My New Online Course: A Comprehensive Guide to CIS 18 Controls
Dr. Jason Edwards, DM, CISSP, CRISC
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In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, implementing robust and effective controls is not just a necessity but a cornerstone of organizational defense against a myriad of cyber threats. This is where the Critical Security Controls (CIS 18) come into play. The CIS 18 controls are actionable security practices developed and refined by a community of experts to prevent the most pervasive and dangerous cyber attacks. They serve as a comprehensive guideline for organizations to fortify their networks, systems, and data from various cyber threats. These controls have been designed to be universally applicable, scalable, and adaptive to the changing threat environment, making them an invaluable resource for any organization looking to enhance its cybersecurity posture. The importance of these controls in cybersecurity cannot be overstated; they provide a strategic framework that helps organizations of all sizes and sectors prioritize their security initiatives effectively. This article will delve deep into these 18 controls, exploring their nuances and offering insights into how they can be effectively implemented in today's digital world.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/cis-critical-security-controls
Control 1 - Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets
The first of the CIS Controls, "Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets," underscores a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity: knowing what you need to protect. In this digital era, an organization's assets extend beyond physical equipment; they encompass many digital components such as servers, endpoints, and cloud instances. Maintaining an up-to-date inventory of all these assets is crucial. Without a comprehensive understanding of what assets exist within the network, an organization cannot fully protect itself from potential threats. This inventory is the foundation for a robust cybersecurity strategy, ensuring that no asset, and thus no vulnerability, goes unnoticed.
However, merely identifying these assets is not enough. Effective asset management is pivotal in mitigating cybersecurity risks. By understanding what assets are present and how they are configured, organizations can better assess their vulnerability to various cyber threats. Regularly updating this inventory allows for identifying unauthorized or unmanaged assets that could serve as entry points for attackers. It also aids in the timely application of security patches and in ensuring compliance with security policies, both critical in reducing the risk of cyber incidents.
Control 2 - Inventory and Control of Software Assets
The second CIS Control, "Inventory and Control of Software Assets," plays a pivotal role in cybersecurity. Keeping a comprehensive inventory of all software assets is vital, as with physical assets. This inventory isn't limited to the software actively in use; it also includes any applications installed on the network, regardless of their usage frequency. The reason for this thorough approach is simple yet profound: unaccounted software can become a significant liability. Organizations can easily overlook potential vulnerabilities without a complete overview of the software landscape, inadvertently giving cyber threats an open door into their systems.
The security implications of unmanaged or unauthorized software are far-reaching. Such software can often be outdated, unsupported, or non-compliant with current security standards, making them easy targets for cyber attackers. They might contain vulnerabilities that have been left unpatched, posing a risk not only to the system on which they reside but also to the entire network. Unauthorized software, in particular, can be a haven for malicious activities, potentially housing malware or acting as a conduit for data exfiltration.
Control 3 - Data Protection
The third CIS Control, "Data Protection," is pivotal in cybersecurity. It revolves around safeguarding one of the most critical assets of any organization: its data. Effective data protection begins with implementing robust data security frameworks. These frameworks encompass a range of strategies, from encrypting sensitive information to establishing rigorous access controls. They provide a structured approach to securing data in transit, at rest, or in use. By adhering to these frameworks, organizations can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect their valuable information assets against unauthorized access and other cyber threats.
Compliance with data protection laws and best practices is crucial in this control. With regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and others coming into force, organizations are legally obligated to protect personal and sensitive data. Non-compliance can result in severe penalties, loss of customer trust, and damage to reputation. Best practices in data protection go beyond legal requirements, encompassing industry standards and guidelines that help organizations maintain a high level of data security. These practices include regular data audits, employee training in data handling, and implementing advanced data security technologies.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-data-protection
Control 4 - Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software
Control 4, focusing on the "Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets and Software," is a critical component in the arsenal of cybersecurity defenses. The significance of implementing secure configurations cannot be overstated. This control involves the establishment of security parameters for all enterprise assets and software to prevent unauthorized access and attacks. Proper configuration ensures that systems are protected against known vulnerabilities and prepared to resist potential future threats. Secure configurations act as a robust first line of defense, creating a more resilient and less penetrable cyber environment.
