🛡️ Purpose & Audience
| Feature | CIS Controls (U.S.-based) | Canadian Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Organizations of all sizes globally | Canadian small and medium organizations (SMEs) |
| Primary Goal | Provide a prioritized set of cybersecurity best practices | Deliver cost-effective, high-impact security guidance tailored for limited-resourced SMEs |
| Approach | Comprehensive defense-in-depth | 80/20 rule: achieve 80% of the benefit with 20% of the effort |
🔍 Structure & Content
| Characteristic | CIS Controls | Canadian Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Large to small enterprises | Primarily small & mid-sized orgs (<500 staff) |
| Technical Depth | Deep, includes logs, analytics, tiered controls | Practical, focused on easy-to-adopt safeguards |
| Resource Assumption | Assumes access to IT staff & tools | Assumes low staffing, low budget, possibly outsourced IT |
| Threat Focus | General threat models (APT, insider, ransomware) | Heavy emphasis on cybercrime/ransomware as top threats |
| Compliance Fit | Aligns with NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | Aligns with Canadian ITSG-33, suitable for non-regulatory maturity |
✅ Implementation Themes
| Feature | CIS Controls v8 | Canadian Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Controls | 18 top-level controls with 153 safeguards | 12 baseline controls organized around practical themes |
| Control Categories | Identifies Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) for tailoring | Simplified, pragmatic controls without tiers |
| Risk Basis | Based on threat intelligence and real-world attack data | Based on Canadian cyber threat landscape, especially cybercrime targeting SMEs |
🧩 Examples of Key Controls
| Security Area | CIS Controls | Canadian Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Management | Control 1: Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets | Organizational scoping and IT asset identification (OC.2) |
| Access Management | Control 6: Access Control Management | BC.5: Use Strong User Authentication |
| Vulnerability Management | Control 7: Continuous Vulnerability Management | BC.2: Automatically Patch OS and Applications |
| Incident Response | Control 17: Incident Response Management | BC.1: Develop an Incident Response Plan |
🧱 At a Glance: High-Level Overview
| Element | CIS Controls (v8) | Canada’s Baseline Controls (v1.2) |
|---|---|---|
| Audience | Global orgs, all sizes | Canadian SMEs (<500 employees) |
| Controls Count | 18 Controls, 153 Safeguards | 12 Controls |
| Philosophy | Prioritized, comprehensive defense-in-depth | Simplicity & high ROI (80/20 rule) |
| Tailoring | Uses Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) | Self-assessment of organization’s cyber risk and maturity |
| Language Style | Technical and detailed | Plain language, practical advice |
| Security Basis | Based on real-world threat intelligence | Focus on cybercrime (most common SME threat) |
🔒 Control Comparison by Domain
| Security Domain | CIS Controls (Examples) | Canadian Baseline Controls (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Asset Management | Control 1: Inventory of Enterprise Assets | OC.2: Define scope of IT assets |
| Patch Management | Control 7: Continuous Vulnerability Management | BC.2: Enable automatic OS/app patching |
| Malware Protection | Control 10: Malware Defenses | BC.3: Enable antivirus with auto-scan/update |
| Configuration Hardening | Control 4: Secure Configuration | BC.4: Remove defaults, enable secure settings |
| Access Management | Control 6: Access Control, MFA, role-based access | BC.5: Two-factor auth, strong password policies |
| Security Awareness | Control 14: Security Awareness & Skills Training | BC.6: Basic employee awareness and practical training |
| Backup & Recovery | Control 11: Data Recovery | BC.7: Encrypted, offline backups with restore testing |
| Mobile Device Security | Control 15: Wireless Access Control | BC.8: Segregated work/personal space, VPN, encrypted storage |
