Framework: The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Top 18 Controls

Jason Edwards

The **CIS Critical Security Controls Audio Course** is a comprehensive, audio-first training series that guides listeners through all eighteen **CIS Controls**, transforming one of the world’s most respected cybersecurity frameworks into clear, actionable learning. Designed for professionals, students, and auditors alike, this series explains each control in practical, plain language—focusing on how to implement, assess, and sustain them in real environments. With eighty-three structured episodes, the course walks you step by step through the safeguards that define effective cybersecurity, helping you understand not only what to do but why each measure matters. The **CIS Controls**, maintained by the Center for Internet Security, represent a globally recognized set of prioritized actions proven to reduce the most common and dangerous cyber risks. Organized across eighteen control families—from inventory and configuration management to incident response and data recovery—the framework provides a practical roadmap for building defensible, risk-aligned security programs. This course explores how organizations can adopt the controls incrementally, measure maturity over time, and map them to other standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS for comprehensive alignment. Developed by **BareMetalCyber.com**, the CIS Critical Security Controls Audio Course delivers structured, exam-aligned instruction that bridges policy and practice. Each episode reinforces understanding through real-world context, helping listeners translate framework requirements into measurable actions that strengthen organizational resilience and long-term security maturity.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Episode 1 — What are the CIS Critical Security Controls?

    The CIS Critical Security Controls, often referred to as the CIS 18, represent a prioritized and prescriptive set of cybersecurity best practices designed to help organizations defend against the most pervasive and dangerous cyberattacks. Developed and maintained by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), these controls are informed by real-world threat data and expert consensus across government, academia, and industry. The framework distills complex cybersecurity guidance into actionable steps that focus resources where they matter most—on preventing, detecting, and responding to the most common types of attacks. Unlike theoretical frameworks, the CIS Controls are practical, measurable, and adaptable to enterprises of all sizes. They serve as a foundation for building or strengthening a security program by addressing core areas such as asset management, access control, data protection, incident response, and penetration testing. Together, the 18 Controls form a roadmap toward a defensible security posture that aligns with major frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and SOC 2 while remaining accessible to smaller organizations. Each Control is composed of multiple safeguards—specific technical and procedural measures designed to achieve the desired security outcome. These safeguards are organized into Implementation Groups (IG1, IG2, and IG3), which allow organizations to adopt controls according to their size, resources, and risk tolerance. IG1 represents essential cyber hygiene applicable to nearly every organization, while IG3 applies to enterprises facing sophisticated threats. This scalable design helps teams implement security systematically rather than reactively, ensuring that even limited budgets can produce meaningful risk reduction. The CIS Controls also form the basis for numerous companion guides—covering cloud, IoT, mobile, and industrial environments—that help translate best practices into sector-specific contexts. As cyber threats evolve, the CIS community continually refines these Controls, ensuring that every recommendation remains data-driven, transparent, and aligned with real-world attacker behavior. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    8 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Episode 2 — How to use CIS 18 in your organization

    Implementing the CIS 18 effectively begins with understanding how the Controls fit into your organization’s governance, risk management, and compliance efforts. The framework is intentionally flexible, allowing it to integrate seamlessly with existing standards and policies rather than replace them. The first step is conducting a baseline assessment against each Control to determine your organization’s current level of maturity. This helps identify strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities for quick wins that demonstrate measurable progress. Next, organizations should map their assets, business processes, and regulatory obligations to relevant Controls, ensuring that implementation directly supports mission-critical objectives. Rather than attempting to deploy all 18 Controls at once, teams are encouraged to start with the Implementation Group appropriate to their risk profile—usually IG1 for essential security hygiene. By establishing governance around the program, assigning clear ownership, and tracking progress over time, enterprises can mature their security practices in structured, auditable phases. Practical use of the CIS 18 requires translating each safeguard into operational reality. For example, Control 1’s asset inventory may rely on network discovery tools, while Control 7’s vulnerability management process can tie directly into patch automation workflows. Integrating the Controls into existing workflows, ticketing systems, and metrics dashboards ensures that cybersecurity becomes part of daily operations rather than an occasional audit exercise. Because the Controls are measurable, organizations can use them to define key performance indicators (KPIs) and report progress to leadership or regulators. Over time, adopting CIS 18 fosters a culture of accountability and resilience—where employees, processes, and technologies are continuously aligned toward defense. Many organizations also use CIS Controls as a steppingstone toward broader frameworks like NIST 800-53 or ISO 27001, providing a solid operational base for compliance-driven certifications. When applied consistently, the Controls transform cybersecurity from a reactive task into a proactive, repeatable discipline anchored in real-world effectiveness. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    8 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Episode 3 — What is a “control” and what is a “safeguard”?