However, achieving secure configurations is not without its challenges. One of the most common issues organizations face is the complexity of their technology environments. Creating a uniform security posture becomes a daunting task with a mix of legacy systems, new technologies, and diverse software applications. Furthermore, the rapid pace of technological change means that configurations must be regularly reviewed and updated to remain effective against evolving threats. To address these challenges, organizations must adopt a comprehensive approach, including regular system audits, automated configuration management tools, and continuous staff training. This approach ensures that security configurations remain effective and relevant.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-secure-configuration-of-enterprise-assets-software
Control 5 - Account Management
Control 5 in the CIS framework, "Account Management," plays a crucial role in reinforcing cybersecurity through meticulous management of user accounts. The cornerstone of this control is effective account lifecycle management. From the moment a user account is created, through its active use, and until its eventual decommissioning, every stage of an account's lifecycle demands careful oversight. Proper management ensures that each account is given access rights and privileges commensurate with the user's role and responsibilities. This is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and preventing unauthorized access and potential internal threats. Regularly reviewing and updating these accounts ensures that changes in a user's role or status are reflected promptly, minimizing security breach risk.
Security controls and policies are vital for robust account management. These include strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, regular audits of user access rights, and procedures for responding to incidents involving compromised accounts. Implementing these controls helps safeguard against various threats, including former employees who retain access to systems or external actors who might exploit weak or stale accounts. Moreover, these policies ensure compliance with regulatory standards, which is critical for organizations in sensitive industries.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-account-management
Control 6 - Access Control Management
Control 6, "Access Control Management," is a fundamental aspect of cybersecurity, focusing on who has access to what within an organization. Effective access control management is based on several key principles that ensure only authorized individuals can access specific resources. These principles include least privilege, where users are granted only the permissions necessary to perform their duties, and segregation of duties, which ensures that critical tasks are divided among multiple people to prevent fraud and error. Effective access control also involves regular review and auditing of access rights to ensure they remain appropriate over time and are revoked when no longer needed.
A critical element in access control management is Role-Based Access Control (RBAC). RBAC simplifies access management by assigning permissions to roles rather than individual users. Users are then assigned roles based on their job functions. The benefits of RBAC in maintaining security are substantial. It provides a structured and efficient way of managing user permissions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access. RBAC also makes the administrative process more straightforward and less error-prone since changes in user roles automatically update their access privileges. This model is particularly beneficial in large organizations where users frequently change roles or leave, as it allows for quick and easy updates to access rights.
Control 7 - Continuous Vulnerability Management
Control 7, "Continuous Vulnerability Management," is vital to a proactive cybersecurity strategy. This control involves identifying and addressing vulnerabilities within an organization's network and systems. The first step in this process is systematically identifying vulnerabilities using tools and techniques like vulnerability scanners and penetration tests. These tools help detect weaknesses that cybercriminals could exploit, ranging from outdated software and unpatched systems to configuration errors. Once identified, these vulnerabilities must be promptly and effectively addressed. This typically involves patching software, updating systems, and modifying configurations to mitigate potential threats.
The importance of regular assessments in vulnerability management cannot be overstated. The cyber threat landscape is constantly evolving, with new vulnerabilities emerging regularly. Continuous assessments ensure that an organization remains aware of its security posture and can respond rapidly to new threats. Regular vulnerability assessments also help organizations prioritize their responses based on the severity and potential impact of the identified vulnerabilities, ensuring that the most critical issues are addressed first.
Control 8 - Audit Log Management
Control 8 in the Critical Security Controls focuses on "Audit Log Management," an essential aspect of cybersecurity. Audit logs play a critical role in enhancing an organization's security posture. They provide a detailed chronological record of events, system changes, and user activities across the IT environment. This recorded data is invaluable in detecting and responding to security incidents. By analyzing audit logs, security teams can identify patterns indicative of a cybersecurity threat, such as unauthorized access attempts or anomalous user behaviors. In the event of a security breach, these logs are crucial for understanding the scope of the incident, determining how the breach occurred, and identifying the affected systems and data.
Best practices for effective log management are key to maximizing the utility of audit logs in maintaining security. This includes ensuring that log generation is enabled for all critical systems and that the logs are comprehensive, capturing relevant security events. It's also essential to secure and protect the integrity of these logs to prevent tampering or deletion. Log management should involve regular review and analysis of the logged data, ideally using automated tools to handle the volume and complexity of the data efficiently. Another best practice is properly retaining logs, keeping them for a duration that complies with organizational policies and regulatory requirements and is sufficient for historical analysis.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-audit-log-management
Control 9 - Email and Web Browser Protections
Control 9, "Email and Web Browser Protections," addresses a critical front in the battle against cyber threats: the defense against emails and web browser attacks. These avenues are among the most common entry points for malware, phishing attempts, and other forms of cyberattacks. Protecting against web-based threats involves a multi-layered approach. It starts with deploying robust email filtering systems that can detect and block spam and phishing emails. It also includes implementing web browser security measures, such as using secure and up-to-date browsers, employing browser security extensions, and restricting access to potentially harmful websites.
