Guide to Achieving CIS Controls Compliance for Software Applications

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls is a set of best practices designed to enhance an organization's cybersecurity posture. The CIS Controls framework consists of 18 prioritized security controls, which organizations can implement to protect their software applications, infrastructure, and data from cyber threats.

CIS Controls are categorized into three Implementation Groups (IGs):

• IG1: Basic security hygiene for small organizations.

• IG2: Advanced security measures for mid-sized organizations.

• IG3: Enterprise-grade security for large organizations with complex risk environments.

Managing CIS compliance across an organization—especially for software applications like ERP platforms—requires structured role assignments, security oversight, and continuous monitoring. ezRACI simplifies this process by providing a structured RACI matrix, ensuring clear role assignments, compliance tracking, and real-time collaboration.

This guide presents a step-by-step approach to achieving CIS compliance for a software application using ezRACI.

Step 1: Understanding CIS Compliance for Software Applications

CIS compliance revolves around implementing the 18 security controls, which include:

• Risk assessment & asset management

• Access controls & authentication

• Data protection & encryption

• Vulnerability management

• Incident response & recovery

• Monitoring & logging

• Third-party risk management

• Secure software development

Each of these security domains requires specific roles across an organization. Using ezRACI, organizations can assign responsibilities, track compliance, and maintain documentation.

Step 2: Building a CIS Controls RACI Matrix in ezRACI

The RACI matrix below outlines CIS compliance steps (left) and assigned roles for an ERP platform implementation.

Step 3: Implementing CIS Compliance with ezRACI

Using ezRACI, organizations can streamline CIS compliance efforts by ensuring clear role assignments, compliance tracking, and real-time collaboration. Below is a breakdown of how ezRACI supports each control.

1. Inventory & Control of Enterprise & Software Assets

• Track hardware and software assets to detect unauthorized devices.

• Assign IT Manager as Responsible (R) and CISO as Accountable (A) in ezRACI.

2. Data Protection & Encryption

• Encrypt sensitive data at rest and in transit.

• Use ezRACI’s Compliance Tracking Module to monitor encryption policies.

3. Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets & Software

• Enforce hardened configurations for operating systems, databases, and applications.

• Use ezRACI’s Discussion Boards to track configuration changes.

4. Account Management & Access Controls

• Implement role-based access controls (RBAC) and least privilege principles.

• Use ezRACI alerts to track unauthorized access attempts.

5. Continuous Vulnerability Management

• Perform regular security scans and apply patches.

• Assign QA Team as Responsible (R) to conduct vulnerability assessments.

6. Security Audit Logs & Monitoring

• Maintain detailed logs of security events and system activities.

• Use ezRACI’s Compliance Dashboard to track log analysis results.

7. Malware Defenses

• Deploy endpoint security tools to prevent malware attacks.

• Use ezRACI to track security alerts and incident responses.

8. Email & Web Browser Protections

• Enforce email filtering and browser security settings.

• Use ezRACI’s Notification System to alert teams of security breaches.

9. Data Recovery & Backup

• Implement automatic backups and disaster recovery planning.

• Use ezRACI’s Task Management feature to ensure regular backup tests.

10. Secure Network Infrastructure

• Use firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and network segmentation.

• Assign IT teams as Responsible (R) for network security policies.

11. Security Awareness Training

• Conduct cybersecurity awareness training for employees.

• Automate training reminders in ezRACI to ensure employee compliance.

12. Security Testing of Software Development

• Enforce secure coding practices aligned with CIS standards.

• Use ezRACI’s Discussion Boards for tracking security issues.

13. Incident Response Management

• Define incident response procedures and forensic analysis protocols.

• Assign CISO as Accountable (A) and IT Manager as Responsible (R) in ezRACI.

14. Penetration Testing & Red Teaming

• Conduct annual penetration testing to identify security gaps.

• Track findings and remediation plans using ezRACI’s Compliance Module.

15. Third-Party Risk Management

• Ensure vendors adhere to CIS security standards.

• Use ezRACI’s Vendor Risk Management Module to track vendor compliance.

16. Secure Software Supply Chain

• Evaluate third-party software components for security risks.

• Assign Software Developers as Responsible (R) for security integration.

Step 4: Continuous Monitoring and Improvement

CIS compliance requires continuous monitoring, including:

• Regular asset inventory updates

• Ongoing security awareness training

• Security patching & vulnerability scans

• Continuous compliance tracking

Using ezRACI, organizations can:

• Automate CIS compliance tracking & risk management.

• Enable real-time collaboration between Security, IT, and Compliance teams.

• Ensure audit readiness with compliance documentation & reporting.

Conclusion

Achieving CIS compliance for software applications is critical for cybersecurity resilience. ezRACI simplifies the compliance process by providing structured role-based compliance tracking, audit readiness, and automated collaboration tools.

Next Steps

1. Sign up for ezRACI to implement the CIS RACI template.

2. Assign responsibilities for CIS compliance steps using ezRACI’s compliance workflow.

3. Monitor & optimize security efforts using ezRACI’s real-time reporting & alerting tools.

By integrating ezRACI into your CIS compliance strategy, your organization can improve security, reduce cyber risks, and ensure full compliance with industry best practices.

Disclaimer: The content provided on this website, including blog articles, is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, compliance, or regulatory advice. ezRACI makes no representations or warranties regarding the accuracy, completeness, or applicability of any information contained herein. Organizations should consult with qualified legal counsel or compliance professionals before making any decisions based on the information provided. Use of this content is at your own risk.