As organizations increasingly rely on cloud infrastructure, safeguarding data and systems has never been more crucial. The challenge isn’t just about keeping up with cyber threats—it’s about choosing the right tools and frameworks to do the job. Two giants in the world of cybersecurity frameworks are the CIS Controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF).
If you’re trying to decide between them—or even wondering if you can use both—you’re not alone. Understanding the strengths and focus of each framework can help you build a resilient, compliant, and effective cybersecurity strategy tailored to your cloud environment.
Let’s dive into what these frameworks are, how they differ, and how to determine the right fit for your needs.
What Is CIS?
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving global cybersecurity. Its CIS Controls are a set of 18 prioritized security actions designed to help organizations mitigate common cyber threats. Think of CIS as the “how-to guide” for implementing security measures. It’s prescriptive, actionable, and especially helpful for teams that need clear steps to secure their systems.
What Is Nist?
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. federal agency that created the Cybersecurity Framework (CSF). This framework takes a more holistic approach, focusing on managing risks rather than providing specific technical instructions. NIST breaks cybersecurity into five core functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, and Recover. This makes it highly flexible and adaptable to organizations of any size or industry.
Key Differences Between CIS and NIST
Understanding the core differences between these frameworks can help you see which one aligns better with your needs.
1. The Approach
CIS is all about action. It provides detailed recommendations on securing systems and data, making it ideal for organizations that need a step-by-step playbook. For example, if you’re setting up a cloud server and want to know exactly how to configure it securely, CIS benchmarks are your best friend.
NIST, by contrast, is a strategic tool. It’s designed to help organizations identify risks, prioritize their responses, and create a broader security strategy. It doesn’t prescribe specific actions but instead encourages businesses to tailor the framework to their unique risks and goals.
2. Scope and Audience
CIS is highly practical for small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) or organizations without a mature cybersecurity program. It’s simple to understand and implement, making it accessible even for teams without specialized expertise.
NIST’s broader, more flexible approach is often favored by larger organizations or industries with complex compliance requirements. Its alignment with regulatory standards like HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI DSS makes it a natural choice for sectors such as healthcare, finance, and government.
3. Compliance
While CIS provides excellent benchmarks for securing systems, it doesn’t explicitly address regulatory compliance. NIST, on the other hand, is closely tied to compliance. Many regulations reference NIST standards, making it essential for organizations operating in heavily regulated environments.
Evaluating Your Cloud Environment Needs
Before choosing a framework, it’s important to assess your organization’s specific needs, resources, and goals. Here are some key factors to consider:
Organizational Size and Expertise
If your team is smaller or lacks dedicated cybersecurity expertise, CIS may be the better fit. Its prescriptive approach simplifies implementation, offering clear steps to secure cloud environments.
For larger organizations with diverse operations, NIST’s flexibility and emphasis on risk management provide the structure needed to handle complex security challenges.
Regulatory Landscape
Are you subject to strict industry regulations? NIST is often referenced in regulatory standards, making it a valuable framework for ensuring compliance.
If your primary goal is securing your cloud infrastructure rather than navigating regulatory complexity, CIS’s practical benchmarks can help you implement robust security quickly.
Risk Management Approach
Do you prefer a structured, technical checklist or a strategic framework that adapts to evolving risks? CIS offers specific, actionable controls, while NIST encourages you to develop a dynamic, customized approach to risk management.
CIS vs. NIST: Can You Use Both Frameworks?
The beauty of CIS and NIST is that they’re not mutually exclusive. In fact, combining the two can help you create a comprehensive cybersecurity strategy.
For example, many organizations use NIST as the overarching framework to define their cybersecurity objectives, then rely on CIS for implementation guidance. This hybrid approach allows you to benefit from NIST’s strategic flexibility while leveraging CIS’s practical controls to secure specific cloud resources.
Mapping CIS Controls to the NIST Cybersecurity Framework can simplify this process. The CIS team has already done much of this work, making it easier to align both frameworks and maximize their impact.
CIS vs. NIST: Making the Right Choice
Choosing between CIS and NIST—or deciding to use both—depends on your organization’s unique needs. If you’re looking for immediate, actionable steps to secure your cloud environment, CIS is a fantastic starting point.
On the other hand, if your organization requires a broader risk management strategy, particularly in regulated industries, NIST offers the flexibility and structure needed to address long-term security goals.
No matter which framework you choose, remember that cybersecurity is an ongoing effort. Regular assessments, updates, and training are essential to stay ahead of emerging threats and ensure your cloud environment remains secure.
Simplify Compliance with ScaleOps
Navigating cybersecurity frameworks like CIS and NIST doesn’t have to be overwhelming. ScaleOps helps you bridge the gap between frameworks, providing tools to identify gaps in your cloud environment and actionable steps to meet compliance standards.
Whether you’re focused on CIS, NIST, or both, ScaleOps smooths the process, so you can secure your infrastructure without the stress. Start your free trial today and let ScaleOps guide your journey to better cloud security and compliance.