With the digital space becoming more important for businesses, the risk of cyber-attacks has amplified. This issue necessitates a high-level of protection to shield your systems and data from cybersecurity threats. One of the widely recognised and accepted methods to guarantee this security level is the implementation and comprehension of the CIS Top 20 cybersecurity controls. They provide a realistic overview for organisations looking to enhance their existing cybersecurity measures and work towards a robust cybersecurity framework.

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) designed the CIS Top 20 Critical Security Controls (CSC) to offer a systematic and methodical strategy for cyber defence. Every control is a suggested action for cybersecurity that offers particular defensive value and can be audited and implemented.

Understanding the CIS Top 20 Cybersecurity Controls

The 'CIS Top 20' controls are categorised into basic, foundational, and organisational families. The system complexity and the resources required to administer these differing controls vary, but together, they offer a valuable armour shielding your digital landscape from cyber-attacks.

Basic controls (1-6)

These controls are considered as cyber hygiene and are the key to protect against the most common cyber-attacks. They involve inventory and control of hardware assets, software assets, continuous vulnerability management, controlled use of administrative privileges, secure configuration for hardware and software on mobile devices, laptops, workstations, and servers, and maintenance, monitoring and analysis of audit logs.

Foundational controls (7-16)

These controls aim to find and fix weaknesses that can be exploited by more advanced threat actors. The controls in this category include email and web browser protections, malware defences, limitation and control of network ports, protocols and services, data recovery capability, secure configuration for network devices such as firewalls, routers, and switches, boundary defence, data protection, control of access based on the need to know, wireless access control, and account monitoring and control.

Organisational controls (17-20)

These controls often demand significant investment and resources, but they provide substantial organisational benefits. These include implementing a security awareness and training program, application software security, Incident response and management, and penetration tests and red team exercises.

Implementing the CIS Top 20 Cybersecurity Controls

While the CIS Top 20 seems comprehensive, the implementation can be a complex task due to the considerations of different cyber environments and requirements. However, these suggested steps can serve as your starting reference.

Step 1: Understand your organisation's specific needs

Every organisation has different cybersecurity requirement. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate what compliance practices you will need to follow. It includes future business strategies, legal and regulatory requirements, reliance on digital platforms, etc.

Step 2: Cybersecurity Risk Assessment

Consult with your IT department or cybersecurity experts to conduct a risk assessment to understand current vulnerabilities and to plan for probable threats. This covers an evaluation of hardware, software, network configurations, staff awareness and more.

Step 3: Internal Controls

Match internal controls with the top 20 controls with a view to assessing which offers your organisation maximum protection against potential threats. This will help in prioritising the implementation of controls.

Step 4: Schedule Regular Audits and Reviews

An external review of cybersecurity incidents or near misses helps optimise compliance. Regular assessments will ensure that your strategies still meet current risks and threats, and allow for adjustments and updates when required.

Step 5: Staff Training

Employee behaviour is frequently the weakest link in cybersecurity defences, so continuous training on the importance of complying with the cybersecurity controls is crucial.

Step 6: Incident Response Plan

Prepare an Incident response plan, so everyone in the organisation knows what is expected of them in case of a cyber incident. This needs to be regularly reviewed and adjusted in accordance with the organisation’s evolving needs.

In conclusion, implementing the CIS Top 20 can equip your organisation with a strong defence against cyber threats. The investment in cybersecurity is worthwhile, considering the implications of the potential risks we face in this digital era. The effort put into understanding and the successful implementation of the CIS Top 20 cybersecurity indeed correlates with unyielding protection. It is a powerful tool against cyber threats, making it an essential component in an organisation's overall security strategy.