    In the context of the CIS framework, a “control” is a broad security domain representing a strategic objective, while a “safeguard” refers to a specific, actionable measure within that control. Each of the 18 CIS Controls addresses a distinct functional area—such as asset management, access control, or data protection—and defines its importance in defending against real-world attacks. Safeguards, previously called sub-controls, are the tactical steps that operationalize those objectives, guiding organizations through precise activities like enabling audit logging, enforcing encryption, or maintaining patch management. This layered design bridges the gap between strategy and implementation, allowing teams to move from abstract policy to measurable action. Controls outline what must be achieved; safeguards explain how to do it. By treating safeguards as atomic, verifiable units of progress, organizations can track compliance and maturity with exceptional clarity. Each safeguard also includes a security function (Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, or Recover) and an Implementation Group designation. This structure mirrors the logical flow of defense—from knowing what you have, to protecting it, detecting anomalies, responding to incidents, and recovering from disruptions. Understanding this hierarchy helps security leaders communicate effectively across technical and executive audiences. For example, a policy stating “implement multi-factor authentication” (Control 6) translates operationally into Safeguard 6.5: “Require MFA for all administrative access.” This specificity ensures consistency across business units and vendors while supporting automated compliance checks. In audits or assessments, referencing safeguards provides evidence that controls are functioning as intended. The distinction between controls and safeguards is central to maintaining both strategic oversight and operational rigor, enabling enterprises to build defenses that are traceable, testable, and continuously improvable across evolving threat landscapes. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    9 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Episode 4 — Glossary of common cybersecurity terms

    Understanding cybersecurity language is fundamental to applying the CIS Controls effectively. Many terms describe foundational components of systems, threats, and defenses that appear throughout the framework. Asset refers to any device, software, or data that the organization must protect, while enterprise assets include servers, workstations, and IoT devices that store or process information. Vulnerability denotes a flaw that could be exploited by an adversary, and threat represents the potential source of that exploitation—whether a malicious actor, insider, or natural event. The term risk connects these two concepts, describing the likelihood and impact of a threat exploiting a vulnerability. Authentication identifies users through credentials such as passwords or tokens, whereas authorization determines what those users are permitted to access. Together, they form the foundation of identity and access management. Another key principle is least privilege, ensuring that users and systems only have the permissions necessary to perform their duties, thereby minimizing the damage from misuse or compromise. Additional terms such as confidentiality, integrity, and availability—collectively known as the CIA triad—capture the three pillars of information security. Confidentiality safeguards data from unauthorized access, integrity ensures data accuracy and trustworthiness, and availability guarantees that information and systems remain accessible when needed. Incident response refers to the structured process of detecting, investigating, and mitigating security events, while vulnerability management encompasses identifying, prioritizing, and remediating weaknesses across systems. Understanding audit logs and monitoring is equally essential, as they provide visibility into activities that indicate compromise or policy violation. Each of these terms shapes the operational vocabulary of cybersecurity professionals. Mastery of this terminology enables more precise implementation of the CIS Controls, promotes alignment between business and technical stakeholders, and ensures consistent communication during audits, risk assessments, and incident investigations. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    9 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Episode 5 — Glossary of common cybersecurity terms

