In today’s digital age, businesses of all sizes face an increasing number of cyber threats. From data breaches to ransomware attacks, the risks have never been greater. For companies in Denver and beyond, protecting sensitive data, intellectual property, and operational systems is critical not just for compliance but for survival. Fortunately, the CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls) offer a comprehensive roadmap to bolster your business’s cyber defenses. At NPF Networks, we believe understanding and implementing these controls can make all the difference in safeguarding your business against cyberattacks.
What Are CIS Critical Security Controls?
The CIS Critical Security Controls are a set of best practices developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS). They consist of 18 prioritized actions that organizations can implement to improve their cybersecurity posture. These controls are globally recognized for providing a structured approach to mitigating the most common cyber threats, and they evolve over time as new risks emerge.
The beauty of the CIS Controls lies in their adaptability. Whether you’re a small business just starting to develop a security framework or a larger enterprise looking to refine your defenses, the CIS Controls offer a tiered approach, enabling you to focus on what’s most critical first.
Why Should Your Business Use the CIS Controls?
Prioritized and Actionable: The controls are designed to address the most immediate and impactful risks first. By implementing the first few controls alone, businesses can mitigate a substantial percentage of common cyber threats.
Compliance and Regulatory Alignment: Many of the CIS Controls align with various regulatory frameworks such as HIPAA, PCI-DSS, and GDPR. Implementing them can help businesses meet these legal requirements while strengthening security.
Industry Best Practices: The CIS Controls are regularly updated based on input from security experts and real-world data. This ensures that your business is equipped to handle both current and emerging threats.
Cost-Effective: Implementing cybersecurity measures can be costly, but the CIS Controls allow businesses to focus their resources where they will have the greatest impact, reducing overall costs while improving security.
A Roadmap to Implementing the CIS Controls
Here’s a breakdown of how businesses can implement the CIS Controls in a phased manner:
Phase 1: Basic Cyber Hygiene
Every business, no matter its size, should begin with the Implementation Group 1 (IG1) controls, which cover essential cyber hygiene. These foundational measures create a strong defense against common attacks.
Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets (Control 1): Keeping an accurate inventory of all devices connected to your network is crucial. This helps ensure that unauthorized or unknown devices don’t compromise your systems.
Inventory and Control of Software Assets (Control 2): Identifying and managing all software ensures you’re aware of every program running in your environment, reducing the risk of outdated or malicious applications being exploited.
Continuous Vulnerability Management (Control 3): Regular scanning and patching of vulnerabilities helps to keep your systems secure and up to date.
Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges (Control 5): Ensuring that only trusted personnel have access to administrative functions reduces the risk of insider threats and minimizes the damage if accounts are compromised.
Phase 2: Key Controls for Enhanced Protection
After mastering the basics, businesses should focus on Implementation Group 2 (IG2), which offers more advanced protection.
Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software (Control 4): Establishing secure configurations ensures your devices and software are optimized for security rather than convenience, which is often the default.
Email and Web Browser Protections (Control 7): Since most attacks come through phishing emails or malicious websites, securing these channels is critical.
Malware Defenses (Control 8): Use automated tools to detect and mitigate malware threats before they cause damage.
Data Recovery Capabilities (Control 10): Regular, automated backups ensure your business can recover quickly from ransomware attacks or other disruptions.
Phase 3: Fine-Tuning Security and Continuous Monitoring
For businesses with more complex security needs, Implementation Group 3 (IG3) focuses on proactive security measures, real-time monitoring, and defense-in-depth strategies.
Security Awareness and Skills Training (Control 14): Human error is a leading cause of cyber incidents. Regular training ensures that employees recognize phishing attempts and other common threats.
Implementing a Security Operations Center (SOC): For businesses looking to maintain continuous monitoring, building a SOC enables swift response to security incidents.
Incident Response and Management (Control 17): Developing a well-defined incident response plan ensures your business can handle security breaches effectively, reducing downtime and potential losses.
Partnering with NPF Networks to Implement the CIS Controls
At NPF Networks, we specialize in helping businesses throughout Denver and beyond strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. We understand that every company has unique needs and resources, which is why we offer tailored services to guide you through the CIS Controls. From initial assessments to implementation and ongoing monitoring, our experts are here to ensure your business remains secure in an ever-evolving cyber landscape.
Why Choose Us?
Expert Guidance: Our team stays up-to-date on the latest security threats and trends, offering you the best advice on how to implement the CIS Controls effectively.
