What is CIS Controls?
The CIS Critical Security Controls are a prioritized set of 18 defensive actions developed by the Center for Internet Security that address the most common attack vectors, providing a prescriptive, implementation-focused baseline for security programs.
Definition
- CIS Controls
- The CIS Critical Security Controls are a prioritized set of 18 defensive actions developed by the Center for Internet Security that address the most common attack vectors, providing a prescriptive, implementation-focused baseline for security programs.
How CIS Controls Works
Originally developed by SANS Institute as the "SANS Top 20," then transferred to CIS. Unlike NIST CSF which provides a framework, CIS Controls provide specific technical actions. CIS Controls v8 (2021) reorganized into 18 controls with 153 safeguards.
Controls are prioritized by impact. Controls 1-6 (Basic): Inventory of Enterprise Assets, Inventory of Software Assets, Data Protection, Secure Configuration, Account Management, Access Control Management. Controls 7-16 (Foundational): Continuous Vulnerability Management, Audit Log Management, Email and Web Browser Protections, Malware Defenses, Data Recovery, Network Infrastructure Management, Network Monitoring and Defense, Security Awareness Training, Service Provider Management, Application Software Security. Controls 17-18 (Organizational): Incident Response Management, Penetration Testing.
Three Implementation Groups (IGs) let organizations prioritize by size and risk profile.
CIS Controls in SOC Operations
Several CIS Controls map directly to SOC operations. Control 8 (Audit Log Management) governs SIEM data sources. Control 13 (Network Monitoring and Defense) defines NDR and network monitoring requirements. Control 17 (Incident Response Management) structures how the SOC handles confirmed incidents. SOC Managers use CIS Controls as a checklist to assess whether the team has the tools, data, and processes needed to operate effectively.
Practice CIS Controls in a Real SOC
SOCSimulator provides hands-on training with realistic SIEM, XDR, and Firewall interfaces. Build real analyst skills investigating cis controls scenarios with zero consequences — free forever.
Related Terms
The NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a risk management framework developed by the US National I...
Vulnerability management is the continuous process of identifying, classifying, prioritizing, remedi...
Log management is the process of collecting, normalizing, storing, retaining, and analyzing log data...
Incident response (IR) is the structured process for preparing for, detecting, containing, eradicati...
Patch management is the systematic process of acquiring, testing, approving, and applying software u...
More Frameworks Terms
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