Day 1 – 12 Days of Cybersecurity
“On the first day of Cybersecurity SST sent to me…” CIS Control 1: Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets
Understanding the Value of CIS Control 1: Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets
Staying ahead of threats in the ever-evolving cybersecurity landscape requires robust strategies to protect organizational assets. One foundational step is implementing CIS Control 1: Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets, which focuses on maintaining an accurate and complete inventory of the hardware devices within an organization’s network. Here’s why this control is essential and how it increases your cybersecurity posture.
What is CIS Control 1?
CIS Control 1 concerns the safeguards needed to track and manage hardware assets in your environment. This includes everything from servers and laptops to IoT devices and mobile phones. By maintaining an updated hardware inventory, organizations can ensure visibility into their hardware landscape, which is critical for identifying potential vulnerabilities and unauthorized devices.
Why is CIS Control 1 Valuable?
- Enhanced Security Posture – Unmanaged or unknown devices are common entry points for cyberattacks. Organizations can quickly identify rogue or unauthorized hardware and mitigate associated risks by having a complete inventory.
- Improved Incident Response – When a security incident occurs, knowing precisely what hardware is connected to your network enables faster identification of affected devices and more efficient response.
- Regulatory Compliance – Many regulations and standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, require organizations to maintain an inventory of assets. Implementing CIS Control 1 supports compliance efforts and reduces the risk of penalties.
- Operational Efficiency – An accurate hardware inventory streamlines IT operations, making it easier to manage device lifecycles, deploy updates, and allocate resources effectively.
Steps to Implement CIS Control 1
- Automated Discovery Tools – Use automated tools to scan your network and identify connected devices. Solutions like network discovery platforms or asset management software provide real-time updates.
- Centralized Inventory Management – Store all hardware information in a centralized database, ensuring easy access and regular updates.
- Monitor and Update Regularly – Monitor your environment for changes and ensure the inventory is updated as new devices are added or removed.
- Tag and Track Devices – Assign unique identifiers to each device for easy tracking and monitoring.
- Establish Policies for New Devices – Develop policies requiring new devices to be registered in the inventory before being allowed on the network.
Real-world Benefits of CIS Control 1
Organizations implementing CIS Control 1 often see a significant reduction in security incidents stemming from untracked hardware. For example, a financial services company deployed a robust hardware inventory system to identify and remove multiple unauthorized devices, reducing its attack surface by 25%. Similarly, a healthcare provider used hardware inventory data to comply with HIPAA audits more efficiently, avoiding potential fines and reputational damage.
Conclusion
CIS Control 1 lays the groundwork for a resilient cybersecurity framework. Organizations can better manage risks, streamline operations, and enhance their overall security posture by maintaining a comprehensive inventory of hardware assets. Whether you’re a small business or a multinational corporation, investing in this foundational control is a step toward a safer and more efficient future.
Take charge of your cybersecurity today by starting with what you own—your hardware. Visibility is the first step toward control. Would you like to investigate implementing this control or discuss additional CIS controls? Let us know!