| Network & Perimeter | Control 13: Network Monitoring & Defense | BC.9: Firewalls, DNS protection, secure Wi-Fi, PoS isolation |
| Cloud Security | Control 3 & 16: Data Protection, Application Controls | BC.10: Cloud provider vetting, data jurisdiction, encryption |
| Web Application Security | Control 16: Application Software Security | BC.11: OWASP ASVS Level 1 compliance |
| Incident Response | Control 17: Develop/execute IR plans | BC.1: Basic IR plan, contact list, insurance consideration |
| Authorization & Privileges | Control 5: Account Management | BC.12: Enforce least privilege and identity-based access |
🧠 Implementation Approach
| Implementation Style | CIS Controls | Canada Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Prioritization | Guided by Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3) | Organizations self-identify priorities based on threat |
| Resource Assumption | Assumes access to security teams/tools | Assumes minimal resources and outsourced IT |
| Threat Model | Broad spectrum (APT, insider threats, ransomware, etc.) | Cybercrime focus, particularly ransomware and fraud |
| Policy Depth | Detailed documentation standards | Lean, operational, and practical decision-making |
⚖️ Pros & Cons Summary
| Feature | CIS Controls | Canada Baseline |
|---|---|---|
| ✅ Pros | Scalable, well-documented, globally applicable | Easy to implement, SME-friendly, straight to the point |
| ⚠️ Cons | Can feel overwhelming without dedicated resources | May lack depth or scalability for larger orgs |
| 🛠 Best Fit | Mid to large orgs or SMEs with mature security posture | Small Canadian orgs just starting cyber initiatives |
📋 Side-by-Side Comparison Matrix
| Security Domain | CIS Controls (v8) | Canada Baseline Controls (v1.2) |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Asset Management | Control 1: Inventory and Control of Enterprise Assets | OC.2: Define scope and value of IT assets |
| 2. Access Control | Control 6: Access Control Management | BC.5: Use strong authentication (e.g. 2FA), password policy |
| 3. Patch Management | Control 7: Continuous Vulnerability Management | BC.2: Enable automatic patching or manage manually with tracking |
| 4. Malware Defense | Control 10: Malware Defenses | BC.3: Enable up-to-date antivirus and software firewalls |
| 5. Secure Configurations | Control 4: Secure Configuration of Assets | BC.4: Change default settings/passwords, disable unneeded features |
| 6. Security Training | Control 14: Security Awareness & Skills Training | BC.6: Conduct practical employee awareness and training |
| 7. Data Recovery | Control 11: Data Recovery Capabilities | BC.7: Secure backups, test restoration, encrypt long-term storage |
| 8. Mobile Device Security | Control 15: Wireless Access Control | BC.8: Segregate work/personal use, VPNs, secure mobile settings, manage apps |
| 9. Network/Perimeter Defense | Control 13: Network Monitoring and Defense | BC.9: Firewalls, DNS filtering, secure Wi-Fi, DMARC, VPNs |
| 10. Cloud & Third-Party | Control 3 & 16: Data Protection; Application Software Security | BC.10: Cloud provider vetting, jurisdictional review, 2FA on admin accounts |
| 11. Web Security | Control 16: Application Software Security (OWASP reference) | BC.11: Follow OWASP ASVS Level 1 for secure web development and hosting |
| 12. Incident Response | Control 17: Incident Response Management | BC.1: Written IR plan with clear roles, insurance consideration |
| 13. Identity & Privileges | Control 5: Account Management | BC.12: Principle of least privilege, audit access |
🔍 Why 12 vs. 18? It’s About Design Philosophy
- CIS Controls v8 includes 18 controls with 153 safeguards, designed for comprehensive, scalable security across organizations of all sizes and industries.
- Canada’s Baseline Controls includes 12 controls, purpose-built for small and medium-sized organizations with limited resources, focusing on high-impact, low-effort actions.