Customized Solutions: We don’t believe in one-size-fits-all. We’ll work closely with your business to develop a cybersecurity strategy tailored to your specific needs and industry regulations.
Ongoing Support: Cybersecurity isn’t a one-time task. We provide continuous monitoring and support to help you stay ahead of evolving threats.
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, businesses must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity. The CIS Critical Security Controls provide a clear, actionable roadmap to protect your business against a wide range of attacks. At NPF Networks, we’re committed to helping you implement these controls and fortify your business’s defenses, so you can focus on what matters most—growing your company.
To learn more about how we can help your business implement the CIS Controls and strengthen your cybersecurity defenses, contact NPF Networks today!
By adopting the CIS Controls and partnering with a trusted IT provider like NPF Networks, you’re not only securing your business but also gaining peace of mind in today’s digital world.
In today’s interconnected world, businesses and individuals are increasingly vulnerable to cyber threats. Protecting sensitive information from hackers, malware, and other malicious actors is now more critical than ever. To help combat these growing cybersecurity risks, organizations like the Center for Internet Security (CIS) play a pivotal role. But what exactly is CIS, and how does it help protect against cyber threats?
At NPF Networks, we prioritize keeping you informed about the resources available to bolster your cybersecurity efforts. This blog post provides an in-depth look at CIS, its mission, and its essential contributions to the cybersecurity landscape.
What Is the Center for Internet Security (CIS)?
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization founded in 2000 that focuses on improving the security and resilience of the internet. CIS offers a wide range of services, resources, and tools to help individuals, businesses, and governments defend against cyber threats. Their primary goal is to develop and promote best practices in cybersecurity, which can help organizations mitigate the risks posed by cyberattacks.
Headquartered in East Greenbush, New York, CIS is perhaps best known for its CIS Controls and CIS Benchmarks, two key frameworks that provide comprehensive guidance on how to secure systems, networks, and data.
The Mission of CIS
CIS’s mission is to make the connected world a safer place for people, businesses, and governments. It does this by:
Developing Cybersecurity Standards: CIS creates and maintains globally recognized best practices, including the CIS Controls and CIS Benchmarks, which are widely used to secure IT systems.
Providing Free Resources: CIS offers various tools, services, and resources that are accessible to the public to help organizations of all sizes strengthen their cybersecurity posture.
Collaborating with Global Experts: CIS works closely with cybersecurity experts from across the world, including professionals from both the public and private sectors, to ensure that its guidance is up to date and effective against the latest cyber threats.
Key CIS Offerings
The Center for Internet Security offers a variety of valuable tools and resources that help organizations protect against cyber threats. Let’s explore some of their most widely used offerings:
1. CIS Controls
The CIS Controls are a prioritized set of actions designed to mitigate the most common cyber threats. The controls consist of practical, actionable advice that organizations can use to improve their cybersecurity posture. They are broken down into three key implementation groups (IGs) based on the size and risk tolerance of an organization:
IG1: Basic cyber hygiene that applies to small organizations with limited resources.
IG2: More advanced practices for medium-sized organizations that have more technical staff.
IG3: The highest level of security for large enterprises facing targeted attacks.
These controls are regularly updated to address emerging threats and are widely regarded as a gold standard for cybersecurity management.
2. CIS Benchmarks
The CIS Benchmarks are best-practice guides for securing over 100 different technologies, including operating systems, cloud platforms, and web browsers. They provide detailed, vendor-neutral security configurations that organizations can implement to harden their systems and protect against cyberattacks.
What sets CIS Benchmarks apart is their accessibility. Many of these benchmarks are available to the public for free, making them a go-to resource for IT professionals looking to improve their system security.
3. CIS Hardened Images
CIS also provides CIS Hardened Images, which are virtual machine images pre-configured to meet CIS Benchmark standards. These hardened images are optimized for security and can be deployed in cloud environments like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud Platform (GCP). By using CIS Hardened Images, organizations can ensure that their cloud infrastructure is protected from the outset, minimizing the risk of vulnerabilities.
4. MS-ISAC
The Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center (MS-ISAC) is a division of CIS dedicated to improving the overall cybersecurity posture of the nation’s state, local, tribal, and territorial (SLTT) governments. MS-ISAC offers services such as threat intelligence, incident response, and cybersecurity training to these organizations, helping them protect critical infrastructure and public services.
