A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering CIS Controls for Senior Technology Leaders
Build authority in cybersecurity fundamentals with a structured, actionable framework that aligns with real-world compliance and operational demands.
$199 one-time
24-hour access provisioning
30-day money-back guarantee
Hand-built implementation playbook
12 modules. 12 chapters per module. 144 chapters total.
12 modules, each with 12 chapters (144 chapters total), text-based, plus downloadable templates and a hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Who this is for
Senior technology leaders in regulated environments who operationalize security controls but lack formal frameworks to standardize and scale their approach.
Who this is not for
Entry-level security analysts, consultants selling frameworks externally, or executives seeking board-level narratives.
What you walk away with
- Complete command of the 20 CIS Controls and their real-world mapping to system configurations
- Ability to justify control priorities with reference to NIST, SOC 2, and ISO 27001 alignment
- Confidence to lead internal audits without escalation
- A repeatable process for assessing new systems against baseline security requirements
- Recognition as the go-to decision-maker for control implementation and enforcement
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Introduction to CIS Controls
Understand the origin, evolution, and core value of the CIS Controls in modern security operations. Learn how they complement regulatory and compliance frameworks.
12 chapters in this module
- What are the CIS Controls
- How they differ from ISO 27001
- Mapping to SOC 2 requirements
- The role of implementation tiers
- Integration with NIST CSF
- Use cases in financial services
- Control maturity levels
- Prioritizing critical safeguards
- Linking controls to risk appetite
- Common misconceptions
- Framework adoption trends
- Getting executive buy-in
Module 2. Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets
Establish a reliable foundation by mastering asset tracking, classification, and accountability.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining asset ownership
- Automated discovery methods
- Maintaining accurate records
- Decommissioning protocols
- Handling virtual machines
- Cloud instance tracking
- Tagging standards
- Integration with CMDB
- Audit trail requirements
- Handling shadow IT
- Mobile device inclusion
- Reporting frequency
Module 3. Inventory and Control of Software Assets
Gain control over software deployment, licensing, and risk exposure.
12 chapters in this module
- Software approval process
- Whitelisting techniques
- Version tracking
- End-of-life management
- License compliance
- Patch eligibility rules
- Cloud-native services
- Containerized applications
- Monitoring SaaS usage
- Open-source inventory
- Risk scoring models
- Integration with ticketing
Module 4. Continuous Vulnerability Management
Implement a proactive cycle of scanning, prioritization, and remediation.
12 chapters in this module
- Scanning frequency standards
- CVSS scoring basics
- Automated patch deployment
- Critical vs high distinction
- False positive review
- Third-party dependency risks
- Integration with DevOps
- Reporting to leadership
- Remediation SLAs
- Escalation paths
- Zero-day tracking
- Vendor patch coordination
Module 5. Controlled Use of Administrative Privileges
Secure high-risk access with policies and monitoring tailored to production systems.
12 chapters in this module
- Defining admin roles
- Just-in-time access
- Session logging
- Credential rotation
- Break-glass procedures
- Multi-factor enforcement
- Privileged access workflows
- Monitoring for misuse
- Integration with PAM
- Audit trail depth
- Role review cadence
- Emergency override rules
Module 6. Secure Configuration for Hardware and Software
Enforce baseline settings across endpoints, servers, and cloud platforms.
12 chapters in this module
- Standard build templates
- CIS Benchmarks usage
- Group policy enforcement
- Hardening cloud instances
- OS-specific settings
- Application configuration
- Change control process
- Compliance scanning tools
- Remediation workflows
- Golden image maintenance
- Cloud configuration drift
- Automated compliance checks
Module 7. Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs
Ensure logs are complete, protected, and actionable.
12 chapters in this module
- Log retention policy
- Centralized collection
- Integrity protection
- Access control for logs
- Normalization formats
- SIEM integration
- Event correlation rules
- Alerting thresholds
- Forensic readiness
- Performance impact
- Cloud-native logging
- Retention compliance
Module 8. Email and Web Browser Protections
Reduce attack surface through hardened client applications.
12 chapters in this module
- Browser extension control
- Phishing-resistant settings
- Pop-up blocking
- Safe browsing policies
- Email filtering integration
- Link rewriting
- Attachment sandboxing
- User training integration
- Configuration management
- Version compliance
- Mobile client security
- Reporting phishing attempts
Module 9. Malware Defenses
Deploy layered protection with prevention, detection, and response capabilities.
12 chapters in this module
- Antivirus deployment
- Behavioral analysis
- Signature updates
- Endpoint detection tools
- Quarantine procedures
- Threat intelligence feeds
- Ransomware protection
- Zero-day detection
- Incident triage
- User notification
- Whitelist exceptions
- Evasion technique awareness
Module 10. Limitation and Control of Network Ports, Protocols, and Services
Minimize exposure through disciplined network configuration.
12 chapters in this module
- Service inventory
- Port closure standards
- Protocol deprecation
- Firewall rule reviews
- Default deny policies
- Network segmentation
- Micro-segmentation basics
- Cloud security groups
- Service justification
- Change approval workflow
- Monitoring for exceptions
- Automated enforcement
Module 11. Data Recovery
Ensure availability through reliable backup and restore processes.
12 chapters in this module
- Backup frequency
- Retention periods
- Immutable storage
- Encryption standards
- Offsite copies
- Cloud snapshot management
- Recovery point objectives
- Recovery time objectives
- Testing procedures
- Verification logs
- Disaster recovery alignment
- Failover documentation
Module 12. Implementation and Ongoing Management
Sustain control adoption with governance, monitoring, and continuous improvement.
12 chapters in this module
- Framework ownership
- Control metrics
- Audit readiness
- Stakeholder reporting
- Continuous improvement
- Tool integration
- Team training
- Policy alignment
- Executive updates
- Benchmarking progress
- Third-party validation
- Long-term roadmap
How this maps to your situation
- New security mandate execution
- Internal audit preparation
- Cross-functional control alignment
- Vendor security assessment
Before vs. after
Before
Relying on scattered best practices and reactive fixes for security controls.
After
Owning a complete, repeatable framework for implementing and verifying CIS Controls across systems.
What's included with your purchase
- 12 modules with 12 chapters each (144 chapters)
- Downloadable templates and worked examples for every module
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
- 30-day money-back guarantee
Delivery and format
- Course and learning environment access provisioned within 24 hours of purchase
- Hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access
Format: Text-based modules and chapters in the Art of Service learning environment, plus downloadable templates and worked examples for every chapter, plus the hand-built implementation playbook delivered alongside course access.
Time investment: Approximately 2.5 hours per module, designed for completion in 6-8 weeks with weekly progress.
If nothing changes
Continuing without a structured approach risks inconsistent enforcement, audit findings, and loss of influence on security decisions.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic compliance training or vendor-specific certifications, this course focuses on practical implementation of the CIS Controls within real technology leadership roles , no theory, no fluff, just actionable steps for immediate use.
Frequently asked
Is this course technical or strategic?
It's both , written for senior practitioners who must lead technical teams while demonstrating accountability to leadership.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, upon completion of all modules and a final knowledge check.
$199 one-time. Approximately 2.5 hours per module, designed for completion in 6-8 weeks with weekly progress..
Within 24 hours your account in the learning environment is provisioned and the tailored implementation playbook is delivered alongside it.
30-day money-back guarantee·
144 chapters·
Hand-built playbook included·
Account access within 24 hours