Last updated October 15th, 2023 by Avigdor Book
In the ever-evolving world of cybersecurity, staying ahead of threats is a never-ending challenge. Organizations often rely on security benchmarks and baselines to harden their networks, applications, and systems. Two popular frameworks for establishing these secure baselines are the Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG) and Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmarks. But what are the differences, and how do you choose between them? Let’s dive in.
What is STIG and CIS?
Security Technical Implementation Guides (STIG)
STIGs are developed by the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) for the Department of Defense (DoD). They offer a set of guidelines for various operating systems, including Windows and Linux, to secure an organization’s assets against cybersecurity threats.
Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmarks
CIS Benchmarks, on the other hand, are provided by the Center for Internet Security. They offer configuration standards for various technologies, including Microsoft Windows Server, AWS, Azure, and other cloud computing platforms. CIS Benchmarks are widely adopted in industries that have to comply with standards like PCI, HIPAA, and others.
STIG vs CIS: The Key Differences
Baseline Functionality
STIGs often provide a more military-focused baseline, given their DoD origins. CIS Benchmarks offer broader functionality that can be applied across different industries.
Endpoint Security
STIG compliance often leans towards securing specific endpoint configurations on Windows 10 and other operating systems, while CIS controls focus on a broader range of security controls that are not just tied to endpoints.
AWS, Azure, and Cloud Computing
When it comes to cloud-native security solutions, CIS offers benchmarks for AWS, Azure, and GCP. STIGs are also slowly making their way into cloud configurations but are generally more focused on traditional operating systems like Microsoft and Linux.
Customizability
STIGs are often more rigid and tailored towards the unique security requirements of the US Department of Defense. CIS Benchmarks offer more room for customization, allowing you to tailor them to your cybersecurity risk management needs.
The Role of Automation and Tools
The landscape is teeming with tools that automate the deployment of STIG and CIS configurations. For instance, CIS-CAT is a tool that helps you automate the process of applying CIS Benchmarks. On the STIG side, there’s the Security Content Automation Protocol (SCAP), which uses XML-based standards to automate the application of STIG benchmarks.
Deciding Between STIG and CIS
When choosing between STIG and CIS, you should consider the specific security baseline requirements of your organization. Both frameworks have their pros and cons, and your decision should be tailored to fit your organization’s security posture.
Tufin and Security Baselines
The role of Tufin in this scenario is to help you manage complex security policies across multiple vendors and platforms; it complements these baselines by giving you a clear, integrated view of your network security policy, from traditional on-premise infrastructure to modern day cloud-based environments
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between STIG and CIS comes down to your organization’s specific needs. If you are a federal entity or closely aligned with the Department of Defense, STIGs may be more applicable. On the other hand, if you require a flexible, industry-agnostic approach, CIS Benchmarks are the way to go.
FAQs
Q: What is the difference between STIG and CIS benchmarks?
A: STIGs are often more specialized and cater to DoD requirements, while CIS Benchmarks offer a broader range of applicability across industries.
Learn more about cloud security configuration management
Q: What is the difference between STIG and DISA?
A: STIGs are a subset of guidelines provided by DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency), focused specifically on secure configurations for various technologies.
Q: How does STIG differ from CIS in terms of automation?
A: STIGs often rely on SCAP for automation, while CIS has its tool known as CIS-CAT for automated deployments.
Read about security policy clean-ups for a more streamlined approach
Wrapping Up
By understanding the difference between STIG vs CIS benchmarks, organizations can better choose the right baseline that matches their cybersecurity needs. Whether you’re a federal agency or a private enterprise, Tufin is here to help you navigate your cybersecurity journey. To learn more, sign up for a Tufin demo today!
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