CIS Controls v8 Mapping To NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework 2 2023
CIS Controls v8 Mapping To NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework 2 2023
Editor
Thomas Sager
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remix, transform or build upon the CIS Controls, you may not distribute the modified materials. Users of the CIS Con
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the prior approval of CIS® (Center for Internet Security, Inc.).
es 4.0 International Public License (the link can be found at https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-
are authorized to copy and redistribute the content as a framework for use by you, within your
hat (i) appropriate credit is given to CIS, and (ii) a link to the license is provided. Additionally, if you
als. Users of the CIS Controls framework are also required to refer to
at users are employing the most up-to-date guidance. Commercial use of the CIS Controls is subject to
Mapping Methodology
Mapping Methodology
This page describes the methodology used to map the CIS Critical Security Controls to National Cyber Sec
Reference link for NCSC Cyber Assessment Framework v3.1: https://www.ncsc.gov.uk/files/Cyber-Assess
The methodology used to create the mapping can be useful to anyone attempting to understand the relatio
The overall goal for CIS mappings is to be as specific as possible, leaning towards under-mapping versus
It is not enough for two Controls to be related, it must be clear that implementing one control will Contribute
The general strategy used is to identify all of the aspects within a Control and attempt to discern if both item
For a defensive mitigation to map to this CIS Safeguard it must have at least one of the following:
• A clearly documented process, covering both new employees and changes in access.
• All relevant enteprise access control must be covered under this process, there can be no seperation whe
• Automated tools are ideally used, such as a SSO provider or routing access control through a directory s
• The same process is followed every time a user's rights change, so a user never amasses greater rights
If the two concepts are effectively equal, they are mapped with the relationship "equivalent". If they are not
The relationships can be further analyzed to understand how similar or different the two defensive mitigatio
The relationship column will contain one of four possible values:
• Equivalent: The defensive mitigation contains the exact same security concept as the CIS Control.
• Superset: The CIS Control is partially or mostly related to the defensive mitigation in question, but the CIS
• Subset: The CIS Safeguard is partially or mostly related, yet is still subsumed within the defensive mitigat
• No relationship: This will be represented by a blank cell.
The relationships should be read from left to right, like a sentence. CIS Safeguard X is Equivalent to this <
Examples:
CIS Safeguard 16.8 "Separate Production and Non-Production Systems" is EQUIVALENT to NIST CSF PR
CIS Safeguard 3.5 "Securely Dispose of Data" is a SUBSET of NIST CSF PR.DS-3 "Assets are formally m
The CIS Controls are written with certain principles in mind, such as only having one ask per Safeguard. T
can often be "Subset."
Mappings are available from a variety of sources online, and different individuals may make their own deci
other mapping.
If you have comments, questions, or would like to report an error, please join the CIS Controls Mappings c
https://workbench.cisecurity.org/communities/94
Remember to download the CIS Controls Version 8 Guide where you can learn more about:
A free tool with a dynamic list of the CIS Safeguards that can be filtered by Implemtation Groups and
mappings to multiple frameworks.
https://www.cisecurity.org/controls/v8/
Join our community where you can discuss the CIS Controls with our global army of experts and
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CIS Security
CIS Safeguard Asset Type
Control Function
1
2
2 2.1 Applications Identify
4
4 4.1 Applications Protect
10
10 10.1 Devices Protect
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
17 17.1 N/A Respond
18
Actively manage (inventory, track, and correct) all enterprise assets (end-user devices, including p
mobile; network devices; non-computing/Internet of Things (IoT) devices; and servers) connected t
infrastructure physically, virtually, remotely, and those within cloud environments, to accurately kn
totality of assets that need to be monitored and protected within the enterprise. This will also suppo
identifying unauthorized and unmanaged assets to remove or remediate.
Data Protection
Develop processes and technical controls to identify, classify, securely handle, retain, and dispose
Establish and maintain the secure configuration of enterprise assets (end-user devices, including p
mobile; network devices; non-computing/IoT devices; and servers) and software (operating system
applications).
Establish and Maintain a
Secure Configuration Process
Uninstall or Disable
Unnecessary Services on
Enterprise Assets and Software
Separate Enterprise
Workspaces on Mobile End-
User Devices
Account Management
Use processes and tools to assign and manage authorization to credentials for user accounts, inclu
administrator accounts, as well as service accounts, to enterprise assets and software.
Centralize Account
Management
Access Control Management
Use processes and tools to create, assign, manage, and revoke access credentials and privileges f
administrator, and service accounts for enterprise assets and software.
Collect, alert, review, and retain audit logs of events that could help detect, understand, or recover
attack.
Standardize Time
Synchronization
Improve protections and detections of threats from email and web vectors, as these are opportunit
attackers to manipulate human behavior through direct engagement.
Restrict Unnecessary or
Unauthorized Browser and
Email Client Extensions
Implement DMARC
Prevent or control the installation, spread, and execution of malicious applications, code, or scripts
enterprise assets.
Deploy and Maintain Anti-
Malware Software
Enable Anti-Exploitation
Features
Network Infrastructure
Management
Establish, implement, and actively manage (track, report, correct) network devices, in order to prev
attackers from exploiting vulnerable network services and access points.
Centralize Network
Authentication, Authorization,
and Auditing (AAA)
Operate processes and tooling to establish and maintain comprehensive network monitoring and d
against security threats across the enterprise’s network infrastructure and user base.
Establish and maintain a security awareness program to influence behavior among the workforce t
conscious and properly skilled to reduce cybersecurity risks to the enterprise.
