Master CIS Benchmark compliance: Simplify network security with automation

As a network admin, balancing optimized configurations with compliance requirements often feels like managing competing priorities. With networks growing more complex every day, achieving and sustaining compliance with the Center for Internet Security (CIS) Benchmarks can feel like a constant uphill battle. However, it doesn't have to be an overwhelming burden.

The CIS Benchmarks offer practical, best practice guidelines for securing devices, systems, and applications against evolving threats. Yet, applying these standards manually across an expanding network can quickly become a resource-intensive and error-prone task.

In this blog, we’ll break down how the CIS Benchmarks strengthen your network security, why they’re critical for compliance, and how automation tools like ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager can streamline the entire process, making compliance simpler, faster, and far more sustainable.

What are the CIS Benchmarks?

The CIS develops and publishes globally recognized security benchmarks for various technologies. These benchmarks are essentially best practices for securely configuring systems, devices, and applications.

They cover a wide range of technologies:

  • Network devices (routers, firewalls, switches)

  • Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS)

  • Cloud environments (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)

  • Databases (MySQL, PostgreSQL)

  • Applications (web servers, email servers)

The idea is simple: Following these standardized configuration guidelines reduces vulnerabilities and helps prevent common exploits. For example, a CIS Benchmark for routers might recommend securing management interfaces, enforcing strong password policies, and disabling unnecessary services—all of which make your network more secure and harder to breach.

Why should network admins care about the CIS Benchmarks? 

Small configuration mistakes can lead to big security breaches. The CIS Benchmarks help network admins eliminate these risks before they can be exploited.

By implementing the CIS Benchmarks, you:

  • Ensure consistency: Standardize configurations across all devices, simplifying management and reducing the likelihood of errors.

  • Reduce the attack surface: Eliminate common vulnerabilities, making it more challenging for attackers to exploit your network.

  • Achieve compliance readiness: Align with regulatory requirements, such as the PCI DSS, HIPAA, and the NIST guidelines, facilitating smoother audits.

  • Streamline operations: Implement standardized configurations that not only enhance security but also improve overall network efficiency.

Following the CIS Benchmarks not only strengthens your network’s defense but also makes daily administration easier and more predictable.

The challenge of manual implementation  

While the CIS Benchmarks provide a clear path to better security, manually applying them across an entire network is a daunting task. Every device needs to be individually audited, deviations identified, and corrections applied—all while maintaining network uptime and minimizing disruptions.

For networks with dozens, hundreds, or even thousands of devices, this process can quickly spiral out of control. Relying on manual workflows not only consumes valuable time and resources but also increases the risk of human error, leading to inconsistent configurations that weaken your network’s overall security posture.

How ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager makes it easier  

ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager helps automate CIS Benchmark compliance and simplify the entire process for network admins. Here's how it can help:

1. Automated compliance audits  

With Network Configuration Manager, you can automate CIS Benchmark compliance audits across your network devices. You can schedule regular scans to check for compliance with CIS standards, ensuring that your devices are configured according to the latest best practices.

2. Prebuilt and custom compliance policies  

Network Configuration Manager offers prebuilt policies based on the CIS Benchmarks, allowing you to quickly apply them across your devices. You can also create custom policies based on your specific network requirements, ensuring that your unique security needs are met.

3. Instant remediation  

When a device is found to be non-compliant, Network Configuration Manager provides instant remediation options, including predefined configuration templates. Instead of manually applying changes, you can deploy fixes in a few clicks, reducing the time spent on remediation.

4. Comprehensive reporting  

Network Configuration Manager automatically generates detailed compliance reports, which can be used for internal audits or compliance checks. These reports can help you identify areas where your network needs improvement and demonstrate compliance to auditors or stakeholders.

Real-world benefits: Simplified compliance at scale  

For network admins managing hundreds of devices, the ability to automate CIS compliance is invaluable. Here’s how using Network Configuration Manager can positively impact your organization:

  • Faster issue resolution: With automated checks and instant remediation, network admins can address non-compliance issues in minutes instead of hours.

  • Improved security posture: Regular audits ensure that devices are always aligned with CIS best practices, reducing vulnerabilities and making your network more resilient to attacks.

  • Reduced operational overhead: Automating manual tasks frees up time for network admins to focus on more strategic projects, improving overall productivity.

  • Better audit outcomes: Compliance reports make it easier to prove adherence to regulations and best practices, streamlining the audit process.

Conclusion  

In today’s landscape, where misconfigurations are one of the leading causes of network breaches, applying the CIS Benchmarks is more than just a good practice—it’s a necessity. However, achieving compliance across a large network doesn’t have to be difficult.

With ManageEngine Network Configuration Manager, network admins can automate the entire process, ensuring continuous compliance with minimal effort. Whether you’re managing routers, switches, or servers, Network Configuration Manager simplifies CIS Benchmark compliance, improves network security, and reduces administrative workload.

By integrating the CIS Benchmarks into your configuration management strategy, you’re not just meeting security standards—you’re building a network that’s resilient, secure, and easier to manage. Download a 30-day, free trial or schedule a free personalized demo to get started today!