How Small Businesses Can Effectively Adopt CIS v8 Controls
Regardless of the size of a business, the threat of cyber attack and breach remains an ever-present worry in the minds of business owners, security professionals, and stakeholders alike. For small businesses, a successful cyber can cause catastrophic amounts of damage, requiring time, money, and effort to fully resolve. Those resources are often at a premium for any business, and so proper cyber defences should be established to protect against threats.
To help combat this growing threat, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) developed a set of best practices known as the CIS Controls, which provide a framework for improving cybersecurity posture. With the release of Version 8, small businesses have a valuable resource to help them navigate the complexities of cyber security. Here’s how small businesses can effectively adopt CIS v8 controls.
Understanding CIS v8 Controls
CIS v8 consists of 18 controls that are designed to help organizations protect their systems and data from cyber threats. These controls are categorized into three Implementation Groups (IGs) based on the risk profile and resources of an organization:
- IG1: Basic cyber hygiene, applicable to any business.
- IG2: Aimed at companies with moderate risk.
- IG3: For enterprises with a higher risk profile.
For small businesses, starting with IG1 is highly recommended as it includes foundational safeguards that every organisation should implement.
Steps for Effective Adoption
1. Conduct a Risk Assessment
Before implementing the CIS controls, small businesses should conduct a thorough risk assessment to identify their unique vulnerabilities and threats. This assessment will help prioritise which controls to implement first based on the specific risks faced by the organization.
2. Prioritize Implementation Groups
Small businesses should focus on IG1 controls initially, as these are designed to be achievable with limited resources. The controls in IG1 include:
- Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets: Keeping track of all hardware and software assets.
- Data Protection: Implementing measures to protect sensitive data.
- Secure Configuration: Ensuring that systems are securely configured to minimize vulnerabilities.
By working towards these foundational controls first, small businesses can establish a solid foundation that will help support future security endeavours.
3. Leverage Automation Tools
Implementing CIS controls can be resource-intensive, but automation tools can significantly ease the burden. OneClickComply automates the implementation of technical controls for standards like Cyber Essentials, CIS v8, ISO 27001, and SOC 2, with further features like continuous monitoring and policy generation ensuring that business can get compliant, remain secure, and reduce the threat of successful cyber attacks.
4. Train Employees
Human error is one of the leading causes of security breaches. Therefore, training employees on cyber security best practices is essential. Small businesses should conduct regular training sessions to educate staff about the importance of following security protocols and recognising potential threats such as phishing attacks and social engineering.
5. Monitor and Measure Progress
Once the controls are implemented, it’s crucial to monitor their effectiveness continuously. Small businesses should establish metrics to measure progress and identify areas for improvement. Regular audits and assessments can help ensure that the controls remain effective against evolving threats.
6. Engage with the Community
The CIS community provides a wealth of resources, including documentation, use cases, and support materials tailored for small businesses. Engaging with this community can provide valuable insights and best practices from other organizations that have successfully implemented CIS controls.
Conclusion
Adopting CIS v8 controls is a strategic move for small businesses looking to enhance their cyber security posture. By starting with a risk assessment, prioritising implementation groups, leveraging automation tools like OneClickComply, training employees, monitoring progress, and engaging with the community, small businesses can effectively implement these controls and protect themselves against cyber threats.