Securely Decommission
Service Providers
Establish a program to develop and maintain an incident response capability (e.g., policies, plans, p
defined roles, training, and communications) to prepare, detect, and quickly respond to an attack.
Designate Personnel to Manage
Incident Handling
Penetration Testing
Test the effectiveness and resiliency of enterprise assets through identifying and exploiting weakn
controls (people, processes, and technology), and simulating the objectives and actions of an attac
l of Enterprise Assets
entory, track, and correct) all enterprise assets (end-user devices, including portable and
ces; non-computing/Internet of Things (IoT) devices; and servers) connected to the
ally, virtually, remotely, and those within cloud environments, to accurately know the
need to be monitored and protected within the enterprise. This will also support
zed and unmanaged assets to remove or remediate.
Establish and maintain an accurate, detailed, and up-to-date inventory of all enterprise
assets with the potential to store or process data, to include: end-user devices
(including portable and mobile), network devices, non-computing/IoT devices, and
servers. Ensure the inventory records the network address (if static), hardware
address, machine name, enterprise asset owner, department for each asset, and
whether the asset has been approved to connect to the network. For mobile end-user
devices, MDM type tools can support this process, where appropriate. This inventory
includes assets connected to the infrastructure physically, virtually, remotely, and those
within cloud environments. Additionally, it includes assets that are regularly connected
to the enterprise’s network infrastructure, even if they are not under control of the
enterprise. Review and update the inventory of all enterprise assets bi-annually, or
more frequently.
Ensure that a process exists to address unauthorized assets on a weekly basis. The
enterprise may choose to remove the asset from the network, deny the asset from
connecting remotely to the network, or quarantine the asset.
Utilize an active discovery tool to identify assets connected to the enterprise’s network.
Configure the active discovery tool to execute daily, or more frequently.
Use DHCP logging on all DHCP servers or Internet Protocol (IP) address management
tools to update the enterprise’s asset inventory. Review and use logs to update the
enterprise’s asset inventory weekly, or more frequently.
Use a passive discovery tool to identify assets connected to the enterprise’s network.
Review and use scans to update the enterprise’s asset inventory at least weekly, or
more frequently.
l of Software Assets
entory, track, and correct) all software (operating systems and applications) on the
authorized software is installed and can execute, and that unauthorized and unmanaged
d prevented from installation or execution.
Establish and maintain a detailed inventory of all licensed software installed on
enterprise assets. The software inventory must document the title, publisher, initial
install/use date, and business purpose for each entry; where appropriate, include the
Uniform Resource Locator (URL), app store(s), version(s), deployment mechanism,
and decommission date. Review and update the software inventory bi-annually, or
more frequently.
Ensure that unauthorized software is either removed from use on enterprise assets or
receives a documented exception. Review monthly, or more frequently.
Utilize software inventory tools, when possible, throughout the enterprise to automate
the discovery and documentation of installed software.
Use technical controls, such as application allowlisting, to ensure that only authorized
software can execute or be accessed. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.
Use technical controls to ensure that only authorized software libraries, such as
specific .dll, .ocx, .so, etc., files, are allowed to load into a system process. Block
unauthorized libraries from loading into a system process. Reassess bi-annually, or
more frequently.
Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that
only authorized scripts, such as specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute.
Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassess bi-annually, or more frequently.
nd technical controls to identify, classify, securely handle, retain, and dispose of data.
Establish and maintain a data management process. In the process, address data
sensitivity, data owner, handling of data, data retention limits, and disposal
requirements, based on sensitivity and retention standards for the enterprise. Review
and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that
could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a data inventory, based on the enterprise’s data management
process. Inventory sensitive data, at a minimum. Review and update inventory
annually, at a minimum, with a priority on sensitive data.
Establish and maintain a data inventory, based on the enterprise’s data management
process. Inventory sensitive data, at a minimum. Review and update inventory
annually, at a minimum, with a priority on sensitive data.
Configure data access control lists based on a user’s need to know. Apply data access
control lists, also known as access permissions, to local and remote file systems,
databases, and applications.
Configure data access control lists based on a user’s need to know. Apply data access
control lists, also known as access permissions, to local and remote file systems,
databases, and applications.
Retain data according to the enterprise’s data management process. Data retention
must include both minimum and maximum timelines.
Document data flows. Data flow documentation includes service provider data flows
and should be based on the enterprise’s data management process. Review and
update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that
could impact this Safeguard.
Segment data processing and storage based on the sensitivity of the data. Do not
process sensitive data on enterprise assets intended for lower sensitivity data.
Implement an automated tool, such as a host-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool
to identify all sensitive data stored, processed, or transmitted through enterprise
assets, including those located onsite or at a remote service provider, and update the
enterprise's sensitive data inventory.
in the secure configuration of enterprise assets (end-user devices, including portable and
ces; non-computing/IoT devices; and servers) and software (operating systems and
Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for enterprise assets (end-user
devices, including portable and mobile, non-computing/IoT devices, and servers) and
software (operating systems and applications). Review and update documentation
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this
Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for enterprise assets (end-user
devices, including portable and mobile, non-computing/IoT devices, and servers) and
software (operating systems and applications). Review and update documentation
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this
Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a secure configuration process for network devices. Review
and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that
could impact this Safeguard.
Ensure separate enterprise workspaces are used on mobile end-user devices, where
supported. Example implementations include using an Apple® Configuration Profile or
Android™ Work Profile to separate enterprise applications and data from personal
applications and data.
ools to assign and manage authorization to credentials for user accounts, including
ts, as well as service accounts, to enterprise assets and software.