✅ Implementation Themes
| Characteristic | CIS Controls | Canadian Baseline Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scale | Large to small enterprises | Primarily small & mid-sized orgs (<500 staff) |
| Technical Depth | Deep, includes logs, analytics, tiered controls | Practical, focused on easy-to-adopt safeguards |
| Resource Assumption | Assumes access to IT staff & tools | Assumes low staffing, low budget, possibly outsourced IT |
| Threat Focus | General threat models (APT, insider, ransomware) | Heavy emphasis on cybercrime/ransomware as top threats |
| Compliance Fit | Aligns with NIST, ISO 27001, SOC 2 | Aligns with Canadian ITSG-33, suitable for non-regulatory maturity |
🔍 Summary: When to Use Which?
| Situation | Recommended Framework |
|---|---|
| New cybersecurity program at small business | Canada’s Baseline Controls |
| Seeking international compliance alignment | CIS Controls |
| Limited staff/resources for implementation | Canada’s Baseline Controls |
| Growing org with formal risk management | CIS Controls |
| Want rapid wins before scaling up | Start with Baseline, transition to CIS |
📊 Visual Alignment Chart: Canadian vs. CIS Controls
| CIS Control (v8) | Mapped to Canada’s Baseline? | Notes on Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Inventory of Enterprise Assets | ✅ Yes (OC.2) | Canadian OC.2 focuses on defining scoped assets. |
| 2. Inventory of Software Assets | ⚠️ Partial | Software tracking not explicitly called out — could be assumed under OC.2. |
| 3. Data Protection | ✅ Yes (BC.7, BC.10) | Encryption and access control for cloud & backups are covered. |
| 4. Secure Configuration of Assets | ✅ Yes (BC.4) | Emphasizes default password changes and hardening. |
| 5. Account Management | ✅ Yes (BC.5, BC.12) | Covers least privilege, strong auth, and admin separation. |
| 6. Access Control Management | ✅ Yes (BC.5) | MFA is emphasized for key users and cloud services. |
| 7. Vulnerability Management (Patching) | ✅ Yes (BC.2) | Auto-patching is the baseline recommendation. |
| 8. Audit Log Management | ❌ Not Covered | No direct logging or SIEM requirements mentioned. |
| 9. Email and Web Browser Protections | ⚠️ Partial (BC.9, BC.11) | DNS filtering, spam filters, and DMARC suggested — but no browser hardening. |
| 10. Malware Defenses | ✅ Yes (BC.3) | Anti-malware, auto-updates, firewalls all recommended. |
| 11. Data Recovery | ✅ Yes (BC.7) | Strong emphasis on encryption, offline backups, and restore testing. |
| 12. Network Infrastructure Management | ❌ Not Covered | Network segmentation, router hardening not addressed explicitly. |
| 13. Network Monitoring & Defense | ⚠️ Partial (BC.9) | Firewalls & VPNs mentioned, but not continuous monitoring or intrusion detection. |
| 14. Security Awareness & Training | ✅ Yes (BC.6) | Encourages basic, actionable training for all users. |
| 15. Wireless Access Control | ✅ Yes (BC.9.4–9.5) | WPA2-Enterprise required; public/private network isolation discussed. |
| 16. Application Software Security | ✅ Yes (BC.11) | OWASP ASVS Level 1 required for hosted websites. |
| 17. Incident Response Management | ✅ Yes (BC.1) | Encourages written plans, contacts, insurance — very actionable. |
| 18. Penetration Testing | ❌ Not Covered | No mention of red teaming or testing adversarial defenses. |
🍁 What’s in the Canadian Baseline but not in CIS Controls?
