What is CIS Benchmark?

CIS Benchmark is consensus-based security configuration guidelines developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS) to help organizations securely configure operating systems, cloud platforms, applications, network devices, and other IT assets. They provide prescriptive recommendations for reducing security risks by hardening systems against common threats while maintaining operational functionality.

Rather than replacing security tools, CIS Benchmarks serve as a baseline for secure configuration and are widely used to strengthen cybersecurity programs, support compliance initiatives, and reduce attack surfaces across enterprise environments.

How do CIS Benchmarks work?

CIS Benchmarks define recommended security settings for specific technologies based on industry best practices. Each benchmark contains configuration recommendations, implementation guidance, and methods for assessing whether systems comply with the recommended settings.

Organizations typically implement CIS Benchmarks by:

• Reviewing benchmark recommendations for each platform.
• Applying secure configuration settings through endpoint management or configuration management tools.
• Validating configurations using security assessments or configuration audits.
• Continuously monitoring systems to maintain secure configurations as environments evolve.

Because CIS regularly updates its benchmarks, organizations should periodically review and adopt newer recommendations where appropriate.

CIS Benchmark profile levels

CIS Benchmarks generally organize recommendations into Profile Level 1 and Profile Level 2, allowing organizations to balance security with operational requirements.

Selecting the appropriate profile level depends on an organization’s risk tolerance, compliance requirements, and operational needs.

Why are CIS Benchmarks important?

CIS Benchmarks help organizations standardize secure configurations across diverse IT environments, reducing configuration drift and minimizing vulnerabilities caused by insecure default settings.

Benefits include:

• Reduced attack surface through secure system hardening.
• Consistent security configurations across endpoints and servers.
• Improved support for security audits and compliance initiatives.
• Easier identification and remediation of configuration weaknesses.
• Better alignment with broader cybersecurity and risk management programs.

How Hexnode supports CIS Benchmark implementation

Hexnode UEM can help organizations enforce endpoint security configurations aligned with CIS Benchmark recommendations through centralized endpoint management, including documented support for macOS CIS compliance templates. Administrators can configure device security policies, enforce password requirements, deploy certificates, manage operating system updates, deploy and manage applications, enforce compliance policies, and remotely manage supported endpoints from a single console.

While Hexnode should not be positioned as a universal CIS certification tool, it provides centralized policy enforcement and endpoint management capabilities that help organizations implement and maintain secure configurations aligned with applicable CIS recommendations.