Establish and maintain an inventory of all accounts managed in the enterprise. The
inventory must include both user and administrator accounts. The inventory, at a
minimum, should contain the person’s name, username, start/stop dates, and
department. Validate that all active accounts are authorized, on a recurring schedule at
a minimum quarterly, or more frequently.
Use unique passwords for all enterprise assets. Best practice implementation includes,
at a minimum, an 8-character password for accounts using MFA and a 14-character
password for accounts not using MFA.
Delete or disable any dormant accounts after a period of 45 days of inactivity, where
supported.
Restrict administrator privileges to dedicated administrator accounts on enterprise
assets. Conduct general computing activities, such as internet browsing, email, and
productivity suite use, from the user’s primary, non-privileged account.
ools to create, assign, manage, and revoke access credentials and privileges for user,
rvice accounts for enterprise assets and software.
Establish and follow a process, preferably automated, for granting access to enterprise
assets upon new hire, rights grant, or role change of a user.
Establish and follow a process, preferably automated, for revoking access to enterprise
assets, through disabling accounts immediately upon termination, rights revocation, or
role change of a user. Disabling accounts, instead of deleting accounts, may be
necessary to preserve audit trails.
Require all externally-exposed enterprise or third-party applications to enforce MFA,
where supported. Enforcing MFA through a directory service or SSO provider is a
satisfactory implementation of this Safeguard.
Require MFA for all administrative access accounts, where supported, on all enterprise
assets, whether managed on-site or through a third-party provider.
Require MFA for all administrative access accounts, where supported, on all enterprise
assets, whether managed on-site or through a third-party provider.
Establish and maintain an inventory of the enterprise’s authentication and authorization
systems, including those hosted on-site or at a remote service provider. Review and
update the inventory, at a minimum, annually, or more frequently.
Centralize access control for all enterprise assets through a directory service or SSO
provider, where supported.
Define and maintain role-based access control, through determining and documenting
the access rights necessary for each role within the enterprise to successfully carry out
its assigned duties. Perform access control reviews of enterprise assets to validate that
all privileges are authorized, on a recurring schedule at a minimum annually, or more
frequently.
ility Management
ntinuously assess and track vulnerabilities on all enterprise assets within the enterprise’s
er to remediate, and minimize, the window of opportunity for attackers. Monitor public and
ces for new threat and vulnerability information.
and retain audit logs of events that could help detect, understand, or recover from an
Establish and maintain an audit log management process that defines the enterprise’s
logging requirements. At a minimum, address the collection, review, and retention of
audit logs for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when
significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain an audit log management process that defines the enterprise’s
logging requirements. At a minimum, address the collection, review, and retention of
audit logs for enterprise assets. Review and update documentation annually, or when
significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Collect audit logs. Ensure that logging, per the enterprise’s audit log management
process, has been enabled across enterprise assets.
Ensure that logging destinations maintain adequate storage to comply with the
enterprise’s audit log management process.
Configure detailed audit logging for enterprise assets containing sensitive data. Include
event source, date, username, timestamp, source addresses, destination addresses,
and other useful elements that could assist in a forensic investigation.
Collect DNS query audit logs on enterprise assets, where appropriate and supported.
Collect URL request audit logs on enterprise assets, where appropriate and supported.
Collect command-line audit logs. Example implementations include collecting audit
logs from PowerShell®, BASH™, and remote administrative terminals.
Centralize, to the extent possible, audit log collection and retention across enterprise
assets.
and detections of threats from email and web vectors, as these are opportunities for
ate human behavior through direct engagement.
Ensure only fully supported browsers and email clients are allowed to execute in the
enterprise, only using the latest version of browsers and email clients provided through
the vendor.
Use DNS filtering services on all enterprise assets to block access to known malicious
domains.
Enforce and update network-based URL filters to limit an enterprise asset from
connecting to potentially malicious or unapproved websites. Example implementations
include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or through the use of block
lists. Enforce filters for all enterprise assets.
To lower the chance of spoofed or modified emails from valid domains, implement
DMARC policy and verification, starting with implementing the Sender Policy
Framework (SPF) and the DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) standards.
Block unnecessary file types attempting to enter the enterprise’s email gateway.
Deploy and maintain email server anti-malware protections, such as attachment
scanning and/or sandboxing.
Configure automatic updates for anti-malware signature files on all enterprise assets.
Establish and maintain a data recovery process. In the process, address the scope of
data recovery activities, recovery prioritization, and the security of backup data. Review
and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that
could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a data recovery process. In the process, address the scope of
data recovery activities, recovery prioritization, and the security of backup data. Review
and update documentation annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that
could impact this Safeguard.
Protect recovery data with equivalent controls to the original data. Reference
encryption or data separation, based on requirements.
Establish and maintain an isolated instance of recovery data. Example
implementations include, version controlling backup destinations through offline, cloud,
or off-site systems or services.
, and actively manage (track, report, correct) network devices, in order to prevent
ting vulnerable network services and access points.
Use secure network management and communication protocols (e.g., 802.1X, Wi-Fi
Protected Access 2 (WPA2) Enterprise or greater).
Centralize security event alerting across enterprise assets for log correlation and
analysis. Best practice implementation requires the use of a SIEM, which includes
vendor-defined event correlation alerts. A log analytics platform configured with
security-relevant correlation alerts also satisfies this Safeguard.
Centralize security event alerting across enterprise assets for log correlation and
analysis. Best practice implementation requires the use of a SIEM, which includes
vendor-defined event correlation alerts. A log analytics platform configured with
security-relevant correlation alerts also satisfies this Safeguard.
