Center for Internet Security (CIS)
The non-profit that publishes the CIS Controls and CIS Benchmarks.
Overview
CIS develops prioritised security safeguards and secure configuration benchmarks used widely by organisations and auditors.
Its powers include publishing standards that others adopt.
Instruments connected to it in this glossary include CIS Controls.
Check the official sources below for legal scope, applicable dates and exceptions. This entry is an explanatory reference, not legal advice.
Why it matters
Its standards become requirements once regulators cite them or contracts demand them.
Who it affects
Organisations in cybersecurity.
Where it sits
Ten linked steps connect where you operate to the proof that you complied.
- 01Jurisdiction
- 02Industry
- 03Activity
- 04Authority
- 05Regulation
- 06Requirement
- 07Guidance
- 08Control
- 09Evidence
- 10Enforcement
Connections
The terms most closely tied to CIS. Select one to open it.
What to do about it
- 1Confirm whether CIS has power over you, and through which licence, registration, membership or activity.
- 2Follow its rules, guidance and enforcement publications as they are issued.
- 3Map each obligation it creates to a control with a named owner.
- 4Keep examination-ready evidence for its highest-risk obligations.
From requirement to evidence.
Regulation Layer tracks its publications in the change feed, maps its obligations to your controls.
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