    As cybersecurity practices mature, professionals encounter more specialized terminology that connects operational tactics to governance and technical architecture. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) enhances login security by requiring two or more proofs of identity—something you know, have, or are. Encryption transforms readable data into a coded form to protect its confidentiality both in transit and at rest. Patch management refers to the continuous process of applying vendor updates to eliminate known vulnerabilities, while configuration management ensures that systems maintain secure, documented baselines. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) describes technology that monitors devices for malicious behavior, supplementing traditional anti-malware defenses. In network contexts, terms like Intrusion Detection System (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention System (IPS) denote mechanisms that identify and stop unauthorized activity. Meanwhile, SIEM—Security Information and Event Management—aggregates and correlates logs from across the enterprise to detect anomalies and support investigations. Beyond technology, the CIS Controls frequently reference governance-related terms. Implementation Group (IG) defines which safeguards apply based on organizational maturity, while risk assessment quantifies exposure and prioritizes remediation. Data classification determines how information is labeled and protected according to sensitivity, whereas data loss prevention (DLP) solutions automatically monitor and restrict unauthorized transfers. Incident response plan (IRP) outlines roles, responsibilities, and communication procedures during cyber events. Zero trust represents a modern design principle assuming no implicit trust between users or systems, enforcing continuous verification at every layer. Together, these advanced concepts give depth and precision to operational cybersecurity, bridging the gap between compliance and active defense. Mastery of this language allows professionals to interpret frameworks, communicate findings, and implement controls confidently across technical and managerial domains. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    9 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Episode 6 — Overview – Why asset management is foundational

    Asset management is the cornerstone of every effective cybersecurity program because you cannot protect what you do not know exists. Control 1 of the CIS framework—Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets—focuses on developing a precise, continually updated record of all devices, systems, and components connected to the enterprise environment. These include desktops, laptops, servers, network devices, mobile phones, and even non-computing Internet of Things (IoT) assets such as printers and cameras. Without this inventory, organizations are effectively blind to exposure points that attackers can exploit. Assets appear, disappear, and evolve rapidly, especially in hybrid and cloud infrastructures. Each untracked or unauthorized device creates a gap in defenses that adversaries can discover faster than internal teams. By maintaining accurate visibility of all assets, security professionals can assess where sensitive data resides, apply appropriate protections, and respond efficiently to incidents. Asset management is not simply administrative—it is strategic, forming the baseline upon which all other cybersecurity controls depend. Establishing asset visibility requires integrating both technical discovery and organizational governance. Automated tools such as network scanners, endpoint management platforms, and Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions complement manual processes like procurement records and change management logs. Regular reconciliation between these data sources ensures that the inventory remains accurate and actionable. Mature programs define ownership for each asset, linking every device to a responsible individual or department. This accountability allows for faster decisions during patching, investigation, or decommissioning. Beyond defense, asset management improves compliance, operational resilience, and cost efficiency by eliminating redundant systems. In essence, this control transforms chaos into clarity—converting an unmanaged sprawl of technology into a secure, measurable environment. When properly executed, it enables proactive detection of anomalies, faster recovery from attacks, and a continuously improving cybersecurity posture that aligns with both governance and business priorities. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    8 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Episode 7 — Safeguard 1.1 – Inventory of assets