Centralize security event alerting across enterprise assets for log correlation and
analysis. Best practice implementation requires the use of a SIEM, which includes
vendor-defined event correlation alerts. A log analytics platform configured with
security-relevant correlation alerts also satisfies this Safeguard.
Centralize security event alerting across enterprise assets for log correlation and
analysis. Best practice implementation requires the use of a SIEM, which includes
vendor-defined event correlation alerts. A log analytics platform configured with
security-relevant correlation alerts also satisfies this Safeguard.
Deploy port-level access control. Port-level access control utilizes 802.1x, or similar
network access control protocols, such as certificates, and may incorporate user
and/or device authentication.
Perform application layer filtering. Example implementations include a filtering proxy,
application layer firewall, or gateway.
Train workforce members on how to identify and properly store, transfer, archive, and
destroy sensitive data. This also includes training workforce members on clear screen
and desk best practices, such as locking their screen when they step away from their
enterprise asset, erasing physical and virtual whiteboards at the end of meetings, and
storing data and assets securely.
Train workforce members to be aware of causes for unintentional data exposure.
Example topics include mis-delivery of sensitive data, losing a portable end-user
device, or publishing data to unintended audiences.
Train workforce to understand how to verify and report out-of-date software patches or
any failures in automated processes and tools. Part of this training should include
notifying IT personnel of any failures in automated processes and tools.
Train workforce members on the dangers of connecting to, and transmitting data over,
insecure networks for enterprise activities. If the enterprise has remote workers,
training must include guidance to ensure that all users securely configure their home
network infrastructure.
evaluate service providers who hold sensitive data, or are responsible for an enterprise’s
r processes, to ensure these providers are protecting those platforms and data
Establish and maintain an inventory of service providers. The inventory is to list all
known service providers, include classification(s), and designate an enterprise contact
for each service provider. Review and update the inventory annually, or when
significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a service provider management policy. Ensure the policy
addresses the classification, inventory, assessment, monitoring, and decommissioning
of service providers. Review and update the policy annually, or when significant
enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Assess service providers consistent with the enterprise’s service provider management
policy. Assessment scope may vary based on classification(s), and may include review
of standardized assessment reports, such as Service Organization Control 2 (SOC 2)
and Payment Card Industry (PCI) Attestation of Compliance (AoC), customized
questionnaires, or other appropriately rigorous processes. Reassess service providers
annually, at a minimum, or with new and renewed contracts.
Use up-to-date and trusted third-party software components. When possible, choose
established and proven frameworks and libraries that provide adequate
security. Acquire these components from trusted sources or evaluate the software for
vulnerabilities before use.
Establish and maintain a severity rating system and process for application
vulnerabilities that facilitates prioritizing the order in which discovered vulnerabilities
are fixed. This process includes setting a minimum level of security acceptability for
releasing code or applications. Severity ratings bring a systematic way of triaging
vulnerabilities that improves risk management and helps ensure the most severe bugs
are fixed first. Review and update the system and process annually.
Apply static and dynamic analysis tools within the application life cycle to verify that
secure coding practices are being followed.
Conduct threat modeling. Threat modeling is the process of identifying and addressing
application security design flaws within a design, before code is created. It is
conducted through specially trained individuals who evaluate the application design
and gauge security risks for each entry point and access level. The goal is to map out
the application, architecture, and infrastructure in a structured way to understand its
weaknesses.
anagement
o develop and maintain an incident response capability (e.g., policies, plans, procedures,
g, and communications) to prepare, detect, and quickly respond to an attack.
Designate one key person, and at least one backup, who will manage the enterprise’s
incident handling process. Management personnel are responsible for the coordination
and documentation of incident response and recovery efforts and can consist of
employees internal to the enterprise, third-party vendors, or a hybrid approach. If using
a third-party vendor, designate at least one person internal to the enterprise to oversee
any third-party work. Review annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur
that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain contact information for parties that need to be informed of
security incidents. Contacts may include internal staff, third-party vendors, law
enforcement, cyber insurance providers, relevant government agencies, Information
Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) partners, or other stakeholders. Verify contacts
annually to ensure that information is up-to-date.
Establish and maintain an enterprise process for the workforce to report security
incidents. The process includes reporting timeframe, personnel to report to,
mechanism for reporting, and the minimum information to be reported. Ensure the
process is publicly available to all of the workforce. Review annually, or when
significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain an incident response process that addresses roles and
responsibilities, compliance requirements, and a communication plan. Review
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this
Safeguard.
Establish and maintain an incident response process that addresses roles and
responsibilities, compliance requirements, and a communication plan. Review
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this
Safeguard.
Assign key roles and responsibilities for incident response, including staff from legal,
IT, information security, facilities, public relations, human resources, incident
responders, and analysts, as applicable. Review annually, or when significant
enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Assign key roles and responsibilities for incident response, including staff from legal,
IT, information security, facilities, public relations, human resources, incident
responders, and analysts, as applicable. Review annually, or when significant
enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation
scope and prioritization.
Validate security measures after each penetration test. If deemed necessary, modify
rulesets and capabilities to detect the techniques used during testing.
Perform periodic internal penetration tests based on program requirements, no less
than annually. The testing may be clear box or opaque box.
