The ongoing evolution of the CIS Critical Security Controls document is an essential resource for organizations aiming to bolster their cybersecurity defenses. For decades, the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) have provided a streamlined approach for enterprises to enhance their cybersecurity posture by recommending prioritized security measures to defend against prevalent cyber threats. This invaluable resource has become a cornerstone in the cybersecurity landscape, offering a robust framework that adapts to the ever-changing threat environment.
Initially introduced as the SANS Critical Security Controls (SANS Top 20) in 2008, the CIS Controls were developed by an international consortium of companies, government agencies, institutions, and individuals aimed at creating a collective, actionable set of security guidelines. The intent was to offer a concise and effective set of practices that could guide organizations in protecting their information systems against the most common cyber threats. By 2015, the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS) officially took ownership of the Controls with Version 6, carrying forward the mission to provide enterprises with meaningful guidance to improve their cybersecurity defenses.
Key Milestones and Evolutions
The evolution of the CIS Controls has been marked by significant updates over the years, each one sharpening the focus and enhancing the effectiveness of these crucial guidelines. The updating process is carried out through a consensus-based methodology where experts from various sectors, including government, industry, and academia, bring their extensive knowledge from multiple perspectives. This blend of expertise ensures that the most impactful security controls are identified to counter the observed threats.
A major development was the introduction of Implementation Groups (IGs) in Version 7.1. The implementation of IGs, categorized into IG1, IG2, and IG3, allowed enterprises of varying sizes and capabilities to allocate their limited security resources more efficiently. This stratification enabled organizations to benefit from the CIS Controls program and its associated community resources and tools while maintaining a keen focus on their specific needs. This approach proved particularly beneficial for smaller enterprises, which might not have the same resources as larger organizations but still needed robust security measures.
The release of Version 8 in May 2021 marked another pivotal transition by reducing the number of Controls from 20 to 18 and adopting a more streamlined and focused approach. This updated version consolidated the CIS Controls based on activities rather than the entity managing the devices, thereby shifting the emphasis from device-centric to data-centric strategies. The goal was to safeguard data across diverse environments, including public and private clouds, as well as on-premises systems. Notably, Version 8 introduced CIS Safeguards to replace Sub-Controls, simplifying the process for businesses to strategize and implement effective security measures. Additionally, IG1 was redefined to represent fundamental cyber hygiene, establishing a baseline and minimum standard of information security for all enterprises regardless of size.
Version 8.1: Governance and Compliance Enhancement
The iterative update from Version 8 to Version 8.1, released in June 2024, further emphasized streamlined operations, enhanced context, coexistence, and consistency. The design principles guiding Version 8.1 were context, clarity, and consistency, aimed at providing specific examples and additional explanations to enhance the applicability of CIS Safeguards. This update sought to align more closely with other significant security frameworks while preserving the unique features of the CIS Controls, thus minimizing disruption for existing users.
A notable addition in Version 8.1 was the introduction of new asset classes to better match parts of an enterprise’s infrastructure with relevant CIS Safeguards. This change allowed for enhanced descriptions of several CIS Safeguards to provide greater detail and clarity. Continued alignment with evolving industry standards and frameworks, such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) 2.0, necessitated updated mappings and security functions.
The iterative update was also designed to ensure that no Implementation Groups were modified, preserving the core principles of each CIS Safeguard. This involved the consistent application of new asset classes and definitions across the Controls. Minor updates and clarified descriptions of specific CIS Safeguards were implemented to ensure that the changes were intuitive and easily adoptable by users of the CIS Controls, thus facilitating a seamless transition to the updated guidelines.
New Developments and Additions
Version 8.1 also brought the addition of a “Governance” security function, which emphasizes the importance of governance in steering an organization’s cybersecurity program towards its objectives. This inclusion provides concrete recommendations for enterprises to enhance their governance structures, which is vital in ensuring that the cybersecurity program aligns with the overall goals and risk tolerance of the organization. Proper governance structures help in maintaining an enterprise-wide commitment to security and ensuring sustained efforts in mitigating cyber threats.
Alongside the updates to the CIS Controls, resources and tools are regularly revised to support users. These resources include comprehensive guides, such as the Controls v8.1 PDF and the Controls v8.1 Implementation Group 4-pager. Additionally, tools like the CIS Critical Security Controls Navigator and the CSA Cloud Controls Matrix v4 are updated to help organizations map and implement the CIS Controls effectively. Other tool updates include the CIS Controls Assessment Specification and the CIS Controls OSCAL Repository on CIS WorkBench, which provide users with practical tools to assess and enhance their cybersecurity posture.
The evolution of the CIS Controls is driven by observed cybersecurity trends and consensus from a broad consortium of experts. This continual refinement reflects a collective commitment to addressing both current and emerging cybersecurity challenges. By maintaining relevance and actionable advice for enterprises of all sizes and sectors, the CIS Controls ensure that organizations can adapt to the rapidly changing threat landscape while upholding high security standards.
Overarching Trends and Consensus
The continued development of the CIS Critical Security Controls document is vital for organizations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity measures. For many years, the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) have offered a practical roadmap for businesses to improve their cybersecurity stance, suggesting prioritized actions to counter common cyber threats. This key resource has become a mainstay in the cybersecurity field, providing a flexible framework that evolves with the shifting threat landscape.
First introduced as the SANS Critical Security Controls (SANS Top 20) in 2008, the CIS Controls were created by a global consortium of companies, government bodies, institutions, and experts to establish a collective, actionable set of security practices. The goal was to present a clear and effective set of guidelines to help organizations safeguard their information systems against widespread cyber threats. By 2015, the Center for Internet Security, Inc. (CIS) assumed responsibility for the Controls with Version 6, continuing the effort to offer businesses substantive advice to enhance their cybersecurity defenses.
