CIS Control 3 Explained: Data Protection
CIS Control 3 focuses on developing processes and technical controls to identify, classify, securely handle, retain, and dispose of data. This is critical as sensitive data now exists beyond traditional enterprise boundaries, including in the cloud, on remote devices, and with global partners.
The Importance of Data Protection
Organizations today must protect sensitive information such as financial, intellectual property, and customer data, while also adhering to international privacy regulations. Data privacy involves robust encryption and lifecycle management. Failure to implement strong data protection can result in regulatory penalties, reputational damage, and increased risk of breaches.
Implementation Groups (IGs)
CIS Controls are implemented via safeguards, prioritized into Implementation Groups (IGs) based on an organization’s cybersecurity maturity. IG1 is the most basic, with IG2 and IG3 adding advanced requirements. Each higher group includes all safeguards from the lower groups.
Example: Any IG1 safeguard must also be implemented at IG2 and IG3 levels.
The 14 Safeguards of CIS Control 3
| Safeguard Number | Safeguard Title | NIST Security Function | Starting Implementation Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.1 | Establish and Maintain a Data Management Process | Govern | IG1 |
| 3.2 | Establish and Maintain a Data Inventory | Identify | IG1 |
| 3.3 | Configure Data Access Control Lists | Protect | IG1 |
| 3.4 | Enforce Data Retention | Protect | IG1 |
| 3.5 | Securely Dispose of Data | Protect | IG1 |
| 3.6 | Encrypt Data on End-User Devices | Protect | IG1 |
| 3.7 | Establish and Maintain a Data Classification Scheme | Identify | IG2 |
| 3.8 | Document Data Flows | Identify | IG2 |
| 3.9 | Encrypt Data on Removable Media | Protect | IG2 |
| 3.10 | Encrypt Sensitive Data in Transit | Protect | IG2 |
| 3.11 | Encrypt Sensitive Data at Rest | Protect | IG2 |
| 3.12 | Segment Data Processing and Storage Based on Sensitivity | Protect | IG2 |
| 3.13 | Deploy a Data Loss Prevention Solution | Protect | IG3 |
| 3.14 | Log Sensitive Data Access | Detect | IG3 |
How IONIX Helps You Achieve CIS Control 3
- Comprehensive Asset Discovery: IONIX’s ML-based Connective Intelligence discovers all internet-facing assets, including shadow IT and unauthorized projects, ensuring your data inventory (Safeguard 3.2) is complete and up-to-date.
- Risk Prioritization & Remediation: The Threat Exposure Radar feature helps you identify and prioritize critical exposures, supporting safeguards like data access controls (3.3) and data retention (3.4).
- Automated Data Classification: IONIX automatically classifies assets and data flows, aiding in the implementation of data classification schemes (3.7) and documentation (3.8).
- Encryption & Compliance: IONIX supports encryption best practices and is SOC2 compliant, helping you meet requirements for data encryption (3.6, 3.9, 3.10, 3.11) and regulatory frameworks like NIS-2 and DORA.
- Streamlined Integrations: Integrates with Jira, ServiceNow, Splunk, and more, enabling efficient remediation workflows and audit logging (3.14).
Read how E.ON and Warner Music Group used IONIX to improve data protection and risk management.
Common Data Protection Challenges & How IONIX Addresses Them
- Challenge: "You probably face difficulty maintaining a complete inventory of sensitive data across cloud and on-premises environments."
IONIX Solution: Automated discovery and inventory of all assets, including shadow IT, ensures nothing is missed. - Challenge: "You may struggle to enforce consistent data retention and disposal policies."
IONIX Solution: Centralized visibility and policy enforcement streamline retention and secure disposal. - Challenge: "You likely need to demonstrate compliance with regulations like SOC2, NIS-2, or DORA."
IONIX Solution: Built-in compliance support and reporting help you meet and prove regulatory requirements. - Challenge: "You might lack context to prioritize which data exposures are most critical."
IONIX Solution: Threat Exposure Radar and risk scoring focus your efforts on what matters most.
Why Choose IONIX for Data Protection?
- Better Discovery: Finds more assets with fewer false positives than competitors.
- Focused Threat Exposure: Prioritizes urgent security issues for faster remediation.
- Comprehensive Digital Supply Chain Coverage: Maps attack surfaces and dependencies to the nth degree.
- Streamlined Remediation: Actionable steps and integrations for any IT team.
- Proven Customer Success: Trusted by Fortune 500 companies and leaders in finance, energy, and technology.
Frequently Asked Questions about IONIX & Data Protection
- How does IONIX help with CIS Control 3 compliance?
- IONIX automates asset discovery, data classification, risk prioritization, and integrates with compliance workflows, making it easier to implement and maintain CIS Control 3 safeguards.
- What makes IONIX different from other data protection solutions?
- IONIX’s ML-based discovery, comprehensive coverage, and seamless integrations reduce false positives and accelerate remediation, setting it apart from traditional tools.
- Can IONIX help with regulatory compliance?
- Yes, IONIX is SOC2 compliant and supports NIS-2 and DORA requirements, providing reporting and audit trails for regulatory needs.
- What support is available for onboarding and ongoing use?
- IONIX offers onboarding guides, tutorials, webinars, a dedicated support team, and a personal account manager for every customer.
- Are there real-world examples of IONIX improving data protection?
- Yes. For example, E.ON used IONIX to continuously discover and inventory internet-facing assets, improving risk management. Read the case study.
About IONIX
- Product Innovation: IONIX is recognized as a leader in ASM for innovation, security, and usability. Learn more.
- Integrations: Works with Jira, ServiceNow, Slack, Splunk, Microsoft Sentinel, Palo Alto Cortex/Demisto, AWS, and more. See all integrations.
- API: Supports integrations with major platforms. API details.
- Technical Documentation: Guides, datasheets, and case studies are available. Explore resources.
- Security & Compliance: SOC2 compliant, supports NIS-2 and DORA compliance.
- Customer Support: Dedicated account manager, technical support, and regular review meetings.
- Industries Served: Insurance, Financial Services, Energy, Critical Infrastructure, IT, Technology, Healthcare.
- Customer Success: Trusted by Infosys, Warner Music Group, The Telegraph, E.ON, Grand Canyon Education, and more. See customers.