IG1 IG2 IG3 Relationship IGP # IGP Title
X X
X X
X
X X X Subset A3.a Asset Management
X X X
X X
X X
Identity Verification,
X X X Subset B2.a Authentication and
Authorisation
X X X
X X X
X X Subset B3.a Understanding Data
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X Subset B3.d Mobile Data
X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X Subset C1.e Monitoring Tools and Skills
X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X X Subset B4.c Secure Management
X X X
X X
X X
X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X
X X
Identity Verification,
X X Subset B2.a Authentication and
Authorisation
X Subset B2.b Device Management
X X
X X
X X
Identity Verification,
X X Subset B2.a Authentication and
Authorisation
X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X Subset A4.a Supply Chain
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X X
X
X X X
X X X
X X X
X X
X X Equivalent D1.c Testing and Exercising
X X
X X
X X
X
Description
You fully know and have trust in the devices that are used
to access your networks, information systems and data
that support your essential function.
Everything required to deliver, maintain or support
networks and information systems necessary for the
operation of essential functions is determined and
understood. This includes data, people and systems, as
well as any supporting infrastructure (such as power or
cooling).
A1.c Decision-making
A2.b Assurance
1.4
1.5
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.7
3.4
3.6
3.13
4.3
4.4
4.5
4.6
4.7
4.8
4.9
4.10
5.2
5.3
5.5
5.6
6.3
6.6
6.7
7.3
7.4
7.5
7.6
7.7
8.2
8.3
8.6
8.7
8.8
8.10
8.12
9.1
9.2
9.3
9.4
9.5
9.6
9.7
10.3
10.4
10.5
10.7
11.3
11.4
12.1
12.4
12.5
12.6
13.2
13.3
13.4
13.6
13.7
13.8
13.9
13.10
13.11
14.2
14.3
14.4
14.5
14.6
14.7
14.8
15.1
15.3
15.5
15.6
15.7
16.2
16.3
16.4
16.5
16.6
16.8
16.9
16.11
16.12
16.13
16.14
17.1
17.2
17.3
17.6
17.9
18.1
18.2
18.3
18.4
18.5
The following CIS Safeguards are NOT mapped to the Cyber Assessment Framework
Use Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol (DHCP) Logging to Update Enterprise Asset Inventory
Implement DMARC
Block Unnecessary File Types
Deploy and Maintain Email Server Anti-Malware Protections
Disable Autorun and Autoplay for Removable Media
Configure Automatic Anti-Malware Scanning of Removable Media
Train Workforce on How to Identify and Report if Their Enterprise Assets are Missing Security Updates
Train Workforce on the Dangers of Connecting to and Transmitting Enterprise Data Over Insecure Networks
Establish and Maintain a Severity Rating System and Process for Application Vulnerabilities
Separate Production and Non-Production Systems
Ensure that only currently supported software is designated as authorized in the software inventory for enterprise as
software is unsupported, yet necessary for the fulfillment of the enterprise’s mission, document an exception detailin
controls and residual risk acceptance. For any unsupported software without an exception documentation, designate
unauthorized. Review the software list to verify software support at least monthly, or more frequently.
Utilize software inventory tools, when possible, throughout the enterprise to automate the discovery and documenta
installed software.
Use technical controls to ensure that only authorized software libraries, such as specific .dll, .ocx, .so, etc., files, are
load into a system process. Block unauthorized libraries from loading into a system process. Reassess bi-annually,
frequently.
Use technical controls, such as digital signatures and version control, to ensure that only authorized scripts, such as
specific .ps1, .py, etc., files, are allowed to execute. Block unauthorized scripts from executing. Reassess bi-annuall
frequently.
Retain data according to the enterprise’s data management process. Data retention must include both minimum and
timelines.
Encrypt data on end-user devices containing sensitive data. Example implementations can include: Windows BitLoc
FileVault®, Linux® dm-crypt.
Implement an automated tool, such as a host-based Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tool to identify all sensitive data sto
processed, or transmitted through enterprise assets, including those located onsite or at a remote service provider, a
the enterprise's sensitive data inventory.
Configure automatic session locking on enterprise assets after a defined period of inactivity. For general purpose op
systems, the period must not exceed 15 minutes. For mobile end-user devices, the period must not exceed 2 minute
Implement and manage a firewall on servers, where supported. Example implementations include a virtual firewall, o
system firewall, or a third-party firewall agent.
Implement and manage a host-based firewall or port-filtering tool on end-user devices, with a default-deny rule that d
traffic except those services and ports that are explicitly allowed.
Securely manage enterprise assets and software. Example implementations include managing configuration through
controlled-infrastructure-as-code and accessing administrative interfaces over secure network protocols, such as Se
(SSH) and Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). Do not use insecure management protocols, such as Telne
Network) and HTTP, unless operationally essential.
Manage default accounts on enterprise assets and software, such as root, administrator, and other pre-configured v
accounts. Example implementations can include: disabling default accounts or making them unusable.
Uninstall or disable unnecessary services on enterprise assets and software, such as an unused file sharing service
application module, or service function.
Configure trusted DNS servers on enterprise assets. Example implementations include: configuring assets to use en
controlled DNS servers and/or reputable externally accessible DNS servers.
Enforce automatic device lockout following a predetermined threshold of local failed authentication attempts on porta
user devices, where supported. For laptops, do not allow more than 20 failed authentication attempts; for tablets and
smartphones, no more than 10 failed authentication attempts. Example implementations include Microsoft® InTune
and Apple® Configuration Profile maxFailedAttempts.
Use unique passwords for all enterprise assets. Best practice implementation includes, at a minimum, an 8-characte
for accounts using MFA and a 14-character password for accounts not using MFA.
Delete or disable any dormant accounts after a period of 45 days of inactivity, where supported.