The Role of CIS in Today’s Cybersecurity Landscape
CIS plays a vital role in shaping the cybersecurity landscape by providing the tools and guidance needed to address modern threats. As a nonprofit organization, CIS is uniquely positioned to offer unbiased, vendor-neutral advice, which makes it a trusted resource across various sectors.
Additionally, CIS’s collaborative approach ensures that its offerings are informed by input from a diverse range of experts. This collaboration leads to practical and effective solutions for improving cybersecurity, from small businesses to global enterprises and governments.
At NPF Networks, we often recommend CIS resources to our clients as part of their cybersecurity strategy. Whether it’s adopting the CIS Controls, leveraging CIS Benchmarks, or deploying CIS Hardened Images in the cloud, these tools can make a significant impact on an organization’s ability to defend against cyberattacks.
Why CIS Matters for Your Business
Cybersecurity is not a one-size-fits-all solution, but the guidance provided by CIS can help businesses of all sizes implement a strong foundation for security. Here’s why you should consider integrating CIS’s offerings into your cybersecurity strategy:
Actionable Guidance: The CIS Controls and Benchmarks provide clear, practical steps that can be implemented across any organization to mitigate cybersecurity risks.
Cost-Effective Solutions: Many CIS resources are free, making them accessible to organizations with limited budgets.
Industry Standard: CIS’s frameworks are widely recognized and respected across industries, meaning your business can align with globally accepted best practices.
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a critical player in the global fight against cybercrime. Through its development of industry-leading best practices and resources, CIS helps organizations safeguard their systems and data against ever-evolving cyber threats.
At NPF Networks, we are committed to helping businesses in the Denver area stay informed and protected. If you’re looking for ways to strengthen your cybersecurity, we recommend exploring the vast range of tools and resources that CIS offers. Whether you need guidance on implementing the CIS Controls or securing your cloud infrastructure, we’re here to help you make the most of these valuable assets.
Stay ahead of the curve and take advantage of CIS’s trusted solutions to protect your business from the dangers of the digital world.
For more information on how NPF Networks can assist with your cybersecurity needs, feel free to reach out to our Denver-based team at 303-778-9499!
In today’s fast-paced business world, staying updated with the latest software advancements is crucial for maintaining a competitive edge. Microsoft Office 365 has been at the forefront of productivity tools for years, and recent updates have added new features designed to enhance collaboration, security, and user experience. In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at some of the most important new updates to Office 365 that can help your business stay ahead.
1. Microsoft Loop: Transforming Collaboration
One of the most exciting additions to Office 365 is Microsoft Loop, a tool that redefines how teams collaborate in real time. Loop components allow users to embed dynamic elements such as lists, tables, and task trackers into emails, documents, and chats. These components update across apps, ensuring that every team member has the most current information, no matter where they are working from.
Key Benefits:
Real-time updates across apps
Enhanced productivity through seamless collaboration
Increased transparency in project management
2. Enhanced Security with Microsoft Defender
As cyber threats become more sophisticated, Microsoft continues to invest in security. One of the recent updates integrates Microsoft Defender more deeply into Office 365, providing advanced threat protection. Businesses now have access to tools like automated threat detection, cloud-based analytics, and an improved endpoint detection and response (EDR) system.
What It Means for Your Business:
Strengthened protection against phishing, ransomware, and malware
Reduced risk of data breaches through proactive monitoring
Comprehensive security for both cloud and on-premise environments
3. Teams Premium: New Features for Virtual Meetings
Microsoft Teams is an integral part of Office 365, and its new updates further enhance remote collaboration. Teams Premium introduces AI-driven features such as intelligent meeting recaps, which summarize key points and provide action items automatically. It also includes advanced customization options, making it easier for businesses to brand their virtual meetings.
New Features to Watch For:
AI-powered recaps and highlights
Custom branding for meetings
Increased participant limit and enhanced recording quality
4. Outlook Updates: Improved Efficiency
Outlook has received a series of updates aimed at making email management more efficient. The new “Suggested Replies” feature uses AI to provide quick, one-click response options for common email queries. Additionally, the revamped search functionality offers more accurate results, helping users find the information they need faster. Contact NPF Networks to learn more about our ‘Value Acceleration’ approach.
How This Helps You:
Save time with AI-suggested replies
Improved email search accuracy and speed
Enhanced task management through better calendar integration
SharePoint Syntex is a game-changer for businesses that manage large amounts of documents. This new tool uses AI to automatically tag, categorize, and classify content, making it easier to organize and retrieve important information. It also includes document processing capabilities, such as extracting metadata and automating workflows, streamlining day-to-day operations.
