In the digital age, where cyber threats loom larger and more sophisticated than ever, organizations must fortify their defenses to protect sensitive data and maintain trust. The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Critical Security Controls, commonly referred to as the CIS Top 18, provides a strategic framework for mitigating the most prevalent cyber risks. However, to truly validate the effectiveness of these controls, integrating penetration testing into the CIS Top 18 review process is indispensable. This blog post delves into strengthening cyber defenses the synergy between technical professionals conducting a CIS Top 18 review and the critical role of penetration testing in validating and strengthening cybersecurity measures.

---

Understanding the CIS Top 18 and Penetration Testing

The CIS Top 18 is a prioritized set of best practices designed to provide organizations with a roadmap for effective cybersecurity defense. These controls cover a range of actions from basic cyber hygiene to advanced security measures, addressing both preventive and detective mechanisms.

Penetration testing, on the other hand, is a simulated cyber attack against your computer system to check for exploitable vulnerabilities. It’s an essential tool in the cybersecurity arsenal, offering real-world assessment of your defenses.

The Role of Technical Professionals in the CIS Review

Technical professionals, including cybersecurity experts, network engineers, and system administrators, are pivotal in conducting a thorough CIS Top 18 review. Their deep understanding of the organization’s IT infrastructure enables them to assess, implement, and monitor the effectiveness of the security controls. Moreover, their insights are crucial for identifying which areas require penetration testing to validate the security measures’ effectiveness.

Conducting a CIS Top 18 Review with Penetration Testing: A Step-by-Step Approach

Step 1: Assemble Your Team

Gather a multidisciplinary team of technical professionals with expertise across different areas of your IT infrastructure. Ensure the team understands both the CIS Top 18 controls and the fundamentals of penetration testing.

Step 2: Perform a Gap Analysis

Conduct an initial review of your current security posture against the CIS Top 18 controls. Identify gaps and areas of non-compliance that could potentially be exploited in a cyber attack.

Step 3: Prioritize and Plan Penetration Testing

Based on the gap analysis, prioritize the areas where penetration testing will be most beneficial. This prioritization should focus on high-risk areas, critical systems, and where controls are newly implemented or significantly changed.

Step 4: Conduct Penetration Testing

Carry out penetration testing exercises targeting the identified areas. These tests should mimic real-world attack scenarios to validate the effectiveness of the implemented CIS controls. Engage external experts if necessary to ensure an unbiased assessment.

Step 5: Analyze Test Results and Refine Controls

Review the outcomes of the penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities and control weaknesses. This analysis will highlight which CIS controls are working as intended and where adjustments are needed.

Step 6: Implement Improvements

Based on the findings from the penetration testing, implement necessary improvements to the CIS controls. This may involve configuring security settings, patching vulnerabilities, or enhancing monitoring and detection capabilities.

Step 7: Foster Continuous Improvement

Cybersecurity is an ongoing battle. Regularly review and update your CIS control implementations and penetration testing strategies to adapt to new threats and technologies.

Step 8: Documentation and Communication

Maintain detailed documentation of your CIS review process, penetration testing results, and subsequent actions taken. Communicate these findings and their implications to relevant stakeholders, fostering a culture of transparency and continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices.

Conclusion

Integrating penetration testing into your CIS Top 18 review process is a powerful strategy to validate and further strengthening your organization’s cyber defenses. By combining the expertise of technical professionals with rigorous testing, you can identify vulnerabilities before attackers do, ensuring your cybersecurity measures are not just theoretical but truly effective in the real world. Remember, the goal is not just to comply with a set of controls but to build a resilient infrastructure capable of withstanding the evolving cyber threats of the digital age.

Let Lucid Security Help

Strengthening cyber defenses of your organization can be a large feat. Lucid Security is well versed in conducting both CIS Top 18 reviews, as well as penetration testing and can help you get on the right path! Please reach out to us today and let’s talk about taking the next step in your security assessment. Contact us today!