Establish and maintain an inventory of service accounts. The inventory, at a minimum, must contain department own
date, and purpose. Perform service account reviews to validate that all active accounts are authorized, on a recurrin
at a minimum quarterly, or more frequently.
Centralize account management through a directory or identity service.
Require all externally-exposed enterprise or third-party applications to enforce MFA, where supported. Enforcing MF
directory service or SSO provider is a satisfactory implementation of this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain an inventory of the enterprise’s authentication and authorization systems, including those ho
or at a remote service provider. Review and update the inventory, at a minimum, annually, or more frequently.
Centralize access control
Perform operating systemfor all enterprise
updates assetsassets
on enterprise through a directory
through servicepatch
automated or SSO provider, where
management supported.
on a monthly, or mo
basis.
Perform application updates on enterprise assets through automated patch management on a monthly, or more freq
Perform automated vulnerability scans of internal enterprise assets on a quarterly, or more frequent, basis. Conduct
authenticated and unauthenticated scans, using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability scanning tool.
Perform automated vulnerability scans of externally-exposed enterprise assets using a SCAP-compliant vulnerability
tool. Perform scans on a monthly, or more frequent, basis.
Remediate detected vulnerabilities in software through processes and tooling on a monthly, or more frequent, basis,
the remediation
Collect process.
audit logs. Ensure that logging, per the enterprise’s audit log management process, has been enabled acros
assets.
Ensure that logging destinations maintain adequate storage to comply with the enterprise’s audit log management p
Collect DNS query audit logs on enterprise assets, where appropriate and supported.
Collect URL request audit logs on enterprise assets, where appropriate and supported.
Collect command-line audit logs. Example implementations include collecting audit logs from PowerShell®, BASH™
administrative terminals.
Retain audit logs across enterprise assets for a minimum of 90 days.
Collect service provider logs, where supported. Example implementations include collecting authentication and auth
events, data creation and disposal events, and user management events.
Ensure only fully supported browsers and email clients are allowed to execute in the enterprise, only using the latest
browsers and email clients provided through the vendor.
Use DNS filtering services on all enterprise assets to block access to known malicious domains.
Enforce and update network-based URL filters to limit an enterprise asset from connecting to potentially malicious o
websites. Example implementations include category-based filtering, reputation-based filtering, or through the use o
Enforce filters for all enterprise assets.
Restrict, either through uninstalling or disabling, any unauthorized or unnecessary browser or email client plugins, ex
and add-on applications.
To lower the chance of spoofed or modified emails from valid domains, implement DMARC policy and verification, st
implementing the Sender Policy Framework (SPF) and the DomainKeys Identified Mail (DKIM) standards.
Block unnecessary file types attempting to enter the enterprise’s email gateway.
Deploy and maintain email server anti-malware protections, such as attachment scanning and/or sandboxing.
Disable autorun and autoplay auto-execute functionality for removable media.
Configure anti-malware software to automatically scan removable media.
Enable anti-exploitation features on enterprise assets and software, where possible, such as Microsoft® Data Execu
Prevention (DEP), Windows® Defender Exploit Guard (WDEG), or Apple® System Integrity Protection (SIP) and Ga
Use behavior-based
Protect recovery dataanti-malware software.
with equivalent controls to the original data. Reference encryption or data separation, based o
requirements.
Establish and maintain an isolated instance of recovery data. Example implementations include, version controlling b
destinations through offline, cloud, or off-site systems or services.
Ensure network infrastructure is kept up-to-date. Example implementations include running the latest stable release
and/or using currently supported network-as-a-service (NaaS) offerings. Review software versions monthly, or more
to verify software support.
Establish and maintain architecture diagram(s) and/or other network system documentation. Review and update doc
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Centralize network AAA.
Use secure network management and communication protocols (e.g., 802.1X, Wi-Fi Protected Access 2 (WPA2) En
greater).
Deploy a host-based intrusion detection solution on enterprise assets, where appropriate and/or supported.
Deploy a network intrusion detection solution on enterprise assets, where appropriate. Example implementations inc
of a Network Intrusion Detection System (NIDS) or equivalent cloud service provider (CSP) service.
Perform traffic filtering between network segments, where appropriate.
Collect network traffic flow logs and/or network traffic to review and alert upon from network devices.
Deploy a host-based intrusion prevention solution on enterprise assets, where appropriate and/or supported. Exam
implementations include use of an Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) client or host-based IPS agent.
Deploy a network intrusion prevention solution, where appropriate. Example implementations include the use of a Ne
Intrusion Prevention System (NIPS) or equivalent CSP service.
Deploy port-level access control. Port-level access control utilizes 802.1x, or similar network access control protocol
certificates, and may incorporate user and/or device authentication.
Perform application layer filtering. Example implementations include a filtering proxy, application layer firewall, or ga
Tune security event alerting thresholds monthly, or more frequently.
Train workforce members to recognize social engineering attacks, such as phishing, pre-texting, and tailgating.
Train workforce members on authentication best practices. Example topics include MFA, password composition, and
management.
Train workforce members on how to identify and properly store, transfer, archive, and destroy sensitive data. This al
training workforce members on clear screen and desk best practices, such as locking their screen when they step aw
their enterprise asset, erasing physical and virtual whiteboards at the end of meetings, and storing data and assets s
Train workforce members to be aware of causes for unintentional data exposure. Example topics include mis-deliver
sensitive data, losing a portable end-user device, or publishing data to unintended audiences.
Train workforce members to be able to recognize a potential incident and be able to report such an incident.
