How can you use CIS controls to secure your data?

Implementing CIS controls must come with correct governance. Having 42 or more policies makes it very difficult. Have one security policy that drives 42 standards. Then each standard is built around CIS benchmarks.

CIS controls could secure data from unauthorized access, theft, and loss while focusing on identifying, classifying, securely handling, retaining, and disposing of data in compliance with regulatory requirements. Organizations must follow good guidelines to identify the data that needs to be protected and classify it based on its sensitivity level. Securely handle data by developing encryption, access control, and monitoring processes. Store data in secure locations, such as cloud storage and encrypted databases. Transmit data securely using specific communication channels such as secure file transfer protocols and encrypted email. Securely dispose of data through well-developed processes, including secure deletion and physical destruction.

Implementing CIS Controls: Inventory Assets: Track devices and software. Data Protection: Classify and encrypt data. Access Control: Use least privilege, review permissions. Awareness Training: Educate on cybersecurity. Secure Configuration: Apply and audit configurations. Vulnerability Assessment: Scan, prioritize, and remediate. Email and Web Protections: Filter and educate. Network Security: Design securely, use firewalls. Incident Response: Develop and test a response plan. Security Assessment: Regularly assess and authorize. Data Security: Enforce protection policies, review measures.

Implement the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls by adopting best practices for cybersecurity. This includes securing configurations, managing vulnerabilities, protecting data, and establishing incident response mechanisms to enhance overall data security.

CIS Controls form a critical link to fortify data governance. While data governance sets policies and roles for comprehensive data management, CIS Controls seamlessly embed security throughout the data lifecycle. Controls like Inventory of Hardware and Software, Continuous Vulnerability Management, and Controlled Administrative Privileges align with data quality, integrity, and security. Controls like Data Protection, Access Control, and Incident Response contribute to compliance. In essence, CIS Controls offer a robust framework that dovetails with data governance, ensuring holistic data security from creation to deletion.

In addition to these, I find that training and awareness are absolutely key. The human is usually the weakest link and they tend to be targeted as one of the biggest vulnerabilities within a company. Invest in training and awareness for your employees.

I agree that human factor plays a major role in implementing the basic CIS controls. In addition, the lynchpin for organizations is the need to have an effective VM process.

In addition, robust metadata management can aid in better asset identification and classification which is crucial for effective cybersecurity.