What are CIS Controls v8?

CIS Controls v8 are 18 prioritized safeguards published by the Center for Internet Security. They give any organization a practical, ordered list of what to fix first to reduce real-world cyber risk.

How do CIS Controls relate to HIPAA or the FTC Safeguards Rule?

Most regulatory frameworks describe what outcome you need. CIS Controls describe how to implement it: inventory assets, patch systems, enforce MFA, back up data, monitor activity, and train staff. That is why auditors and insurers recognize CIS-aligned programs.

Does bdManagedIT certify us to CIS Controls?

We do not issue CIS certification. We implement and document the controls as the backbone of your managed IT and compliance program, mapped to whichever frameworks you answer to.

Is CIS Controls the same as NIST CSF?

No. NIST CSF organizes risk into six functions. CIS Controls are the prioritized technical safeguards that fulfill many of those functions. We use both: NIST for structure, CIS for execution.

How do we get started with CIS Controls?

Run the free Cyber Insurance and Compliance Readiness Checker or book a first appointment. We assess your environment against CIS Controls v8 and map the gaps to your industry frameworks.

Can CIS Controls help with cyber insurance?

Yes. Insurers increasingly ask for the same safeguards CIS prioritizes: MFA, EDR, tested backups, email filtering, and training. A CIS-aligned program answers those questions with evidence.

Compliance center

CIS Controls v8

CIS Critical Security Controls version 8

The CIS Critical Security Controls are an internationally recognized set of best practices for protecting organizations from today's most common cyber threats. Many compliance frameworks, including HIPAA, the FTC Safeguards Rule, GLBA, and CJIS, either align with or directly reference the CIS Controls.

Why CIS Controls v8 matters

Every regulated business, and most businesses buying cyber insurance, benefits from a prioritized security baseline. CIS Controls v8 tells you what to inventory, what to patch, how to secure identities, how to back up, how to monitor, and how to respond. bdManagedIT uses it as our operational playbook so one program satisfies multiple frameworks.

What CIS Controls v8 covers

Inventory and control of enterprise assets and software
Secure configuration and continuous vulnerability management
Account management, access control, and multi-factor authentication
Email and browser protections, malware defenses, and data recovery
Security awareness training and incident response management
Penetration testing, service-provider management, and network monitoring

Source: Center for Internet Security, CIS Critical Security Controls v8

How bdManagedIT helps

We map your environment to CIS Controls v8, remediate the gaps, and document everything so you walk into an audit ready. Start with the free Cyber Insurance and Compliance Readiness Checker or book a first appointment.

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CIS Controls v8, FAQs

What are CIS Controls v8?: CIS Controls v8 are 18 prioritized safeguards published by the Center for Internet Security. They give any organization a practical, ordered list of what to fix first to reduce real-world cyber risk.
How do CIS Controls relate to HIPAA or the FTC Safeguards Rule?: Most regulatory frameworks describe what outcome you need. CIS Controls describe how to implement it: inventory assets, patch systems, enforce MFA, back up data, monitor activity, and train staff. That is why auditors and insurers recognize CIS-aligned programs.
Does bdManagedIT certify us to CIS Controls?: We do not issue CIS certification. We implement and document the controls as the backbone of your managed IT and compliance program, mapped to whichever frameworks you answer to.
Is CIS Controls the same as NIST CSF?: No. NIST CSF organizes risk into six functions. CIS Controls are the prioritized technical safeguards that fulfill many of those functions. We use both: NIST for structure, CIS for execution.
How do we get started with CIS Controls?: Run the free Cyber Insurance and Compliance Readiness Checker or book a first appointment. We assess your environment against CIS Controls v8 and map the gaps to your industry frameworks.
Can CIS Controls help with cyber insurance?: Yes. Insurers increasingly ask for the same safeguards CIS prioritizes: MFA, EDR, tested backups, email filtering, and training. A CIS-aligned program answers those questions with evidence.