What are CIS Controls?
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls is a set of best practices for cybersecurity, designed to help businesses protect sensitive data, prevent cyber threats, and improve cloud security.
For SaaS and marketplace businesses, CIS Controls provide a structured security framework to defend against:
✅ Ransomware & malware attacks
✅ Data breaches & unauthorized access
✅ Cloud security misconfigurations
✅ Insider threats & phishing attacks
💡 CIS Controls are essential for securing SaaS platforms, marketplace transactions, and user data.
Why CIS Controls Compliance is Important for SaaS & Marketplaces?
✅ Enhances cybersecurity & data protection
✅ Aligns with international security standards (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2, PCI DSS, GDPR)
✅ Builds customer trust & compliance credibility
✅ Prevents costly security breaches & fines
✅ Improves cloud security posture for SaaS applications
🚀 By implementing CIS Controls, SaaS businesses reduce security risks and gain a competitive advantage.
CIS Controls: The 18 Essential Security Practices
CIS Controls are divided into three categories:
1️⃣ Basic CIS Controls (Foundational Security)
🔹 CIS Control 1: Inventory & control of assets
🔹 CIS Control 2: Software asset management
🔹 CIS Control 3: Data protection (encryption, backups)
🔹 CIS Control 4: Secure configurations for cloud & servers
🔹 CIS Control 5: Account & access management
2️⃣ Foundational CIS Controls (Advanced Protection)
🔹 CIS Control 6: Continuous vulnerability management
🔹 CIS Control 7: Audit logs & monitoring
🔹 CIS Control 8: Email & web security protection
🔹 CIS Control 9: Malware & ransomware defense
🔹 CIS Control 10: Data recovery capabilities
3️⃣ Organizational CIS Controls (Proactive Security Management)
🔹 CIS Control 11: Secure network defenses
🔹 CIS Control 12: Security awareness training
🔹 CIS Control 13: Secure application development
🔹 CIS Control 14: Incident response & recovery
🔹 CIS Control 15: Cloud security governance
💡 By following all 18 CIS Controls, SaaS businesses can prevent 85% of common cyber threats!
Steps to Implement CIS Controls for SaaS & Marketplaces
🔹 Step 1: Perform a Cybersecurity Risk Assessment
Identify risks related to cloud storage, APIs, user authentication, and payment systems.
🔹 Step 2: Implement CIS Basic Controls
Ensure secure access, encryption, and multi-factor authentication (MFA) for user accounts.
🔹 Step 3: Strengthen Cloud Security (AWS, Azure, GCP)
Use firewalls, logging, and automated threat detection tools.
🔹 Step 4: Conduct Penetration Testing & Security Audits
Simulate cyberattacks to test vulnerabilities in your SaaS platform.
🔹 Step 5: Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Reduce human errors by educating staff on phishing, malware, and social engineering threats.
🔹 Step 6: Implement Continuous Security Monitoring
Use AI-driven security analytics & cloud monitoring tools to detect anomalies.
Top CIS Compliance Platforms for SaaS & Marketplaces
To simplify CIS compliance, use automated security platforms:
| Platform | Key Features | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Qualys | Cloud security & vulnerability management | qualys.com |
| Rapid7 InsightVM | Continuous security monitoring & compliance tracking | rapid7.com |
| Tenable Nessus | Automated vulnerability scanning & risk management | tenable.com |
| CrowdStrike Falcon | AI-powered threat detection & endpoint security | crowdstrike.com |
| Check Point CloudGuard | SaaS & cloud security posture management | checkpoint.com |
🚀 These platforms help SaaS businesses achieve & maintain CIS compliance effortlessly.
CIS Controls vs. Other Security Frameworks
| Framework | Purpose | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| CIS Controls | Practical cybersecurity best practices | SaaS, cloud platforms, IT security teams |
| NIST 800-53 | Government security standards | Federal agencies & contractors |
| ISO 27001 | International information security compliance | Global SaaS businesses & enterprises |
| SOC 2 | Ensures security & privacy best practices | SaaS platforms storing customer data |
| PCI DSS | Protects payment transactions | SaaS businesses handling credit card data |
💡 CIS Controls are widely adopted for SaaS security, providing a flexible & actionable cybersecurity framework.
CIS Compliance Costs: What to Expect?
| CIS Security Implementation | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Self-Assessment & Internal Audit | Free – $5,000 |
| Cybersecurity Risk Assessment | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Security Tools & Monitoring Software | $10,000 – $100,000 per year |
| Penetration Testing & Compliance Consulting | $20,000 – $200,000 |
🚀 Using automated security platforms reduces costs & ensures continuous CIS compliance!
Why CIS Controls Compliance is Critical for SaaS & Marketplace Businesses
✅ Protects against 85% of known cybersecurity threats
✅ Ensures compliance with global security standards (NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2)
✅ Improves SaaS platform security & risk management
✅ Builds trust with customers & enterprise clients
✅ Prevents security breaches & financial losses
💡 Want to implement CIS Controls? Contact us for expert cyber security solutions!