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Cybersecurity glossary

What is CIS Controls?

Also known as: CIS Critical Security Controls, IG1

Definition

The CIS Critical Security Controls are a prioritized set of security safeguards from the Center for Internet Security, grouped into Implementation Groups, with IG1 as a baseline for small organizations.

Why it matters

Each safeguard is specific and actionable, such as maintaining an inventory of enterprise assets or using MFA for externally exposed applications. That makes the Controls a practical task list alongside broader frameworks like NIST CSF.

Common questions about CIS Controls

See also

Sources