Decoding The CIS Control Framework for K12 IT Teams

In the rapidly evolving landscape of digital education, K-12 institutions face a unique array of cybersecurity challenges. As schools increasingly rely on digital tools and platforms to deliver curriculum and manage administrative tasks, the need for robust cybersecurity measures has never been more critical.

Nowadays, the sensitive nature of the information stored in educational systems, ranging from personal student records to financial data and the lack of proper security protection, makes K-12 institutions lucrative targets for cybercriminals.

Thus, to address these pressing concerns and ensure compliance with security regulations and standards, K-12 institutions must adopt a proactive approach to cybersecurity.

One cybersecurity framework for schools that has emerged as a guiding light in this endeavor is the CIS Control Framework. This framework provides a comprehensive set of guidelines and best practices designed to bolster the security posture of K-12 IT systems.

In this blog post, we will examine how the CIS Control Framework can serve as a valuable tool for K-12 IT teams in navigating these challenges and achieving security compliance.

Understanding the CIS Control Frameworks

The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls provides a curated list of best practices for securing IT systems and data against cyber threats.

Developed by a global community of cybersecurity experts, these controls offer a comprehensive framework for schools to assess and improve their security posture.

What sets the CIS Controls apart is their practicality and relevance across diverse industries, including the education sector.

At its core, the CIS Controls framework consists of a prioritized set of security actions, organized into 18 controls, that collectively form the foundation of an effective cybersecurity program.

These controls are based on real-world cyber-attacks and expert insights, making them highly actionable and adaptable to various IT environments.

Structure of the CIS Control Framework: Grouping of Controls

The CIS Controls are structured into three distinct categories, each serving a specific purpose in strengthening an organization's security defenses:

• Basic Controls: These controls represent the fundamental security measures that every school should implement. Basic controls lay the groundwork for a robust cybersecurity posture and serve as essential building blocks for more advanced security strategies.
• Foundational Controls: They delve deeper into specific areas of cybersecurity, such as asset management, vulnerability management, and access control. These controls address core security principles and help schools establish a solid foundation for their security programs.
• Organizational Controls: As schools mature in their cybersecurity journey, organizational controls become increasingly relevant. These controls focus on risk management, and incident response, enabling schools to manage security risks proactively and effectively.

Whether a school is just beginning its cybersecurity journey or seeking to enhance its existing security program, CIS Controls offer actionable guidance for improving security posture and reducing cyber risk.

General Benefits of CIS Controls for K-12 IT Teams

Implementing the CIS Control Framework holds profound significance for K-12 IT teams, as it offers a tailored approach to addressing the unique cybersecurity challenges prevalent in educational environments.

Each control within the framework serves a specific purpose in enhancing security posture and mitigating cyber threats, ultimately safeguarding students’, and educators' data.

• Reduced Cyber Risk: Controls such as continuous vulnerability management (CIS Control 7) and secure configuration (CIS Control 4) help mitigate the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access, reducing the likelihood of cyber incidents impacting educational operations.
• Compliance with Regulatory RequirementsThe CIS Control Framework provides a roadmap for achieving compliance with regulatory mandates and industry standards, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and the Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA).
• Enhanced Incident Response CapabilitiesIn the event of a cybersecurity incident, K-12 IT teams equipped with the CIS Controls are better prepared to detect, respond to, and recover from security breaches. Controls such as secure network strategies (CIS Control 12) and data protection (CIS Control 3) enable proactive monitoring and quick incident response, minimizing the impact of cyber-attacks on educational operations and data integrity.
• Improved Resource AllocationThe prioritized nature of CIS Controls allows K-12 IT teams to allocate resources effectively, focusing on implementing controls that offer the greatest security impact.
• Protection of Student and Educator DataControls such as controlled access based (CIS Control 6), data protection (CIS Control 3)  and account monitoring and control (CIS Control 5) ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive information and the proper security procedures, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized disclosure.
• Promotion of Cybersecurity AwarenessImplementing CIS Controls fosters a culture of cybersecurity awareness within K-12 institutions, empowering students, educators, and administrators to recognize and respond to cyber threats effectively.