Implementing adequate protection against these threats requires a strategic and comprehensive approach. Organizations should ensure that all protective measures are in place and regularly updated to counter new and evolving threats. This includes educating users about the dangers of suspicious emails and web links and training them in safe browsing practices. Technological safeguards should be complemented with administrative policies, such as defining clear guidelines for email and internet usage within the organization. Regularly auditing and reviewing these measures for effectiveness is also crucial in maintaining a solid defense against web-based threats.
Control 10 - Malware Defenses
Control 10, "Malware Defenses," is a critical aspect of cybersecurity, addressing the need to protect against malicious software—a pervasive threat in the digital landscape. Malware comes in various forms, each with its unique mode of operation and impact. Common types include viruses, which can replicate themselves and spread to other systems; worms, which self-propagate across networks; trojans, which disguise themselves as legitimate software; ransomware, which encrypts data and demands a ransom for its release; and spyware, which covertly collects information. The impacts of these malware types range from system performance degradation and unauthorized data access to severe disruptions of operational processes and significant financial losses.
Effective defense mechanisms against malware are multifaceted. They start with implementing robust antivirus and anti-malware solutions that continuously scan and protect systems from known threats. Equally important is regularly updating these tools to recognize and defend against the latest malware variants. Beyond technological solutions, effective malware defense includes adopting good cyber hygiene practices, such as avoiding downloading software from untrusted sources and not opening attachments in unsolicited emails. Furthermore, implementing network segmentation can prevent the spread of malware if it breaches the initial defenses. Regular backups of critical data also form a crucial part of malware defense, ensuring that the organization can recover its data without succumbing to ransom demands in the event of a malware attack like ransomware.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-malware-defenses
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Control 11 - Data Recovery
Control 11, "Data Recovery," highlights a crucial aspect of cybersecurity resilience: the ability to recover data after a breach or loss incident. The importance of having a robust data recovery plan cannot be overstated. In today's data-driven world, data loss can occur for various reasons, ranging from cyberattacks like ransomware to natural disasters and human error. The impact of such loss can be devastating, potentially crippling operations, damaging reputations, and incurring significant financial costs. A well-structured data recovery plan is essential for the continuity of business operations and for maintaining stakeholder trust and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Strategies for effective data recovery involve several key components. Firstly, it is imperative to back up critical data regularly. To ensure redundancy, these backups should be stored in multiple locations, including off-site or in the cloud. It's also essential to test these backups regularly to confirm their integrity and the effectiveness of the recovery process. Another crucial strategy is classifying data based on its importance to business operations, which helps prioritize recovery efforts. Implementing robust security measures to protect backup data is equally important, as cyber attackers can target backups. Lastly, a comprehensive data recovery plan should include clear guidelines and procedures for recovery operations, ensuring a swift and coordinated response during data loss.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-data-recovery
Control 12 - Network Infrastructure Management
Control 12, "Network Infrastructure Management," is integral to maintaining a secure and resilient IT environment. Managing network security involves a comprehensive approach that encompasses various key aspects. Firstly, it's crucial to clearly understand the entire network topology, including all connected devices and how data flows across the network. This understanding helps in identifying potential vulnerabilities and points of exposure. Another vital aspect is implementing strong perimeter defenses such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and intrusion prevention systems. Additionally, segmenting the network into different zones can limit the spread of attacks and manage access controls more effectively.
However, managing network security is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges is the complexity and dynamism of network environments, especially with the advent of cloud computing and the Internet of Things (IoT). Keeping up with the rapid changes and ensuring that all components are secure can be daunting. Another challenge is the sophisticated nature of cyber threats and the techniques used by attackers, which are continually evolving. Organizations need to adopt a proactive and layered security approach to address these challenges. Regularly updating security protocols, conducting thorough risk assessments, and engaging in continuous monitoring are essential. Employee training and awareness also play a critical role in reinforcing network security.
