities that arise. If anything appears, you can then take steps to eliminate them and maintain your cybersecurity. 
8. Audit Log Management 
   All security activities should be tracked, analyzed, and logged. This will make it easier to identify attackers if anything happens. You'll also have an easier time determining which systems were affected and how you can prevent recurrences in the future. 
9. Email and Web Browser Protections 
   Cybercriminals commonly use emails and malicious websites as attack channels. Threat detection can help prevent employees from falling for these types of attacks. 
10. Malware Defenses 
    Strong anti-malware software will protect your entire network. Malware is another very common way for threat actors to launch cyber-attacks, and it can have severe consequences. Anti-malware software should be present in any IT system. 
11. Data Recovery 
    Maintaining regular backups of important data is one of the most critical IT security practices. Your organization should have a data recovery strategy in place so that you can retrieve anything that's lost in a ransomware attack or other incident. There is a distinction between backups and business continuity that should be decided when developing the correct data recovery strategy. 
12. Network Infrastructure Management 
    All devices and assets on a network should be actively managed to prevent vulnerabilities from appearing. This includes changing configurations, monitoring traffic flows, patching, and monitoring for a higher level of security. 
13. Network Monitoring and Defense 
    Network surveillance will help your IT team keep an eye on the entire network so that they can spot any threats as soon as they appear. They'll receive a notification when any vulnerabilities show up or incidents occur. 
14. Security Awareness and Skills Training 
    Human error is the leading cause of data breaches. Providing up-to-date training can help your employees reduce their risk of falling victim to a cyber attack. 
15. Service Provider Management 
    You'll have service providers who are in charge of vital IT systems and deal with sensitive data. This is crucial for sufficient protection, so they must be accurately assessed and analyzed. If any issues are found, you'll need to take steps to make certain your network has the protection it needs. 
16. Application Software Security 
    Whether software has been bought, hosted, or developed in-house, it's essential to make sure it's secure at all times. Managing the security life cycle of all software will help you identify vulnerabilities. Any security flaws that appear need to be patched immediately to maintain a secure system. 
17. Incident Response Management 
    Recording the details of any incident is a crucial element of response management. This helps identify future threats early on to prevent similar incidents. 
18. Penetration Testing 
    This is an efficient method to determine how resilient and efficient your network and assets are. It looks for vulnerabilities in the same way an attacker would so that you can identify them and take immediate action. 

Implementing CIS Controls to Reduce Cyber Risks 

Implementing these controls can enhance your organization's ability to fight against cyber threats while reducing the likelihood of cyber risks happening. CIS 18’s proactive controls help organizations detect, protect, respond, and mitigate risks, fostering a heightened security landscape and protecting your organization. Learn how EisnerAmper can help you protect sensitive information. Contact us below.