Comprehensive CIS Framework Security Checklist

This checklist is designed to help small and medium-sized businesses improve their cybersecurity posture by implementing CIS Controls. By following these detailed steps, you can systematically protect your assets, manage vulnerabilities, and respond effectively to security incidents.

1. Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets

Identify and document all devices connected to the network, including IP addresses and MAC addresses.

Assign an owner and responsible personnel for each device.

Implement access controls to ensure only authorized devices can connect.

Perform quarterly physical audits to verify device presence and compliance.

Establish an approval process for adding new devices to the network.

Use MAC address filtering to prevent unauthorized device access.

Maintain a record of device configurations for quick restoration if needed.

2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets

Maintain a list of authorized software, noting version numbers and license details.

Implement software inventory tools to detect unauthorized software installations.

Set policies for software use, identifying approved and restricted applications.

Update all software regularly, prioritizing security patches for critical applications.

Remove outdated or unsupported software promptly.

Use application whitelisting to restrict unauthorized software from running.

Implement a periodic review of all software licenses and compliance.

3. Continuous Vulnerability Management

Schedule weekly vulnerability scans for high-risk systems.

Use a vulnerability management tool to track and prioritize vulnerabilities.

Develop a patch management policy to address vulnerabilities promptly.

Establish timelines for remediating vulnerabilities based on risk level.

Maintain logs of vulnerabilities found, remediation actions, and timelines.

Set up alerts to monitor newly discovered vulnerabilities affecting critical systems.

Conduct vulnerability assessments on any new assets before deployment.

4. Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges

Limit admin privileges to only essential personnel.

Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) for admin accounts.

Log and monitor all administrative actions for suspicious activity.

Establish a secure process for resetting and recovering admin passwords.

Perform regular audits to review and revoke unnecessary admin access.

Restrict admin accounts from accessing non-critical systems.

Use separate accounts for administrative and non-administrative tasks.

5. Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software

Establish baseline security configurations for all devices.

Disable all unused services, ports, and default accounts on devices.

Regularly review device configurations to ensure compliance.

Deploy automated configuration management tools to detect unauthorized changes.

Set secure settings for all major applications and services.

Implement logging for configuration changes to critical systems.

Ensure all firmware and BIOS settings align with security standards.

6. Security Awareness and Training

Develop a security awareness program covering phishing, social engineering, and password management.

Conduct regular phishing simulations to assess employee awareness.

Train employees on recognizing and responding to cybersecurity threats.

Encourage employees to report any suspicious emails or activities.

Update training content periodically to reflect the latest threats and best practices.

Provide specific training on handling sensitive and customer data.

Offer rewards or recognition to employees who consistently follow security protocols.

7. Incident Response and Data Recovery

Establish a comprehensive incident response plan.

Implement a data backup strategy with regular automated backups.

Test data recovery plans quarterly to ensure effectiveness.

Maintain off-site or cloud backups for critical business data.

Develop a communication plan for notifying stakeholders during incidents.

Establish protocols for tracking and documenting incidents and responses.

Train employees on incident response protocols and chain of command.