Control 13 - Network Monitoring and Defense
Control 13, "Network Monitoring and Defense," is a critical component of an organization's cybersecurity strategy, focusing on vigilance and responsiveness to emerging threats. Continuous network monitoring is essential in today's fast-paced and ever-evolving cyber threat landscape. It involves the ongoing scrutiny of network activities to detect unusual patterns or anomalies that could indicate a security breach or an impending attack. This continuous monitoring is crucial for the early detection of threats, allowing organizations to respond swiftly and mitigate potential damage. It enables the identification of external attacks, such as intrusion attempts, and internal threats, like unusual user activities that could signify a compromised account or an insider threat.
Defense strategies against network-based threats require a multi-layered approach. One key strategy is the implementation of robust intrusion detection and prevention systems (IDPS) that actively monitor network traffic and take action to block malicious activities. Regularly updating these systems to recognize the latest threat patterns is also vital. Another crucial strategy is network segmentation, which limits the spread of attacks by isolating different parts of the network from each other. Employing advanced threat intelligence solutions to stay ahead of emerging threats and adapting defense mechanisms accordingly is equally important. Additionally, regular vulnerability assessments and penetration testing can help identify and fix security gaps in the network infrastructure.
Control 14 - Security Awareness and Skills Training
Control 14, "Security Awareness and Skills Training," emphasizes the human element in cybersecurity. Building a culture of security awareness within an organization is of paramount importance. This goes beyond merely informing staff about security policies; it involves ingraining security as a core value and continuous practice in every employee's daily activities. The reason for fostering such a culture is straightforward yet profound: most security breaches can be traced back to human error or lack of awareness. Organizations can significantly reduce the risk of such incidents by cultivating a security-conscious culture. This culture encourages employees to be vigilant, understand the potential risks, and take appropriate actions to safeguard against threats.
Effective training techniques are crucial in embedding this culture of security awareness. Traditional once-a-year training sessions are often insufficient. Instead, continuous and engaging training approaches are more effective. This can include regular workshops, simulated phishing exercises, interactive e-learning modules, and regular security updates or newsletters. Customizing training to different roles within the organization can also be beneficial, as it addresses different departments' specific security challenges and responsibilities. Encouraging open discussions about security, rewarding behavior, and creating an environment where employees feel comfortable reporting potential security incidents without fear of reprisal are also key components of effective security training.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-critical-security-control-14-security-awareness-and-skills-training
Control 15 - Service Provider Management
Control 15, "Service Provider Management," focuses on a crucial but often overlooked aspect of cybersecurity: managing the risks associated with third-party service providers. Organizations frequently rely on external vendors and service providers in an interconnected business ecosystem for various business functions. While this brings numerous benefits, it also introduces additional risks, as these third parties often have access to sensitive company data or systems. The importance of managing these risks cannot be understated. A breach in a third-party system can directly affect your organization, leading to data loss, legal liabilities, and reputational damage. Therefore, it's critical to have a robust strategy to assess, manage, and monitor the security postures of all service providers.
Best practices in service provider management include conducting thorough due diligence before onboarding new vendors. This involves evaluating their security policies, practices, and compliance with relevant regulations. It's also essential to clearly define security expectations and responsibilities in contractual agreements. Regular audits and assessments of third-party security practices are crucial to ensure ongoing compliance and identify security gaps. Additionally, having a contingency plan in case of a breach or failure in a third-party service is important for business continuity. Implementing a tiered access model, where service providers only have access to the information and resources necessary for their role, mitigates risk.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-critical-security-control-15-service-provider-management
Control 16 - Application Software Security
Control 16, "Application Software Security," zeroes in on the critical need to secure applications, an increasingly important area in cybersecurity. Securing application software involves several vital elements. Firstly, it is essential to incorporate security into the software development life cycle from the outset. This approach, known as 'security by design,' ensures that security considerations are not an afterthought but an integral part of the development process. It includes practices like secure coding, regular code reviews, and implementing security controls within the application. Another crucial element is the regular scanning and testing applications for vulnerabilities, such as SQL injections, cross-site scripting, and other common threats. This proactive approach helps identify and rectify security flaws before attackers can exploit them.