Integrating cybersecurity education and training initiatives into the curriculum, K-12 IT teams can build a more resilient digital learning environment and empower stakeholders to play an active role in protecting sensitive information.

Deep Dive into Essential Controls

While all 18 CIS Controls are valuable, not every control may be equally relevant or feasible for implementation within a K-12 school setting, that’s why will discuss about some essential security controls.

Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets (CIS Control 1)

K-12 schools manage a diverse array of hardware assets, including computers, laptops, mobile devices, and network equipment.

The first step in securing these assets is to maintain an accurate inventory and establish controls to track and manage their usage.

Key considerations include:

• Asset Discovery: Conduct regular audits to identify all hardware assets connected to the institution's network, including both managed and unmanaged devices.
• Asset Tracking: Implement asset tracking solutions to maintain an up-to-date inventory of hardware assets, including information such as device location, ownership, and configuration details.
• Access Controls: Execute access controls to restrict unauthorized access to hardware assets and ensure that only authorized users can interact with sensitive equipment.

Benefits:

• Improved Asset Management: Enables IT teams to track and manage hardware assets effectively, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or loss.
• Enhanced Security: Helps identify and mitigate vulnerabilities associated with hardware devices, ensuring they are properly secured and updated.

Inventory and Control of Software Assets (CIS Control 2)

Software assets present another critical area of concern for K-12 schools, as the proliferation of applications and software tools increases the attack surface and potential for security vulnerabilities.

To mitigate risks associated with software assets, schools should focus on:

• Software Inventory: Maintain a comprehensive inventory of all software applications and tools deployed within the IT environment, including information on licensing, versions, and usage.
• Patch Management: Implement a robust patch management process to ensure that software applications are regularly updated with the latest security patches and updates to address known vulnerabilities.
• License Compliance: Monitor software usage and ensure compliance with licensing agreements to avoid legal and financial consequences associated with unauthorized software usage.

Benefits:

• Reduced Security Risks: Helps identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities associated with software applications, reducing the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
• License Compliance: Ensures compliance with software licensing agreements, reducing the risk of legal and financial consequences.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Streamlines software management processes, enabling IT teams to optimize resource allocation and improve operational efficiency.

Data Protection (CIS Control 3)

Protecting sensitive data is paramount for K-12 institutions to maintain the privacy and confidentiality of student and staff information.

Effective data protection measures should include:

• Data Classification: Classify sensitive data based on its level of sensitivity and regulatory requirements and implement appropriate security controls to protect classified data from unauthorized access and disclosure.
• Encryption: Implement encryption technologies to protect data both at rest and in transit, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
• Access Controls: Implement access controls and user authentication mechanisms to restrict access to sensitive data based on the principle of the least privilege, ensuring that only authorized users can access and manipulate sensitive information.

Benefits:

• Data Confidentiality: Implements measures such as encryption and access controls to protect sensitive data from unauthorized access and disclosure.
• Compliance: Helps K-12 institutions comply with data protection regulations such as FERPA, COPPA, and state data privacy laws.
• Trust and Reputation: Enhances trust and confidence among students, parents, and stakeholders by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.

Account and Access Management (CIS Control 5 y 6)

Limiting administrative privileges is crucial for preventing unauthorized access and reducing the risk of insider threats within K-12 schools. To enforce controlled use of administrative privileges, institutions should:

• Least Privilege Principle: Adhere to the principle of least privilege by granting users only the privileges necessary to perform their job functions, minimizing the risk of unauthorized access and privilege abuse.
• Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): Implement RBAC policies to assign roles and permissions based on job responsibilities and organizational hierarchy, ensuring that users have access only to the resources and data necessary to fulfill their duties.
• Privilege Escalation Monitoring: Monitor and audit privileged user activities to detect unauthorized privilege escalations and suspicious behavior, enabling timely intervention and mitigation of potential security incidents.

