10 Essential CIS Security Tools Every Organization Should Use
In this post, we’ll explore the different CIS security tools, their unique features, and how they can simplify your cybersecurity efforts.
- Key Takeaways
- 1. Antivirus Software
- 2. Firewall Solutions
- 3. Intrusion Detection Systems
- 4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
- 5. Endpoint Protection Platforms
- 6. Vulnerability Scanners
- 7. Data Loss Prevention Tools
- 8. Identity and Access Management
- 9. Encryption Software
- 10. Threat Intelligence Platforms
- Conclusion
-
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are CIS security tools?
- Why are vulnerability scanners important?
- How do endpoint protection platforms work?
- What is SIEM, and why do businesses use it?
- How does encryption software improve security?
- What is the role of identity and access management?
- Are firewalls still effective in today’s cybersecurity landscape?
Key Takeaways
- Look for antivirus protection that includes real-time scanning, automatic updates, an easy-to-use interface, and other basic security features to protect yourself from malware. Protect against newly discovered threats with proven virus definition updates.
- Choose firewall solutions that protect your organization’s network with the best traffic filtering technology, along with more sophisticated features, including intrusion prevention systems. Make sure the solution isn’t tied to a specific hardware or software stack so you have flexibility in deployments.
- Look for intrusion detection systems that offer 24/7 real-time monitoring, automated alerts and reporting features to help you quickly identify, thwart and respond to unauthorized access attempts. If you have specific network or host-based detection requirements, you should make your decision accordingly.
- Select SIEM tools that can aggregate data from multiple sources. Ensure that they provide both compliance reporting and use event correlation to detect security trends. Consider scalability and customization capabilities to fit your organization’s needs.
- Deploy endpoint protection platforms that come with behavioral analysis and threat intelligence integration. These capabilities assist in detecting sophisticated threats and allow for remote security management for more efficient defense.
- Conduct vulnerability scans at a regular cadence to uncover vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Choose tools that make it easy to compare them, especially by their reporting capabilities. Consider tools that support authenticated scanning which leads to more accurate results.
CIS security tools are essential for strengthening your organization’s cybersecurity posture by providing benchmarks, controls, and automated solutions tailored to safeguard systems and data.
These tools, developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS), help you align with industry-recognized best practices for securing various environments, including servers, networks, and cloud platforms.
You’ll find resources like the CIS Benchmarks for configuration guidance, CIS-CAT Pro for compliance assessments, and CIS Hardened Images for pre-configured virtual machines.
Each tool is designed to reduce vulnerabilities and support compliance with frameworks like NIST or ISO.
In this post, we’ll explore the different CIS security tools, their unique features, and how they can simplify your cybersecurity efforts.
1. Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is instrumental in preventing, detecting, and removing malware including viruses, spyware, and ransomware. Other programs, like Norton or McAfee, combine anti-malware and anti-spyware features with included inventory tools, making them more valuable.
These tools align with the CIS Critical Security Controls, a set of best practices created by the Center for Internet Security to defend against cyber threats. Real-time scanning is the other real must-have, actively monitoring systems at all times to detect new threats and suspicious behavior.
With real-time updates to virus definitions, today’s antivirus solutions help protect you against the newest, most dangerous threats. According to Secureframe, 97% of users increased their security by proactively maintaining compliance with newly introduced controls.
Comprehensive dashboards offer easy touch controls to manage settings and navigate features. Products such as Bitdefender provide easy-to-navigate dashboards that simplify processes.
Organizations still using legacy/unsupported versions of CIS can leverage CIS 8.1 to map their current controls to CIS 8.1 to develop better compliance and security posture.
2. Firewall Solutions
Firewall solutions shine when it comes to filtering inbound and outbound traffic. To enable this movement, that capability provides a secure data flow. Granular filtering and allow listing capabilities ensure that all unauthorized access is blocked, while legitimate communication is permitted.
One, they can instantly identify when attackers try to use exploits like default passwords or legacy protocols. This powerful, proactive defense catches threatening traffic before it is able to do any damage.
Advanced features such as intrusion prevention systems (IPS) can be built directly into firewalls, improving security with a more layered approach. These systems use artificial intelligence to analyze all network traffic in real-time, detecting and stopping suspicious activities such as automated, pre-configured DNS exploits.
This is a perfect fit with the CIS Controls, a prioritized set of actions that form best practices for reducing your attack surface. Firewalls are available in hardware or software form factors, providing deployment flexibility.
Hardware solutions, such as Cisco ASA, work well for larger networks, while software-based solutions, like pfSense, are more appropriate for smaller environments. Reporting and logging features log activity in detail, making it easier to identify a breach at the earliest opportunity.
3. Intrusion Detection Systems
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) deliver real-time monitoring and analysis to detect and respond to unauthorized access attempts. They monitor network traffic to find bad stuff, leveraging metadata such as packet size and timing, and even data without decrypting stuff.
These systems protect sensitive data by logging for 90 days, logging all DNS and command line activity, and being tamper-proof.
