CIS Framework: Enhancing Businesses Cybersecurity

12 March 2025

Prioritising cybersecurity with strong measures is vital. The current digital world demands businesses to stay connected to the internet all the time, from emails to transactions. But this constant connectivity is also what brings security problems. It increases several risks like system breaches, hacking, data theft, etc.

However, experts recommend considering the CIS Framework. Being well-designed and easy to implement, in many ways, it can help safeguard data and minimise security threats.

As we look into the cyber and information security framework deeply in this guide, we will explore what exactly CIS is and how it fulfils the needs of current digital security.

Diving into 3 Categories of Cyber Security Frameworks

Cybersecurity frameworks are divided into three categories. Each one is tailored to different needs and approaches.

• The first is control frameworks. It plays an important role in access limits, data encryption, and threat monitoring.
• The second is Program frameworks, which manage operations and governance. It also allows to align controls with business goals, like data policy, for consistent protection.
• The third is Risk frameworks, which aid risk assessment and identify threats and impacts. Moreover, this prioritises security actions based on exposure levels.

Let’s understand what the purpose of each category is and how they can improve your business.

What Exactly is a CIS Framework

Commonly known as CIS, the cyber and information security framework is designed to help safeguard digital assets and sensitive information. Including the NCSC guidelines and UK GDPR, though, it aligns with key UK cybersecurity regulations, ensuring organisations are able to deal with cyber risks effectively.

To help stay secure against cyber threats, the framework majorly focuses on access controls, incident response, risk assessment, and continuous monitoring. It helps companies, public sector organisations, and governments with their security enhancement, providing benefits across industries. That’s why, many refer to CIS framework as a crucial tool, helping build strong cyber security for everyone.

Are IT Security Frameworks Essential for Organisations

In addition to a better, structured approach to managing cyber risks, however, IT frameworks also make compliance with regulations like GDPR easy. To build robust protection, reduce breaches, as well as maintain trust with the customers and clients, such frameworks are essential to consider.

When it comes to cyberattacks, however, online criminals usually focus on the weakest or most ignorant areas of their networks and systems. For instance, using an outdated firewall or cheap antivirus. Thus, it’s important to upgrade all the essential tools and equipment your company uses to the latest ones, offering protection, reducing financial risks and ensuring business continuity.

How to Select the Right Security Frameworks

Based on current security challenges, in several ways, having such a framework has become more of a necessity. However, to select a suitable framework, you need to bear many factors in mind. For instance:

Size and Complexity

The size and complexity of an organisation play a key role in selecting the right cybersecurity framework. Smaller businesses may get their needs fulfilled in easy frameworks such as Cyber Essentials and CIS Controls. Larger organisations with more intricate systems and higher security, however, will have to go for some comprehensive frameworks like CIS RAM.

Regulatory Compliance and Industry Standards

Moving further, the next factor you need to check is what regulatory compliance and industry standards are. Varying from sector to sector, the businesses need to adhere to their set regulations. Otherwise, they may not be able to effectively manage risks, leading to a waste of resources and money.

Culture and Maturity

Based on the chosen framework, though, it should properly integrate with your existing security policies and reflect your organisation’s broader culture. For the same, it’s essential to evaluate your internal capabilities, including additional services like IT support, to implement the framework, ensuring it aligns with your resources and expertise.

Conclusion

There are only a few simple yet effective ways left to protect businesses now. Especially if you are new to cyber security, opting for the cyber and information security, aka CIS framework, can be a good starting point. Whether you run a startup or an enterprise, adopting CIS means your future can be secured, not just networks or systems. It provides several advantages where you can keep your data safe and operations smooth, ultimately boosting trust with customers.