Why Every MSP Should Implement the CIS Critical Security Controls – And How
As a trusted technology partner to your clients, your role extends far beyond system maintenance or help desk support. Today, managed service providers (MSPs) must also act as security strategists—guiding clients through the ever-evolving threat landscape. One proven method for strengthening security posture is implementing the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls). Below, we explore what the CIS framework is, why it matters to MSPs, and how Phoenixtekk recommends rolling it out.
What Are the CIS Critical Security Controls?
The CIS Controls are a prioritized set of best practices created to help organizations manage and mitigate cybersecurity risk. Designed for scalability, they offer a structured pathway to cyber maturity—supporting everything from foundational defenses to advanced practices. The controls also help organizations align with compliance mandates like HIPAA, GDPR, and industry security standards.
Why Phoenixtekk Endorses the CIS Controls
At Phoenixtekk, we believe that security frameworks should be both actionable and approachable. That’s why we align closely with CIS:
- Built for the Community: CIS works closely with IT and cybersecurity professionals, ensuring its guidance remains relevant and practical for real-world applications.
- Prescriptive and Clear: CIS Controls are not vague recommendations. They offer clear, step-by-step actions—making it easier for MSPs and their clients to understand why a security measure matters and how to implement it effectively.
An Overview of the 18 CIS Controls
1. Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets
This foundational control emphasizes identifying and managing all connected assets—whether on-premises, cloud-based, or remote. If you don’t know what exists in your environment, you can’t defend it.
2. Inventory and Control of Software Assets
MSPs must monitor software usage and enforce policies to block unauthorized or vulnerable applications. Comprehensive visibility reduces risk and supports software lifecycle management.
3. Data Protection
Implement strategies to classify, store, and protect sensitive data. Knowing what data you manage—and why—enables smarter decisions about access and retention.
4. Secure Configuration of Assets and Software
Default settings are rarely secure. Establish configuration standards for devices and applications that align with your internal policies and minimize exposure.
5. Account Management
This control urges teams to establish clear identity and access protocols. Proper onboarding, role changes, and offboarding processes are crucial to a secure user lifecycle.
6. Access Control Management
Following the principle of least privilege, restrict access to only what is needed. Layered with multifactor authentication and centralized access governance, this reduces potential damage from a breach.
7. Continuous Vulnerability Management
Develop an ongoing program to detect, assess, and remediate vulnerabilities. Beyond patching, it should address all known exposure points in your tech stack.
8. Audit Log Management
Effective log management helps detect anomalies and establish forensic insight. Create centralized storage and review protocols for audit logs.
9. Email and Browser Protections
Prevent threats from phishing, malicious links, and web exploits by enforcing secure browsing standards and email filtering.
10. Malware Defenses
Endpoint protection remains a necessity, but should be complemented with behavior-based monitoring and layered threat detection.
11. Data Recovery
Ensure regular, validated backups and define recovery point objectives (RPO) and recovery time objectives (RTO). Recovery is your last line of defense in a breach scenario.
12. Network Infrastructure Management
Secure network assets through segmentation, updated firmware, and secure configurations. Use VPNs and centralized authentication for remote endpoints.
13. Network Monitoring and Defense
Establish baselines and monitor for irregular activity. Tools like intrusion detection/prevention systems (IDS/IPS) and log correlation platforms can identify threats early.
14. Security Awareness and Skills Training
Humans are often the weakest link. Train employees to recognize threats, follow safe practices, and understand their role in cybersecurity.
15. Service Provider Management
Third-party vendors can introduce risk. Keep an up-to-date inventory of providers, enforce security standards in contracts, and audit provider security regularly.
16. Application Software Security
Protect internally developed and externally sourced applications through secure coding practices, software inventories, and vulnerability assessments.
17. Incident Response Management
Every MSP should have a written incident response plan (IRP). Identify key roles, define communication protocols, and run tabletop exercises to refine the process.
18. Penetration Testing
Simulate real-world attacks to test your environment’s resilience. Use findings to strengthen defenses and advocate for additional controls where needed.
CIS Implementation Groups
The controls include 153 safeguards, divided into three implementation groups (IG1 through IG3). Most organizations should begin with IG1—the “essentials”—and work up to the more advanced safeguards in IG2 and IG3. This tiered approach ensures a manageable and measurable implementation process.
Why This Matters to MSPs
Today’s cybersecurity legal frameworks often apply the “reasonable person” standard: would another similarly positioned organization have acted the same way? By adopting a globally recognized third-party framework like CIS, you don’t just build a more secure environment—you demonstrate due diligence and defensibility in your decisions.
At Phoenixtekk, we emphasize that this isn’t just about ticking boxes. When implemented correctly, a CIS-based strategy provides:
- Clear documentation of cyber posture
- Defined plans of action and milestones (POAM)
- Reduced risk and increased resiliency
- A roadmap that aligns with other major frameworks
Intelligent Implementation Tips
You don’t have to do everything overnight. Instead:
- Assess Where You Stand – Perform a baseline assessment using tools or checklists from the Center for Internet Security.
- Build a POAM – Treat implementation like a project. Define tasks, owners, and deadlines.
- Track and Document Progress – Your documentation demonstrates your intent, effort, and progress—which is valuable during audits or cyber insurance reviews.
Complementary Frameworks
While CIS is comprehensive, certain industries may require additional frameworks like:
- NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF)
- CMMC (for defense contractors)
- ISO 27001 (for international compliance)
Fortunately, CIS provides mapping guidance to cross-reference its controls with these frameworks—enabling a unified security strategy.
Ready to Begin?
At Phoenixtekk, we help MSPs and SMBs turn the CIS Controls into action. From readiness assessments to full implementation and documentation, we guide teams toward stronger, defensible cybersecurity programs.
To get started, explore the CIS Cloud Companion Guide and assess how the controls fit into your cloud strategies. Then, build a plan tailored to your clients and verticals—and lean on trusted partners like Phoenixtekk for strategic guidance.
“Your job isn’t just to protect your client’s systems. It’s to make sure your approach to security stands up under scrutiny.”
— Phoenixtekk Security Team