With network-based IDS keeping watch across a wide range of devices, and host-based IDS zooming in on the traffic of specific systems, businesses can adopt customized security strategies. Automated alerts via email, SMS, or dashboards help speed up response times, so IT teams can act quickly to prevent and mitigate threats.
Simulated attacks and red team/penetration tests further test/pilot detection capabilities.
Here’s a quick comparison:
| IDS Type | Detection Methodology | Ease of Integration |
|---|---|---|
| Network-Based | Analyzes traffic patterns across networks | Easy for large setups |
| Host-Based | Focuses on system-specific data | Better for single hosts |
4. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
SIEM solutions integrate Security Information Management (SIM) and Security Event Management (SEM). They do a great job of aggregating and analyzing security data from all available sources. By aggregating and normalizing data from firewalls, servers, endpoints, and applications, SIEM provides comprehensive, real-time visibility into potential threats.
One of those is more accurate detection of suspicious login attempts over time and across systems, minimizing false positives while revealing complex patterns of attack. Compliance reporting is one of the biggest features for SIEM, assisting organizations to stay compliant with standards such as SOC 1, HIPAA, GDPR, etc.
With automated reports, you can cut down the time needed to provide proof to auditors that proper protocols were followed. SIEM further correlates these events to spot patterns like multiple failed login attempts, which can indicate a more extensive attack.
To pick the right solution, look for these essentials:
- Scalability for growing data
- Easy integration with tools
- Customizable dashboards
- Automated response options
5. Endpoint Protection Platforms
Endpoint Protection Platforms (EPP) play a critical role in protecting endpoints including workstations, servers, and mobile devices. Specifically, these endpoint devices protect you proactively from malware and cyber threats. In fact, as we mentioned before, 70% of breaches start through an endpoint, so having strong EPP is key.
Advanced solutions provide extensive, proactive detection of malware, zero-day exploits and fileless attacks. They do so via capabilities such as Next-Generation Antivirus (NGAV) and Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR). Behavioral analysis and file integrity monitoring (FIM) improve detection by tracking suspicious changes or behavior that indicate dangerous or anomalous activity.
Deception evasion technology, like generating decoy systems, can evoke yet another layer of protection. Threat intelligence integration such as this empowers faster responses to new or rapidly emerging vulnerabilities. Key functionalities to look for are remote management capabilities, anti-ransomware protection, and deep visibility into network activity and user behavior.
Once deployed, effective EPP solutions can scan thousands of endpoints in a matter of hours, providing around-the-clock protection with managed detection and response.
6. Vulnerability Scanners
After that, vulnerability scanners assist you to automate the method of finding security weaknesses in your systems. They analyze software, networks, and endpoints to identify weaknesses such as missing patches or misconfigurations.
For instance, tools such as Nessus or OpenVAS are able to efficiently scan for vulnerabilities while saving time over manual checks. Not all scanning techniques provide the same level of coverage.
Authenticated scans use provided or discovered login credentials to dig deeper into system settings, uncovering issues like weak passwords. Unauthenticated scans, however, scan for vulnerabilities that are exposed to outside threats, such as open ports.
Using both methods means you’re covering all your bases. We hope you’re scanning Traditional vulnerability management practices focus on periodic or ad-hoc scans.
Setting your scans to run weekly or monthly ensures your defenses are shored up as soon as new vulnerabilities are discovered. Failing to perform these due diligence checks may expose your systems.
| Scanner | Reporting Features | Platforms Supported |
|---|---|---|
| Nessus | Detailed reports, risk scores | Windows, macOS, Linux |
| OpenVAS | Customizable reports | Windows, Linux |
7. Data Loss Prevention Tools
Data loss prevention tools help safeguard sensitive information from being accessed or shared by unauthorized users. They do this by proactively monitoring and controlling data at rest and in transit.
These tools identify, label, and protect data based on content, context, and sensitivity, keeping sensitive information out of harm’s way. For instance, they can scan outgoing emails, files, or enterprise chat messages to identify sensitive information and flag potential risks.
Policy-based controls are essential. Policy-based controls enforce rules limiting the transfer of sensitive data and help ensure compliance. This protects against insider threats, both deliberately and accidentally, like employees sharing proprietary data without permission.
Combining DLP tools with broader security frameworks such as SIEM systems increases the organization’s overall protection by establishing a collective defense strategy.
Key features to look for in DLP solutions include:
- Encryption for secure data storage and transfer
- Detailed user activity monitoring
- Cloud application monitoring for platforms like Office 365
- Access controls to prevent unauthorized actions
8. Identity and Access Management
IAM is central to managing who has access to doing what in your organization. By managing user permissions and access levels, IAM limits the reach of compromised credentials, reducing potential damage from unauthorized users.
For instance, should one user’s login credentials be compromised, the attacker’s access is limited to that user’s level of permissions. This containment helps mitigate risks associated with credential theft.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple way to add another layer of protection. Requiring something like a code sent to a mobile device ensures only verified users gain entry. This makes it harder for attackers to bypass security measures.