However, securing application software is not without its challenges. One of the primary challenges is the rapidly evolving nature of software technologies and the threat landscape. Keeping pace with these changes requires constant vigilance and adaptation of security strategies. Another challenge is ensuring that all stakeholders collaborate effectively, including developers, security teams, and operations. This can be addressed by adopting a DevSecOps approach, which integrates security practices within the DevOps process, fostering a culture of shared responsibility for security.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-critical-security-control-16-application-software-security
Control 17 - Incident Response Management
Control 17, "Incident Response Management," is a critical aspect of a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. It underscores the importance of having a robust incident response plan in place. In a security breach or cyber attack, the ability to respond swiftly and effectively can mean the difference between a minor incident and a catastrophic data breach. A well-developed incident response plan provides a clear roadmap for the organization to follow in the event of an incident, ensuring a coordinated and efficient approach to managing and mitigating the impact. This plan should be comprehensive and regularly updated to reflect the evolving nature of cyber threats and the organization's changing environment.
The key components of an effective incident response include preparation, detection, analysis, containment, eradication, recovery, and post-incident activities. Preparation involves establishing and training an incident response team and developing communication plans and protocols. Detection is having the right tools and processes to identify an incident quickly. Analysis involves understanding the incident's scope, impact, and nature, while containment and eradication focus on limiting the damage and removing the threat from the environment. Recovery is about restoring affected systems and services to regular operation, and post-incident activities involve learning from the incident and improving the organization's security posture.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-critical-security-control-17-incident-response-management
Control 18 - Penetration Testing
Control 18, "Penetration Testing," is vital to any organization's cybersecurity defense strategy. Penetration testing is crucial in strengthening cybersecurity by proactively identifying vulnerabilities in systems and networks. Unlike other reactive security practices, penetration testing is an active approach where security experts simulate cyberattacks on an organization's systems. This process helps in identifying security weaknesses that malicious actors could exploit. It goes beyond automated scanning to uncover more profound vulnerabilities that standard security checks might miss. The importance of penetration testing lies in its ability to provide a real-world assessment of the organization's security posture, allowing for the prioritization and remediation of vulnerabilities before they are exploited in actual attacks.
Best practices and techniques in penetration testing are essential to ensure its effectiveness. A critical best practice is obtaining explicit permission before conducting the tests, as unauthorized testing can lead to legal and ethical issues. It's also essential to define the scope and objectives of the test clearly, ensuring that all relevant systems are covered while avoiding unintended disruptions. Employing various testing techniques, such as black-box, white-box, and grey-box testing, allows for a thorough evaluation from different perspectives. Regularly updating testing methods to include the latest attack vectors is crucial as cyber threats evolve. Additionally, it's essential to document and report all findings comprehensively, providing actionable insights for strengthening the organization's security.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/course/cis-critical-security-control-18-penetration-testing
Conclusion
In conclusion, the CIS 18 Controls represent a fundamental blueprint for robust cybersecurity defense. They encompass a comprehensive set of actions and practices, each tailored to address specific aspects of information security. From managing and securing enterprise assets to the intricacies of incident response and penetration testing, these controls cover the breadth and depth of what is required to protect an organization's digital landscape. The importance of these controls lies in their universal applicability and adaptability, making them suitable for organizations of all sizes and across all sectors. By implementing these controls, organizations can significantly enhance their security posture, reduce their vulnerability to cyber threats, and strengthen their overall resilience against cyber risks.
As we have explored the multifaceted nature of these controls, it is clear that understanding and implementing them can be a complex endeavor. This is where the courses on Cybrary come into play. Each course in the series dedicated to the CIS 18 Controls provides in-depth knowledge, practical insights, and real-world applications, making the journey of understanding and implementing these controls much more accessible and practical. Whether a cybersecurity novice or a seasoned professional, these courses offer valuable learning to enhance your skills and knowledge.
I invite you to explore these courses on Cybrary and embark on a journey to deepen your understanding of cybersecurity. Through these courses, you will gain the tools and confidence needed to implement the CIS 18 Controls effectively, ensuring that your organization remains secure, compliant, and resilient in the face of cyber threats. Join us in advancing your cybersecurity expertise and contributing to a more secure digital world.
Cybrary Course: https://app.cybrary.it/browse/cis-critical-security-controls
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About Jason:
Jason Edwards is a distinguished cybersecurity expert & author with a wealth of experience in the technology, finance, insurance, and energy sectors. With a Doctorate in Management, Information Systems, and Cybersecurity, he has held vital roles in Finance, Technology, Energy, and the Military. His contributions have been pivotal in safeguarding critical infrastructures and devising cybersecurity strategies. In addition to his corporate experience, Jason is a combat veteran, an adjunct professor, and an author focusing on cybersecurity. Connect with him through his website, jason-edwards.me , or on LinkedIn at https://www.dhirubhai.net/in/jasonedwardsdmist/
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