As a small business owner, you’ve likely heard about the critical importance of cybersecurity. In today’s digital landscape, where cyber threats are constantly evolving, protecting your business’s digital assets is no longer optional—it’s essential. With the overwhelming amount of information out there, it can be challenging to know where to start. That’s why I want to introduce you to a framework that’s particularly valuable for small businesses: the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls.
What Are CIS Controls and Why Are They Crucial?
CIS Controls are a set of 18 prioritized best practices designed to help organizations of all sizes improve their cybersecurity posture. These controls aren’t just theoretical concepts—they’re based on real-world experiences and are regularly updated to address the most current and pressing threats. What makes them particularly useful for small businesses is their practicality and scalability.
You might think that cybersecurity is a concern only for large corporations with vast IT departments, but the reality is starkly different. Small businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals, often because they’re seen as easier targets with fewer resources dedicated to security. Here’s an SBA study that outlines the impact that cyberattacks have on small business with some startling statistics: Fifty percent of small to medium-sized businesses (SMB) have been the victims of cyber attack and over 60% of those attacked go out of business.
The good news is that implementing even a handful of these controls can significantly enhance your security stance and protect your business from a wide range of common threats.
Key CIS Controls for Small Businesses: A Deeper Dive
Let’s explore some of the most relevant controls for small businesses, delving into why they matter and how they can be implemented.
First and foremost is the inventory and control of hardware assets. This control is about knowing exactly what devices are connected to your network. It’s not just about computers and servers—it includes smartphones, printers, smart devices, and any other internet-connected equipment. By maintaining an up-to-date inventory, you can ensure that all devices are properly secured and that no unauthorized devices are accessing your network. This control forms the foundation of your security efforts—after all, you can’t protect what you don’t know you have.
Equally crucial is the inventory and control of software assets. This goes beyond just knowing what software is installed on your systems. It involves maintaining a list of approved software and ensuring that only authorized software is installed and can execute on your systems. This control helps prevent malware infections and reduces the attack surface of your network. It also aids in license management and can even help optimize your software expenses.
Continuous vulnerability management is a critical control that many small businesses overlook. It involves regularly scanning your systems and applications for security weaknesses and promptly addressing any vulnerabilities found. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of potential threats by fixing security holes before they can be exploited. It’s like regularly inspecting and repairing the locks on your doors and windows, rather than waiting for a break-in to occur.
The controlled use of administrative privileges is a powerful yet often underutilized control. It’s about limiting who has administrative access to your systems and ensuring these privileged accounts are well-protected. By restricting administrative rights to only those who absolutely need them and implementing strong authentication measures for these accounts, you can prevent a small security breach from escalating into a major incident. Think of it as having a limited number of master keys to your business and keeping them under strict control.
Secure configuration for hardware and software is about starting off on the right foot. Many devices and software come with default settings that prioritize ease of use over security. This control involves setting up your devices and software securely from the outset. It includes practices like changing default passwords, disabling unnecessary services, and applying security patches promptly. By implementing this control, you’re building a strong foundation for your overall security posture.
Maintenance, monitoring, and analysis of audit logs might sound tedious, but it’s crucial for detecting and understanding security incidents. This control involves keeping detailed records of system activities and regularly reviewing them for signs of unauthorized access or suspicious behavior. While it may seem like looking for a needle in a haystack, modern log management tools can help automate this process, alerting you to potential issues before they become major problems.
Email and web browser protections are your front-line defense against many common attacks. This control includes implementing strong spam filters, anti-phishing measures, and keeping web browsers and their plugins updated. Given that many cyber attacks start with a malicious email or a compromised website, these protections can stop a significant portion of threats before they even reach your internal systems.
Finally, the importance of malware defenses cannot be overstated. This control goes beyond just installing antivirus software. It involves using and maintaining comprehensive anti-malware solutions on all systems, ensuring they’re updated regularly, and configuring them to scan files in real-time and on a scheduled basis. This multi-layered approach provides essential protection against a wide range of malicious software that could otherwise compromise your systems and data.
Implementing CIS Controls in Your Business: A Practical Approach
Starting your cybersecurity journey doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Begin with a thorough assessment of your current security posture. Take stock of what measures you already have in place—you might be surprised to find that you’re already implementing some aspects of these controls. This assessment gives you a solid foundation to build upon and helps you identify the most critical gaps in your security.
From there, prioritize implementing the most crucial controls for your specific business needs. You don’t need to tackle everything at once. Start with the basics and gradually build up your defenses over time. For many small businesses, beginning with inventory management, then moving on to access controls and malware defenses, can provide a significant security boost relatively quickly.
Educating your team is a crucial step that’s often overlooked but can yield significant benefits. Ensure your employees understand basic cybersecurity practices and the role they play in protecting the business. Regular training sessions, simulated phishing exercises, and clear security policies can turn your staff from a potential vulnerability into your strongest line of defense.
Remember that cybersecurity isn’t a one-time effort—it’s an ongoing process. Regular reviews and updates to your security measures are essential to stay ahead of evolving threats. Set aside time periodically to reassess your security stance, test your defenses, and update your practices as needed.
The Value of Expert Guidance
While many of these controls can be implemented on your own, don’t hesitate to seek expert advice if you need it. IT professionals who specialize in small business cybersecurity can provide valuable insights, help you navigate complex security landscapes, and ensure you’re making the most effective use of your resources. They can also help you tailor these controls to your specific business needs and industry requirements.
Conclusion
Implementing CIS Controls is about more than just preventing attacks; it’s about building resilience and ensuring your business can thrive in an increasingly digital world. By taking proactive steps to enhance your cybersecurity, you’re not just protecting against threats—you’re investing in the long-term success and stability of your business.
Remember, every step you take towards better security is a step in the right direction. Start small, be consistent, and gradually build up your defenses. Cybersecurity might seem daunting, but it’s an essential part of modern business operations, regardless of your company’s size.
If you’d like to read more about the CIS Framework and how it can help your business, visit their website for more info.
If you have any questions about CIS Controls or small business cybersecurity in general, don’t hesitate to reach out. I’m always happy to discuss these important topics and help fellow small business owners navigate the complex world of cybersecurity. Your business’s digital safety is too important to leave to chance.
Michael Zull @ MZ DATA IT & Cybersecurity
Long Beach, CA