Onboarding and offboarding costs are dramatically reduced through integration of IAM with existing systems to automate provisioning and deprovisioning. This integration streamlines the process, making it so much easier to grant new employees access or revoke it when they depart.
Some of those best practices include performing regular audits, training users on security, and using updated software. Additionally, enabling DNS filtering and extension management further increases protection.
Adopting zero trust frameworks disallows implicit trust and requires that every access request be verified. This approach enhances security by ensuring that no user or device is trusted by default.
9. Encryption Software
Afterward, encryption software helps make sure that sensitive data is secure, both at rest and in transit. Egress Encryption Technology encrypts files, emails or even an entire drive, rendering unauthorized access virtually impossible. For instance, it’s critical when transmitting banking information or when storing electronic medical records in a safe environment.
Strong encryption algorithms such as AES-256 stay the backbone here. They protect sensitive information from data breaches and cyberattacks by encrypting it, turning it into unreadable formats that can only be decrypted with the proper key.
Without these strong algorithms, sensitive personal data—from health records to banking information—would be exposed. Just as important is key management. No software is magic.
Poor practices such as insecurely created or stored encryption keys can render encrypted data vulnerable. Solutions that enable automated key rotation or secure key storage further enhance data integrity.
When choosing encryption software, look for:
- User-friendly interfaces for seamless integration
- Compliance with regulations like HIPAA or GDPR
- Support for different types of encryption, including file or disk-level encryption
- Regular updates to address new threats
10. Threat Intelligence Platforms
Threat intelligence platforms offer actionable insights into emerging cyber threats, helping to identify malicious domains and IPs with 99% accuracy. These platforms tend to be intuitive and feature turnkey customization, allowing you to quickly customize solutions to your unique requirements.
For instance, they can integrate with more than 100 different security tools. The market spans SIEMs, SOAR systems, and ticketing solutions—all focused on improving the effectiveness of security operations.
Tying threat intelligence with security operations creates a powerful feedback loop that improves proactive defense strategies. The power to integrate real-time data with legacy systems streamlines and accelerates threat response.
Capabilities such as market search and community-driven intelligence shine here, delivering timely, hyper-relevant information that is constantly refreshed.
Collaborating by sharing threat intelligence across organizations has even greater benefits to collective cybersecurity defense. By sharing resources, companies can work together to respond to emerging threats, minimizing exposure to vulnerabilities.
Platforms make this possible through responsive staff and smooth API integrations.
| Platform | Data Sources | Analysis Capabilities |
|---|---|---|
| Platform A | Open-source, dark web | Machine learning, visual reports |
| Platform B | Commercial feeds | Predictive analytics, threat scoring |
Conclusion
Addressing these challenges Staying ahead of cyber threats takes the right tools and a clear strategy. Each tool we’ve covered so far, whether it’s antivirus software or a threat intelligence platform, plays a specific role. Jointly, they establish a robust security posture that safeguards data, networks, and people. Security is not one-size-fits all. Together, these two approaches create a suite of protective layers, helping you achieve the right balance between reducing risk and knowing about potential risks much sooner.
Whether you’re securing a small business’s IT infrastructure or managing your larger company’s network in the cloud, investing in these tools goes a long way in protecting sensitive information. Securing your enterprise is about more than just stopping a compromise. It’s about ensuring your users’ trust and avoiding disruption to your mission.
Learn what’s available, identify what matters most to you, and get started on the path to improving your security postures. It’s what you do today that will count the most tomorrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are CIS security tools?
CIS security tools are pragmatic, consensus-driven solutions designed to help secure your systems, networks, and data against increasingly prevalent and sophisticated cyber threats. In addition, they match up with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) benchmarks, which provide a set of best practices for cyber security.
Why are vulnerability scanners important?
These are tools that will help you find weak spots in your systems before an attacker is able to exploit them. They help organize their teams to stay compliant with security standards and assist with risk mitigation by giving them actionable insights.
How do endpoint protection platforms work?
Endpoint protection platforms protect devices such as laptops and smartphones from cyber threats. They rely on antivirus, threat detection, and behavior analysis to stop malware and unauthorized access.
What is SIEM, and why do businesses use it?
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) provides real-time collection and analysis of security data. It provides a faster threat detection and incident response time, maximizing protection, quality of data, and regulatory compliance.
How does encryption software improve security?
Bitcoin requires encryption software to secure transactions, turning personal information into complex code. Only authorized users with the appropriate decryption key can decrypt the information, maintaining privacy and security.
What is the role of identity and access management?
Verify that only the right users have access to the right resources at the right times. On top of providing an overall better security posture through unnecessarily elevated user permissions and detouring unauthorized access.
Are firewalls still effective in today’s cybersecurity landscape?
Firewalls are still the quintessential security tool. Along with this, they’re constantly monitoring and filtering traffic to minimize unwanted access. This action curbs costly and disruptive cyberattacks, positioning them as the first line of defense for defending networks.