| Canadian Control | Unique Feature | CIS Coverage? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| OC.1–OC.5 (Organizational Controls) | Self-assessment of org size, threat level, IT scope, and investment | ❌ Not explicitly | CIS assumes org maturity tiers (IG1–IG3) but doesn’t guide orgs through self-assessment like Canada’s Baseline does. |
| BC.1.3 | Recommends cyber insurance for SMEs | ❌ Not mentioned | CIS doesn’t address insurance; Canada’s Baseline encourages it as part of incident response planning. |
| BC.5.3 | Clear policy on password managers and physical password storage | ⚠️ Implied | CIS discusses password complexity and MFA but doesn’t address password manager policies directly. |
| BC.8.1–8.7 | Detailed mobile device ownership models (BYOD vs COPE), VPN use, and NFC/Bluetooth restrictions | ⚠️ Partially | CIS covers mobile security but Canada’s Baseline gives more practical, real-world guidance for SMEs. |
| BC.9.7 | Mandates DMARC for email spoofing protection | ⚠️ Implied | CIS recommends email protections but doesn’t explicitly call out DMARC. |
| BC.10.1 | Requires SOC 3 reports from cloud providers | ❌ Not required | CIS recommends vetting providers but doesn’t specify SOC 3 or legal jurisdiction review. |
| BC.11.2 | Requires orgs to understand OWASP ASVS levels for their websites | ❌ Not in scope | CIS references OWASP but doesn’t require orgs to assess their own ASVS level. |
| BC.12 | Emphasizes least privilege and role separation for admin accounts | ✅ Covered in CIS | But Canada’s version is more prescriptive for SMEs with limited staff. |
🇨🇦➡️🇺🇸 Merged Security Controls Checklist
- For Small–Mid Organizations in Canada Seeking to Grow Cyber Maturity
| Domain | Canadian Control(s) | CIS Control(s) | Combined Task |
|---|---|---|---|
| IT Scope & Risk Mapping | OC.1–OC.5 | — | Conduct self-assessment of org size, threat level, value of assets, and budget |
| Asset Inventory | OC.2 | CIS 1 | Document hardware and software assets; keep inventory updated |
| Software Management | — | CIS 2 | Track authorized software; remove unsupported/unauthorized apps |
| Data Protection | BC.7, BC.10.4 | CIS 3 | Encrypt sensitive data in storage and transit; enforce secure access |
| Secure Configurations | BC.4 | CIS 4 | Disable default settings; apply hardening templates (e.g., CIS Benchmarks) |
| User Identity & Access | BC.5, BC.12 | CIS 5 & 6 | MFA, strong passwords, admin privilege control |
| Patch Management | BC.2 | CIS 7 | Enable auto-patching or implement vulnerability management process |
| Logging & Monitoring | — | CIS 8, 13 | Establish audit logging, log retention, centralized monitoring |
| Email/Web Protections | BC.9.7–9.8 | CIS 9 | Enable spam filtering, anti-phishing, DMARC, browser hardening |
| Malware Defense | BC.3 | CIS 10 | Auto-updating AV/firewall software on all endpoints |
| Data Recovery | BC.7 | CIS 11 | Backup frequency aligned with RTOs; encrypt backups and test restore process |
| Network Security | BC.9.1–9.6 | CIS 12, 13, 15 | Firewalls, DNS filtering, segmented Wi-Fi, VPNs, secure configurations |
| Cloud & Outsourced IT | BC.10.1–10.5 | CIS 3, 16 | Require SOC 3 reports, 2FA for cloud admins, encrypt hosted data |
| Web App Security | BC.11.1–11.2 | CIS 16 | Adhere to OWASP ASVS Level 1; test outsourced site security |
| Incident Response | BC.1 | CIS 17 | Develop IR playbooks; identify roles, backups, and legal/regulatory contacts |
| Mobile Devices | BC.8 | CIS 15 | Define BYOD/COPE model, enforce encryption, VPN, app control |
| Security Training | BC.6 | CIS 14 | Mandatory, practical awareness training; phishing simulations if possible |
| Penetration Testing | — | CIS 18 | Periodically simulate attacks; test incident detection and response |
| BC.12 | Emphasizes least privilege and role separation for admin accounts | ✅ Covered in CIS | But Canada’s version is more prescriptive for SMEs with limited staff. |
🧠 Why These Gaps Exist
- Canadian Baseline assumes SMEs lack the staff or budget for advanced practices like centralized logging or pen testing.
- It focuses on practical defenses like patching, backups, and MFA — the “biggest bang for the buck.”
- CIS, on the other hand, is designed to scale up with organizational maturity, offering deeper technical controls for those ready to implement them.