Train workforce to understand how to verify and report out-of-date software patches or any failures in automated pro
tools. Part of this training should include notifying IT personnel of any failures in automated processes and tools.
Train workforce members on the dangers of connecting to, and transmitting data over, insecure networks for enterpr
If the enterprise has remote workers, training must include guidance to ensure that all users securely configure their
network infrastructure.
Establish and maintain an inventory of service providers. The inventory is to list all known service providers, include
classification(s), and designate an enterprise contact for each service provider. Review and update the inventory an
when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Classify service providers. Classification consideration may include one or more characteristics, such as data sensit
volume, availability requirements, applicable regulations, inherent risk, and mitigated risk. Update and review classif
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Assess service providers consistent with the enterprise’s service provider management policy. Assessment scope m
based on classification(s), and may include review of standardized assessment reports, such as Service Organizatio
(SOC 2) and Payment Card Industry (PCI) Attestation of Compliance (AoC), customized questionnaires, or other ap
rigorous processes. Reassess service providers annually, at a minimum, or with new and renewed contracts.
Monitor service providers consistent with the enterprise’s service provider management policy. Monitoring may inclu
reassessment of service provider compliance, monitoring service provider release notes, and dark web monitoring.
Securely decommission service providers. Example considerations include user and service account deactivation, te
data flows, and secure disposal of enterprise data within service provider systems.
Establish and maintain a process to accept and address reports of software vulnerabilities, including providing a me
external entities to report. The process is to include such items as: a vulnerability handling policy that identifies repo
process, responsible party for handling vulnerability reports, and a process for intake, assignment, remediation, and
testing. As part of the process, use a vulnerability tracking system that includes severity ratings, and metrics for mea
timing for identification, analysis, and remediation of vulnerabilities. Review and update documentation annually, or w
significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Third-party application developers need to consider this an externally-facing policy that helps to set expectations for
stakeholders.
Perform root cause analysis on security vulnerabilities. When reviewing vulnerabilities, root cause analysis is the tas
evaluating underlying issues that create vulnerabilities in code, and allows development teams to move beyond just
individual vulnerabilities as they arise.
Establish and manage an updated inventory of third-party components used in development, often referred to as a “
materials,” as well as components slated for future use. This inventory is to include any risks that each third-party co
could pose. Evaluate the list at least monthly to identify any changes or updates to these components, and validate
component is still
Use up-to-date and supported.
trusted third-party software components. When possible, choose established and proven framew
libraries that provide adequate security. Acquire these components from trusted sources or evaluate the software fo
vulnerabilities before use.
Establish and maintain a severity rating system and process for application vulnerabilities that facilitates prioritizing t
which discovered vulnerabilities are fixed. This process includes setting a minimum level of security acceptability for
code or applications. Severity ratings bring a systematic way of triaging vulnerabilities that improves risk manageme
ensure the most severe bugs are fixed first. Review and update the system and process annually.
Maintain separate environments for production and non-production systems.
Ensure that all software development personnel receive training in writing secure code for their specific developmen
environment and responsibilities. Training can include general security principles and application security standard p
Conduct training at least annually and design in a way to promote security within the development team, and build a
security among the developers.
Leverage vetted modules or services for application security components, such as identity management, encryption
auditing and logging. Using platform features in critical security functions will reduce developers’ workload and minim
likelihood of design or implementation errors. Modern operating systems provide effective mechanisms for identifica
authentication, and authorization and make those mechanisms available to applications. Use only standardized, curr
accepted, and extensively reviewed encryption algorithms. Operating systems also provide mechanisms to create a
secure audit logs.
Apply static and dynamic analysis tools within the application life cycle to verify that secure coding practices are bein
Conduct application penetration testing. For critical applications, authenticated penetration testing is better suited to
business logic vulnerabilities than code scanning and automated security testing. Penetration testing relies on the sk
tester to manually manipulate an application as an authenticated and unauthenticated user.
Conduct threat modeling. Threat modeling is the process of identifying and addressing application security design fla
design, before code is created. It is conducted through specially trained individuals who evaluate the application des
gauge security risks for each entry point and access level. The goal is to map out the application, architecture, and i
in a structured way to understand its weaknesses.
Designate one key person, and at least one backup, who will manage the enterprise’s incident handling process. Ma
personnel are responsible for the coordination and documentation of incident response and recovery efforts and can
employees internal to the enterprise, third-party vendors, or a hybrid approach. If using a third-party vendor, designa
one person internal to the enterprise to oversee any third-party work. Review annually, or when significant enterprise
occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain contact information for parties that need to be informed of security incidents. Contacts may in
internal staff, third-party vendors, law enforcement, cyber insurance providers, relevant government agencies, Inform
Sharing and Analysis Center (ISAC) partners, or other stakeholders. Verify contacts annually to ensure that informat
date.
Establish and maintain an enterprise process for the workforce to report security incidents. The process includes rep
timeframe, personnel to report to, mechanism for reporting, and the minimum information to be reported. Ensure the
publicly available to all of the workforce. Review annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could im
Safeguard.
Determine which primary and secondary mechanisms will be used to communicate and report during a security incid
Mechanisms can include phone calls, emails, or letters. Keep in mind that certain mechanisms, such as emails, can
during a security incident. Review annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safe
Establish and maintain security incident thresholds, including, at a minimum, differentiating between an incident and
Examples can include: abnormal activity, security vulnerability, security weakness, data breach, privacy incident, etc
annually, or when significant enterprise changes occur that could impact this Safeguard.
