CIS Hardening
CIS Benchmark Implementation
Implementation and verification of CIS Level 1 and Level 2 benchmarks across servers, endpoints, cloud, and network devices.
What is CIS Hardening?
The CIS (Center for Internet Security) Benchmarks are the most widely adopted baseline security configuration standards globally — referenced by PCI-DSS, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, and the majority of cyber insurance underwriters. Our CIS Hardening service implements these benchmarks across your infrastructure, not just assesses against them.
We deploy hardening scripts developed and maintained against the latest CIS Benchmark versions, verify implementation through automated and manual checking, and document the compliance state for audit purposes. Where benchmark controls conflict with operational requirements, we help you select and document appropriate compensating controls.
CIS Hardening is available for Windows Server, Ubuntu/RHEL/CentOS Linux, AWS, Azure, GCP, macOS, and major network device platforms (Cisco, Fortinet, Palo Alto). We adapt the implementation to your environment rather than applying a rigid template.
Why it matters
- Organisations with CIS-hardened endpoints and servers are statistically significantly less likely to experience successful malware execution and lateral movement
- PCI-DSS Requirement 2.2, ISO 27001 A.12, and NIST SP 800-53 explicitly require baseline security configuration standards
- Cyber insurance underwriters are increasingly pricing policies based on evidence of baseline hardening — unlocking lower premiums for CIS-compliant organisations
- Default OS and application configurations are optimised for functionality, not security — hardening removes unnecessary services, closes unneeded ports, and enables security logging
- Hardening is one of the highest-ROI security investments: it addresses a large number of common vulnerabilities with a single, systematic programme
Our methodology
1. Environment Assessment & Benchmark Selection
Inventory of all in-scope systems and selection of applicable CIS Benchmarks (Level 1 for most environments, Level 2 where stricter controls are appropriate). Documentation of existing configurations as a baseline.
2. Controlled Hardening Implementation
Staged deployment of hardening configuration using automation tools (Ansible, Bash, PowerShell, Terraform). Implementation proceeds through non-production first, with functional validation at each stage before proceeding to production.
3. Compliance Verification
Post-implementation automated scanning using CIS-CAT Pro or equivalent to verify hardening state. Manual review of controls that can't be automated. Evidence collection for audit records.
4. Exceptions Management & Documentation
Documentation of any controls where operational requirements prevent full implementation, with compensating control recommendations and formal exception records suitable for audit review.
Frequently asked questions
Will CIS Hardening break our applications?
Risk of application compatibility issues is real, which is why we implement in a staged approach through non-production first. We test thoroughly before production deployment. The most common conflicts (SMB signing, legacy cipher suites, UAC settings) are well-understood and we have established approaches for managing them without leaving security gaps.
What's the difference between CIS Level 1 and Level 2?
Level 1 provides core security hardening with minimal impact on functionality. Level 2 provides more stringent controls that may impact performance or application compatibility — suitable for high-security environments. We help you determine the appropriate level for each system type based on its function and risk profile.
Can you harden cloud environments using CIS Cloud Benchmarks?
Yes. CIS Benchmarks exist for AWS, Azure, GCP, and Kubernetes. Cloud hardening is implemented via IaC (Terraform, CloudFormation, ARM templates) so the hardening state is codified and enforced through your deployment pipeline rather than requiring manual re-application.
How do we maintain CIS compliance over time?
We implement the hardening scripts into your CI/CD or configuration management system (Ansible, Chef, Puppet) so newly provisioned systems are hardened automatically. We also recommend quarterly CIS-CAT scans to detect configuration drift — or integrate continuous compliance monitoring via tools like Prowler, AWS Config, or Azure Policy.
Does CIS Hardening satisfy PCI-DSS requirement 2.2?
Yes. PCI-DSS v4 Requirement 2.2 requires system components to be configured and managed securely using a vendor or industry best practice standard. CIS Benchmarks are explicitly referenced as a compliant approach. Our audit evidence pack is designed to satisfy QSA documentation requirements.
Deliverables
Pre-Hardening Baseline Report
CIS-CAT scan results showing compliance state before hardening for audit comparison
Hardening Scripts
Custom Ansible playbooks, Bash or PowerShell scripts specific to your environment
Post-Hardening Verification Report
CIS-CAT scan results post-implementation with compliance percentage per system type
Exceptions Register
Documented exceptions with business justification and compensating controls
Audit Evidence Pack
Complete documentation package suitable for PCI-DSS QSA or ISO 27001 auditor review
Industries served
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