Why It Matters:
Automate document management processes
Easily classify and organize data
Improve overall business efficiency with AI-powered tools
6. OneDrive Improvements: Faster and More Secure File Sharing
OneDrive, Microsoft’s cloud storage solution, has also seen some significant updates. The new version offers faster syncing, improved sharing options, and enhanced security controls for sensitive data. Businesses can now share files more easily, set advanced permissions, and ensure that sensitive data is protected at all times.
What You Gain:
Faster file synchronization across devices
Advanced sharing options with customizable permissions
Greater control over document security and compliance
Final Thoughts: Stay Updated for Maximum Efficiency
Microsoft Office 365 continues to evolve, and keeping up with these updates can significantly enhance your business’s productivity, security, and collaboration capabilities. At NPF Networks, we specialize in helping businesses leverage the full power of Office 365, ensuring that they get the most out of each new feature. From seamless migrations to ongoing support, our team is here to help you stay ahead in a constantly changing tech landscape.
Ready to upgrade your Office 365 experience? Contact NPF Networks today to learn more about how we can help your business take advantage of these exciting new updates.
Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processor, the latest innovation in Intel’s lineup, is making waves with its third update in less than a year, particularly in Dell’s popular XPS 13 laptop. This rapid update cycle reflects Intel’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. But what does this mean for everyday users and developers who rely on the XPS 13 for their daily tasks?
The Core Ultra 200V processor represents a significant leap forward in Intel’s architecture. Originally launched to meet the growing demand for powerful yet energy-efficient processors, it quickly became a favorite for ultrabooks like Dell’s XPS 13. The three updates within a year demonstrate Intel’s proactive approach to refining its technology based on real-world feedback and emerging trends.
Each update has brought incremental improvements in performance, power management, and integrated graphics. These enhancements are designed to optimize the processor’s ability to handle intensive tasks, from complex computations to high-resolution media editing, while maintaining the laptop’s slim and portable form factor.
What These Updates Mean for XPS 13 Users
For XPS 13 users, the frequent updates to the Core Ultra 200V processor translate to several key benefits:
Enhanced Performance: Each update has fine-tuned the processor’s performance, ensuring that the XPS 13 can handle the latest software and applications with ease. Whether you’re a professional multitasking between multiple programs or a casual user streaming 4K content, the processor is optimized to deliver a smooth experience.
Improved Battery Life: One of the standout features of the Core Ultra 200V is its ability to balance performance with energy efficiency. The updates have further refined this balance, allowing users to enjoy longer battery life without sacrificing performance—a critical factor for professionals on the go.
Better Graphics Capabilities: With each update, Intel has also improved the integrated graphics performance of the Core Ultra 200V. This is particularly beneficial for users who engage in graphic-intensive tasks like video editing, gaming, or 3D rendering.
Future-Proofing: Frequent updates ensure that the processor remains compatible with upcoming software and technological advancements. This future-proofing aspect is crucial for users who want their devices to stay relevant and powerful for years to come.
Impact on Developers
For developers, the Core Ultra 200V’s updates offer several advantages:
Optimized Development Environment: Developers can expect a smoother and more responsive environment for coding, testing, and debugging. The improved performance of the processor ensures that resource-heavy applications run more efficiently, reducing lag and downtime.
Support for Advanced Applications: As Intel continues to enhance the processor’s capabilities, developers can push the boundaries of what their applications can do. This includes taking advantage of improved AI and machine learning performance, as well as better support for virtualization and containerization.
Adaptability to Emerging Technologies: The rapid update cycle indicates Intel’s agility in responding to new technological trends. Developers working on cutting-edge applications can trust that the Core Ultra 200V will provide the necessary support and performance to experiment with and implement the latest innovations.
Intel’s Core Ultra 200V processor, now in its third update within a year, is a testament to the company’s dedication to continuous improvement. For Dell XPS 13 users, these updates mean a more powerful, efficient, and future-ready device. Developers, on the other hand, can leverage these enhancements to create more sophisticated and demanding applications.
As Intel continues to refine its processors, users and developers alike can look forward to even more advancements in performance, battery life, and graphics capabilities. The XPS 13, powered by the Core Ultra 200V, remains at the forefront of the ultrabook market, offering an unparalleled combination of power and portability. Call NPF Networks today to learn more or get general support 303-778-9499.
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