Benefits:

• Least Privilege Principle: Adheres to the principle of least privilege by granting users only the privileges necessary to perform their job functions, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and privilege abuse.
• Insider Threat Mitigation: Helps mitigate insider threats by limiting the ability of users to escalate privileges and access sensitive information without proper authorization.
• Enhanced Security Posture: Strengthens the overall security posture of K-12 environments by reducing the attack surface and minimizing the potential impact of security incidents.

Continuous Vulnerability Management (CIS Control 7)

Continuous vulnerability management is essential for identifying and addressing security vulnerabilities within the IT infrastructure before they can be exploited by attackers.

Key components of effective vulnerability management include:

• Vulnerability Scanning: Conduct regular vulnerability scans to identify weaknesses and security vulnerabilities within the IT environment, including software misconfigurations, outdated software versions, and unpatched vulnerabilities.
• Patch Management: Prioritize and remediate identified vulnerabilities through timely patching and software updates, reducing the window of exposure and mitigating the risk of exploitation by malicious actors.
• Risk Assessment: Evaluate the severity and potential impact of identified vulnerabilities to prioritize remediation efforts and allocate resources effectively based on risk severity and organizational priorities.

Benefits:

• Proactive Risk Mitigation: Enables IT teams to identify and remediate security vulnerabilities in a timely manner, reducing the risk of cyber-attacks and data breaches.
• Improved Incident Response: Enhances incident response capabilities by providing timely visibility into potential security threats and vulnerabilities.
• Compliance: Supports compliance with regulatory requirements related to vulnerability management and security best practices.

Email and Web Browser Protections (CIS Control 9)

Email and web browsers are common vectors for cyber threats, including phishing attacks, malware downloads, and malicious website visits.

CIS Control 9 focuses on implementing protections to mitigate the risks associated with email and web browsing activities within K-12 education institutions.

• Email Authentication Protocols: Enforce the use of email authentication protocols such as SPF (Sender Policy Framework), DKIM (DomainKeys Identified Mail), and DMARC (Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting, and Conformance) to prevent email spoofing and phishing attacks.
• Secure Email Gateway (SEG): Configure the SEG to perform content inspection, threat detection, and URL filtering to identify and block malicious email content.
• Web Browser Security Settings: Implement browser security features such as sandboxing, content security policies (CSP), and safe browsing mechanisms to mitigate the risk of web-based attacks and drive-by downloads.

Benefits:

• Mitigation of Email-Based Threats: By implementing email protection measures such as secure email gateways and authentication protocols, K-12 institutions can significantly reduce the risk of email-based threats such as phishing attacks, malware attachments, and spam emails.
• Phishing Awareness and Education: Training students, educators, and administrative staff, on email security best practices to increase awareness and reduce susceptibility to phishing attacks.
• Prevention of Malicious Web Activities: Implementing web browser security settings and web content filtering solutions helps prevent access to malicious websites and downloads, reducing the risk of malware infections.

Data Recovery (CIS Control 11)

Data recovery is a critical aspect of cybersecurity for K-12 schools, ensuring the availability and integrity of essential data in the event of a security incident, system failure, or natural disaster.

CIS Control 11 focuses on implementing measures to facilitate timely data recovery and minimize the impact of data loss or corruption.

• Backup and Recovery Planning: Identify critical data assets, including student records, curriculum materials, and administrative documents, and prioritize them for backup and recovery purposes.
• Regular Data Backups: Establish backup schedules and retention policies based on the organization's data retention requirements and recovery objectives, ensuring that backups are performed at regular intervals and retained for the necessary duration.
• Incident Response Integration: Integrate data recovery procedures into the organization's incident response plan to ensure a coordinated and timely response to data loss incidents.

Benefits:

• Data Availability and Integrity: In the event of data loss or corruption due to system failure, human error, or cyber-attack, timely data recovery enables the institution to maintain continuity of operations and minimize disruption to teaching and learning activities.
• Compliance with Regulatory Requirements: Executing data recovery measures that enable timely restoration of data in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
• Protection Against Ransomware and Cyber Attacks: Implementing data backup and recovery measures helps protect against ransomware attacks by enabling the restoration of data from backup copies and minimizing potential financial losses.

