A tailored course, built for your situation
Mastering CIS Controls for Program Managers in Defense and Aerospace
A structured path to command the cybersecurity framework shaping modern defense programs
$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.
Struggling to align security controls with program timelines and technical delivery?
The situation this course is for
Many program managers inherit cybersecurity frameworks as late-stage compliance hurdles, leading to rework, stakeholder friction, and delayed milestones. Without early integration, teams face last-minute control gaps, auditor escalations, and unplanned scope changes that impact schedule and budget.
Who this is for
Senior program and project leaders in defense, aerospace, and critical infrastructure who own delivery of systems requiring robust cybersecurity posture and compliance alignment.
Who this is not for
Individuals seeking IT security hands-on labs or certification prep; this is not a technical 'how to configure a firewall' course.
What you walk away with
- Precise mapping of CIS Controls to program phases and system components
- Ability to translate control requirements into actionable implementation criteria
- Fluency in justifying control tailoring with documented risk rationale
- Confidence leading cross-functional reviews with engineering, security, and compliance teams
- A repeatable control validation approach accepted by assessors and auditors
The 12 modules (with all 144 chapters)
Module 1. Introduction to CIS Controls and Program Leadership
Understand the role of CIS Controls in modern defense programs and why command of them accelerates trusted delivery.
12 chapters in this module
- What the CIS Controls are
- Why they matter in defense contracting
- Structure of the framework
- Control implementation tiers
- Mapping to NIST CSF and other standards
- Role of program leadership
- Common misconceptions
- Control ownership model
- Lifecycle integration points
- Risk-based tailoring principles
- Assurance vs compliance
- Framework evolution trends
Module 2. Control 1: Inventory and Control of Hardware Assets
Master asset discovery, classification, and governance workflows for complex hardware environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Hardware asset identification
- Automated discovery methods
- Asset ownership assignment
- Decommissioning workflows
- Supply chain considerations
- Foreign object detection
- Mobile device tracking
- Remote site inventories
- Legacy system inclusion
- Hardware assurance checks
- Audit trail requirements
- Reporting cadence setup
Module 3. Control 2: Inventory and Control of Software Assets
Establish visibility and governance over software components across development and deployment.
12 chapters in this module
- Software bill of materials
- Approved software lists
- Version control enforcement
- License compliance tracking
- Shadow software detection
- DevSecOps integration
- Container image governance
- Open source monitoring
- Software risk scoring
- Patch status visibility
- Decommissioning protocols
- Audit readiness checklist
Module 4. Control 3: Data Protection
Implement classification, labeling, and protection of sensitive program data.
12 chapters in this module
- Data classification schema
- Labeling conventions
- Encryption at rest and in transit
- Data handling policies
- DLP implementation
- Export control alignment
- Clearance-based access
- Data retention rules
- Print and transfer controls
- Cloud data governance
- Removable media policy
- Breach detection triggers
Module 5. Control 4: Secure Configuration of Enterprise Assets
Define and enforce secure baselines for systems and devices.
12 chapters in this module
- Baseline configuration standards
- CIS Benchmarks use
- Hardening checklists
- Automated compliance scanning
- Golden image management
- Configuration drift detection
- Change control integration
- Patch management workflow
- Vendor-defined defaults
- Secure boot enforcement
- Uninstall unnecessary software
- Remote configuration audits
Module 6. Control 5: Account Management
Govern user provisioning, roles, and access lifecycle.
12 chapters in this module
- User provisioning workflow
- Role-based access control
- Access approval hierarchy
- Privileged account tracking
- Service account governance
- Account deactivation timing
- Shared account policy
- Access review cadence
- Break-glass procedures
- Remote access controls
- Identity provider integration
- Audit logging for access changes
Module 7. Control 6: Multi-Factor Authentication
Implement strong authentication across systems and networks.
12 chapters in this module
- MFA enforcement scope
- Phishing-resistant methods
- Hardware token use
- Adaptive authentication
- Fallback mechanism risks
- Remote worker access
- Third-party vendor access
- Emergency bypass policy
- MFA audit logging
- User training requirements
- Deployment milestones
- Compliance validation
Module 8. Control 7: Continuous Vulnerability Management
Operationalize scanning, prioritization, and remediation of vulnerabilities.
12 chapters in this module
- Vulnerability scanning cadence
- Critical system focus
- Automated scanning tools
- CVSS scoring use
- Remediation SLAs
- False positive handling
- Patch testing workflow
- Zero-day response
- Third-party assessment
- Reporting to leadership
- Escalation paths
- Metrics for improvement
Module 9. Control 8: Audit Log Management
Ensure logs are generated, protected, and usable for investigations.
12 chapters in this module
- Log generation requirements
- Centralized log collection
- Retention duration
- Log integrity protection
- SIEM integration
- Search and retrieval
- Incident investigation use
- Log access controls
- External auditor access
- Chain of custody
- Log review frequency
- Anomaly detection
Module 10. Control 9: Email and Web Browser Protections
Secure common attack vectors through configuration and training.
12 chapters in this module
- Email filtering setup
- Phishing simulation use
- Browser hardening
- URL filtering
- Extension control
- Domain reputation checks
- User awareness training
- Sandboxing web content
- Certificate validation
- Link preview policies
- Mobile email security
- Reporting phishing attempts
Module 11. Control 10: Malware Defenses
Deploy and manage endpoint protection across diverse environments.
12 chapters in this module
- Antivirus deployment
- EDR vs AV comparison
- Signature and behavior detection
- Quarantine procedures
- Threat intelligence feeds
- Sandbox integration
- Zero-day malware response
- False positive rate
- Regular testing
- Remediation workflow
- Malware dashboard
- Incident reporting
Module 12. Control 11, 18: Advanced and Operational Controls
Implement network, perimeter, and incident response controls with program-level oversight.
12 chapters in this module
- Network segmentation design
- Firewall rule management
- Perimeter defense
- Penetration testing
- Incident response plan
- Backup and recovery
- Secure development policies
- Change control process
- Third-party risk
- Cybersecurity training
- Physical access controls
- Supply chain assurance
How this maps to your situation
- Program initiation and requirements
- System design and architecture review
- Development and integration phase
- Testing and compliance validation
Before vs. after
Before
Approaching cybersecurity controls reactively, relying on external teams to define compliance, and facing last-minute escalations during audits.
After
Proactively shaping control implementation, confidently justifying tailoring decisions, and delivering assurance evidence as planned program milestones.
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 8, 10 hours total, designed for completion in focused sessions over 2, 3 weeks.
If nothing changes
Without structured mastery of the CIS Controls, program leaders risk delayed deliveries, auditor findings, and diminished influence in cross-functional technical decisions, especially as cybersecurity becomes a non-negotiable in defense program performance.
How this compares to the alternatives
Unlike generic cybersecurity courses, this program is tailored to program managers in high-assurance environments, focusing on control ownership, integration into delivery lifecycle, and leadership communication, not technical implementation details.
Frequently asked
Is this course technical or leadership-focused?
It's leadership-focused. You won't configure firewalls, but you will gain the depth to guide teams, validate implementations, and own control outcomes.
How is the course structured?
12 modules, each containing 12 chapters (144 chapters total).
Does it map to other standards like NIST or ISO?
Yes, crosswalks to NIST CSF, NIST 800-53, and SOC 2 are included in the implementation playbook.
$199 one-time. Approximately 8, 10 hours total, designed for completion in focused sessions over 2, 3 weeks..
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