Building Cyber Resilience: An Introduction to the CIS Controls® Framework

In today’s digital economy, cybersecurity has evolved from technical concern to a board-level priority. Data breaches, ransomware, and regulatory scrutiny have transformed how organizations view security risks. Yet, despite the growing awareness, many leaders still ask a critical question: “Where should we start?” 

That’s where the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls® come in. The CIS Controls®, often referred to as the “CIS Controls” or simply “the Controls” offer a pragmatic, prioritized framework for protecting an organization’s digital assets. They bridge the gap between high-level strategy and operational reality, helping leaders translate security goals into measurable action. 

Part I: Cybersecurity Frameworks: A Strategic Guide for Business Leaders 

What are the CIS Controls? 

The CIS Controls® are a set of 18 prioritized cybersecurity best practices designed to help organizations defend against the most common and damaging cyberattacks. Developed and maintained by the nonprofit Center for Internet Security, these Controls are informed by a global community of cybersecurity experts from government, industry, and academia. 

The CIS Controls® framework, developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), sets a global standard for practical cybersecurity defense. Leaders should recognize it as a cornerstone for effective risk management, operational resilience, and regulatory alignment in today’s threat landscape. 

Unlike frameworks that are primarily compliance-driven, such as ISO 27001 or NIST 800-53, the CIS Controls® focus on implementation. They provide clear, step-by-step safeguards that organizations can deploy to reduce real-world risks. Each Control includes specific “Safeguards” (formerly called “Sub-Controls”) that break down complex security objectives into practical actions. 

Why Leaders Should Pay Attention 

As a leader, you’re responsible for managing enterprise risk, maintaining business continuity, and protecting stakeholder trust. Cybersecurity sits at the intersection of all three. The CIS Controls® help you answer the fundamental question: Are we doing the right things to protect our organization? 

 Here are three reasons why the CIS Controls® matter at the leadership level: 

1. CIS Controls® Align Cybersecurity with Business Risk 

Each Control targets real-world attack vectors including malware, phishing, credential theft, data exfiltration and ties them directly to risk mitigation. By adopting the Controls, leaders can demonstrate a tangible link between cybersecurity investment and business resilience. 

2. CIS Controls® Are Prioritized and Practical 

Not all security measures deliver the same value. The CIS Controls® are organized into Implementation Groups (IGs) IG1, IG2, and IG3, encouraging organizations to scale their defenses based on size, complexity, and risk tolerance. 

• IG1 (“Essential Cyber Hygiene”) provides a foundational baseline suitable for small to midsized organizations. 

• IG2 builds upon that foundation with additional safeguards for organizations with more complex IT environments. 

• IG3 represents a mature, defense-in-depth approach for enterprises facing advanced threats. 

This tiered approach allows leaders to align cybersecurity maturity with business goals and resource availability.

3. CIS Controls® Complement Compliance and Regulatory Requirements

The CIS Controls® map closely to major compliance frameworks including NIST CSF, ISO 27001, HIPAA, and PCI DSS. This means progress toward CIS implementation also strengthens your organization’s overall compliance posture.

How the CIS Controls® Support Business Outcomes

Implementing the CIS Controls® is not just about checking compliance boxes, it’s about enabling trust, resilience, and growth. Here’s how they support core business objectives: 

• Operational Efficiency: By focusing on prioritized safeguards, organizations can reduce security complexity and eliminate redundant tools or processes. 

• Incident Prevention and Response: The Controls directly address key attack vectors, improving both defensive posture and response readiness. 

• Investor and Customer Confidence: Demonstrating a commitment to cybersecurity maturity builds credibility with investors, customers, and partners. 

• Regulatory Readiness: The Controls provide a structured foundation for meeting data protection and privacy obligations. 

The 18 CIS Controls® at a Glance 

While each Control includes multiple safeguards, they can be grouped into three overarching categories: 

1. Basic Cyber Hygiene Controls (IG1) are foundational measures that every organization should implement, such as: 

   * Inventory of hardware and software assets 

   * Continuous vulnerability management 

   * Secure configuration of systems and applications 

2. Foundational Controls (IG2) are intermediate practices that enhance monitoring, detection, and protection, including: 

   * Email and web browser protections 

   * Malware defenses 

   * Data recovery processes 

   * Controlled use of administrative privileges 

3. Organizational Controls (IG3) are advanced processes that strengthen governance, training, and incident response, such as:

   * Security awareness and skills training

   * Application software security 

   * Incident response and management

   * Penetration testing and red teaming 

Each Control builds upon the previous, creating a structured, scalable approach to cybersecurity maturity.

Getting Started with CIS Controls® Implementation

For organizations just beginning their journey, start small and build momentum. Begin with Implementation Group 1, focusing on asset inventory, vulnerability management, secure configuration, and data protection. These foundational steps alone can mitigate the majority of common attacks. 

The Center for Internet Security offers free resources, such as the CIS Controls Implementation Guide and self-assessment tools, to help organizations evaluate their current state and plan next steps. Many cybersecurity solution providers also map their products directly to the Controls, simplifying deployment and measurement. 

Executive Takeaway: Leadership Drives Success 

Successful CIS Controls adoption requires buy-in and sponsorship from the executive level. Leaders who champion the framework demonstrate a commitment to protecting assets, customer trust, and business continuity. By building a cyber security program around the CIS Controls: 

• Executives foster a culture of continuous improvement and accountability across departments. 

• Standardized controls enable measurable risk reduction—critical for board reporting and strategic planning. 

• The framework’s flexibility means it serves organizations of every size, without overwhelming resources or sacrificing effectiveness. 

In a world where cyber threats pose existential business risks, the CIS Controls are not just “IT’s problem”, but they are a strategic imperative at the very top of the organizational chart. 

Also see: A Playbook for High-Trust Cybersecurity Culture 

Final Thoughts 

In a world where cyber threats are constant and evolving, clarity and focus are essential. The CIS Controls® provide both. They give executives a common language to discuss cybersecurity risk, a roadmap for building resilience, and a benchmark for measuring progress. 

By embracing the CIS Controls®, leaders move beyond reactive defense toward a proactive, risk-informed approach—one that protects not just technology, but the organization’s mission, reputation, and future.