Security Awareness and Training (CIS Control 14)

The human factor is a crucial element in any security strategy. It is easier for an attacker to entice a user to click a link or open an email attachment to install malware in order to get into the system, than to find a network exploit to do it directly.

This control emphasizes the need to establish and maintain a security awareness program that educates all users about the importance of cybersecurity and trains them on their specific security responsibilities.

• Assessment of Training Needs: The first step is to identify the specific training required for each individual by understanding their roles and determining the level of cybersecurity knowledge necessary.
• Development of a Training Program: Develop a training program on key security topics tailored to suit everyone (staff and students), based on the assessment. Ensure that the materials created are engaging and comprehensible for all ages and skill levels.
• Regular Updates and Schedules: The training program needs regular updates to address the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices. Scheduling frequent training sessions and refresher courses is also crucial to maintain security awareness among users.
• Phishing Tests: Carry out simulated phishing exercises to instruct users on identifying and reacting to malicious emails. These tests can reinforce lessons from training sessions and assess the practical application of learned knowledge.
• Metrics and Feedback: Set up metrics to gauge the efficacy of the training program. Also, gather feedback from participants to continuously enhance the training content and delivery approaches.

Benefits:

• Educating the Educators and Students: Teachers and students frequently serve as the first line of defense against cyber threats. Providing education on phishing, password management, and secure internet practices can considerably lower the risk of security incidents.
• Building a Security Culture: Security awareness training cultivates a security-conscious culture within the school. When everyone grasps the risks and their part in minimizing them, the whole institution becomes more robust against cyber threats.

Incident Response Management (CIS Control 17)

It’s not a matter of if but when. This control outlines the need to develop and implement an incident response plan that can effectively manage any kind of security incidents, minimize damage and prevent future occurrences.

• Incident Response Plan Development: Develop a comprehensive incident response plan that includes clear procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from incidents.
• Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly define and assign roles and responsibilities for incident response within the IT team and broader school staff. Everyone should know what to do and who to contact in the event of a security incident.
• Communication Strategies: Establish protocols for communicating with both internal stakeholders (such as staff and students) and external parties (like parents, law enforcement, and media if necessary) during and after an incident.
• Regular Testing and Drills: Carry out regular exercises and drills to evaluate the efficacy of the incident response plan. These exercises should replicate real-life scenarios to offer practical experience and pinpoint areas that need improvement.

Benefits:

• Cost Savings: Effective incident management can help schools avoid extensive damages and losses, leading to significant cost savings. This includes potential savings from preventing data breaches, which can be expensive due to direct financial impact and reputational damage.
• Reduced Impact of Incidents: An effectively executed incident response plan can greatly shorten the time taken to detect and contain incidents. This minimizes their effect on school operations and the integrity of sensitive data.
• Compliance with Regulations: Numerous K-12 institutions must adhere to regulations that necessitate formal incident response plans. The implementation of effective incident response procedures aids in complying with these regulations, thus preventing potential legal and financial penalties.
• Enhanced Preparedness: By conducting regular testing and drills, the IT team and other school staff are better prepared to handle real incidents. This level of preparedness can significantly influence the outcome of an incident.

Conclusion

In conclusion, essential cybersecurity for K-12 institutions plays a critical role in safeguarding the sensitive information and digital assets.

The CIS Control Framework offers a comprehensive roadmap for K-12 IT teams to enhance their security posture and mitigate cyber risks effectively. We could say it’s one of the best cybersecurity frameworks.

By adopting CIS Controls, K-12 institutions can establish a structured approach to cybersecurity that addresses the unique challenges and requirements of the education sector.

From inventory and asset management to data protection and vulnerability management, the CIS Controls provide practical guidance and best practices for securing IT environments and safeguarding sensitive information.

Whether you are just starting to implement cybersecurity measures or seeking to enhance existing practices, CIS Controls offer a valuable resource for improving security resilience and mitigating cyber threats.