Establish and maintain a penetration testing program appropriate to the size, complexity, and maturity of the enterpr
Penetration testing program characteristics include scope, such as network, web application, Application Programm
(API), hosted services, and physical premise controls; frequency; limitations, such as acceptable hours, and exclude
types; point of contact information; remediation, such as how findings will be routed internally; and retrospective requ
Perform periodic external penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. External penetra
must include enterprise and environmental reconnaissance to detect exploitable information. Penetration testing req
specialized skills and experience and must be conducted through a qualified party. The testing may be clear box or
Remediate penetration test findings based on the enterprise’s policy for remediation scope and prioritization.
Validate security measures after each penetration test. If deemed necessary, modify rulesets and capabilities to dete
techniques used during testing.
Perform periodic internal penetration tests based on program requirements, no less than annually. The testing may b
or opaque box.
Principle: A1 Governance
A1.a
A1.b
A1.c
A2.a
A2.b
A3.a
A4.a
B1.a
B1.b
B2.b
B2.c
B2.d
B3.a
B3.b
B3.c
B3.d
B3.e
B4.a
B4.b
B4.c
B4.d
B5.b
B5.c
B6.b
C1.a
C1.b
C1.c
C1.d
C1.e
C2.a
C2.b
D1.a
D1.b
D1.c
Decision-making
Asset Management
Supply Chain
Device Management
Privileged User Management
Understanding Data
Data in Transit
Stored Data
Mobile Data
Media / Equipment Sanitisation
Secure by Design
Secure Configuration
Secure Management
Vulnerability Management
Resilience Preparation
Monitoring Coverage
Securing Logs
Generating Alerts
Identifying Security Incidents
Response Plan
Response and Recovery Capability
Data stored or transmitted electronically is protected from actions such as unauthorised access, modification, or dele
an adverse impact on essential functions. Such protection extends to the means by which authorised users, devices
critical data necessary for the operation of essential functions. It also covers information that would assist an attacke
details of networks and information systems.
You have a good understanding of data important to the operation of the essential function, where it is stored, where
unavailability or unauthorised access, modification or deletion would adversely impact the essential function. This als
parties
You have storing or accessing
protected data
the transit of important to thetooperation
data important of essential
the operation functions.function. This includes the transfer
of the essential
parties.
You have protected stored data important to the operation of the essential function.
You have protected data important to the operation of the essential function on mobile devices.
You appropriately sanitise media and equipment holding data important to the operation of the essential function
Network and information systems and technology critical for the operation of essential functions are protected from c
organisational understanding of risk to essential functions informs the use of robust and reliable protective security m
effectively limit opportunities for attackers to compromise networks and systems.
You design security into the network and information systems that support the operation of essential functions. You
surface and ensure that the operation of the essential function should not be impacted by the exploitation of any sing
You securely configure the network and information systems that support the operation of essential functions.
You manage your organisation's network and information systems that support the operation of essential functions t
maintain security.
You manage known vulnerabilities in your network and information systems to prevent adverse impact on the essen
The organisation builds resilience against cyber-attack and system failure into the design, implementation, operation
systems that support the operation of essential functions.
You are prepared to restore the operation of your essential function following adverse impact.
You design the network and information systems supporting your essential function to be resilient to cyber security i
are appropriately segregated and resource limitations are mitigated.
You hold accessible and secured current backups of data and information needed to recover operation of your esse
Staff have appropriate awareness, knowledge and skills to carry out their organisational roles effectively in relation t
network and information systems supporting the operation of essential functions.
You develop and pursue a positive cyber security culture.
The people who support the operation of your essential function are appropriately trained in cyber security. A range
cyber security training, awareness and communications are employed.
The organisation monitors the security status of the networks and systems supporting the operation of essential func
detect potential security problems and to track the ongoing effectiveness of protective security measures.
The data sources that you include in your monitoring allow for timely identification of security events which might affe
your essential function.
You hold logging data securely and grant read access only to accounts with business need. No employee should ev
delete logging data within an agreed retention period, after which it should be deleted.
Evidence of potential
You contextualise security
alerts incidents contained
with knowledge in your
of the threat and monitoring datatoisidentify
your systems, reliablythose
identified and incidents
security triggers alerts.
that requ
response.
Monitoring staff skills, tools and roles, including any that are outsourced, should reflect governance and reporting req
threats and the complexities of the network or system data they need to use. Monitoring staff have knowledge of the
they need to protect.
The organisation detects, within networks and information systems, malicious activity affecting, or with the potential
operation of essential functions even when the activity evades standard signature based security prevent/detect solu
standard solutions are not deployable).
You define examples of abnormalities in system behaviour that provide practical ways of detecting malicious activity
hard to identify.
You use an informed understanding of more sophisticated attack methods and of normal system behaviour to monit
malicious activity.
There are well-defined and tested incident management processes in place, that aim to ensure continuity of essentia
event of system or service failure. Mitigation activities designed to contain or limit the impact of compromise are also
You have an up-to-date incident response plan that is grounded in a thorough risk assessment that takes account of
function and covers a range of incident scenarios.
You have the capability to enact your incident response plan, including effective limitation of impact on the operation
function. During an incident, you have access to timely information on which to base your response decisions.
Your organisation carries out exercises to test response plans, using past incidents that affected your (and other) or
scenarios that draw on threat intelligence and your risk assessment.
When an incident occurs, steps are taken to understand its root causes and to ensure appropriate remediating actio
against future incidents.
When an incident occurs, steps must be taken to understand its root causes and ensure appropriate remediating ac
Your organisation uses lessons learned from incidents to improve your security measures.