    Safeguard 1.1 directs organizations to establish and maintain a detailed inventory of all enterprise assets capable of storing or processing data. This includes not just traditional endpoints and servers but also virtual machines, network appliances, IoT devices, and cloud instances. The goal is to produce a living, authoritative record that accurately reflects the organization’s digital environment. Each entry in the inventory should capture attributes such as hardware and IP addresses, machine names, owners, departments, and authorization status. Regular updates—at least bi-annually for smaller environments and more frequently for dynamic networks—ensure that the inventory remains reliable. An accurate inventory allows security teams to identify unauthorized devices immediately, assess their risk, and take corrective action. This proactive visibility helps align asset data with broader operational processes such as patching, configuration management, and incident response, ensuring that every connected device is accounted for and appropriately secured. Implementing Safeguard 1.1 effectively requires blending automation with oversight. Automated discovery tools perform active and passive scans to detect assets across networks and subnets, while DHCP logs, endpoint protection portals, and authentication records help validate results. Enterprises should reconcile these technical findings with procurement and inventory databases to create a single source of truth. For cloud-heavy environments, integrating APIs from provider dashboards ensures that ephemeral systems—those spun up temporarily for testing or scaling—are captured before they disappear. Assigning ownership to each asset not only clarifies accountability but also facilitates risk tracking when vulnerabilities emerge. Mature organizations visualize their asset inventory through dashboards that display counts, classifications, and trends, turning a static list into a management tool. Over time, this safeguard evolves from a basic recordkeeping exercise into a vital component of situational awareness, enabling faster incident containment and informed strategic decisions about infrastructure growth or decommissioning. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    9 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Episode 8 — Safeguard 1.2 – Address unauthorized assets

    Safeguard 1.2 emphasizes the importance of identifying and responding to unauthorized assets that appear within the enterprise environment. Unapproved devices can range from rogue wireless access points and personal laptops to forgotten test systems and decommissioned servers still connected to the network. Each represents a potential backdoor for attackers. The safeguard requires organizations to maintain an active process—executed weekly or more frequently—to detect and remediate these anomalies. The remediation options include quarantining the device, revoking network access, or, in some cases, removing it entirely. The principle behind this safeguard is straightforward: every unmanaged asset expands the attack surface. By establishing automated detection and swift remediation workflows, organizations reduce the likelihood that adversaries will exploit unknown devices or shadow IT systems that bypass security controls. Practical implementation combines network-level controls with policy enforcement. Network Access Control (NAC) systems and endpoint validation tools can automatically deny access to devices that do not meet established criteria or appear unregistered. Integration with inventory management ensures that legitimate new devices undergo a quick authorization process rather than being permanently blocked. Clear escalation procedures allow the IT and security teams to determine whether a detected device is malicious, misconfigured, or simply newly deployed. Documentation of each remediation action builds institutional memory and improves response speed for future incidents. Over time, this safeguard nurtures a culture of accountability—employees learn that bringing unauthorized equipment online introduces risk, and administrators develop confidence that the network reflects only approved, monitored systems. Addressing unauthorized assets is therefore not a one-time event but a continuous practice, linking asset control directly to organizational trust and resilience. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.

    9 min
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About

The **CIS Critical Security Controls Audio Course** is a comprehensive, audio-first training series that guides listeners through all eighteen **CIS Controls**, transforming one of the world’s most respected cybersecurity frameworks into clear, actionable learning. Designed for professionals, students, and auditors alike, this series explains each control in practical, plain language—focusing on how to implement, assess, and sustain them in real environments. With eighty-three structured episodes, the course walks you step by step through the safeguards that define effective cybersecurity, helping you understand not only what to do but why each measure matters. The **CIS Controls**, maintained by the Center for Internet Security, represent a globally recognized set of prioritized actions proven to reduce the most common and dangerous cyber risks. Organized across eighteen control families—from inventory and configuration management to incident response and data recovery—the framework provides a practical roadmap for building defensible, risk-aligned security programs. This course explores how organizations can adopt the controls incrementally, measure maturity over time, and map them to other standards such as NIST, ISO 27001, and PCI DSS for comprehensive alignment. Developed by **BareMetalCyber.com**, the CIS Critical Security Controls Audio Course delivers structured, exam-aligned instruction that bridges policy and practice. Each episode reinforces understanding through real-world context, helping listeners translate framework requirements into measurable actions that strengthen organizational resilience and long-term security maturity.

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