Just like getting in physical shape, building cyber resilience requires both endurance and strength. Cardio boosts your stamina; strength training builds resilience. In cybersecurity, CIS Controls and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework are your cardio and strength routines. Together, they form a balanced strategy to help your organization stay lean, agile, and secure. 

What Is a Cybersecurity Framework? 

A cybersecurity framework is like a blueprint for protecting digital assets. It helps organizations identify risks, protect systems, detect threats, respond to incidents, and recover from attacks. Think of it as a structured approach to staying safe online. 

What Is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework? 

The U.S. National Institute of Standards and Technology developed the NIST CSF. It’s a high-level, flexible framework designed to help organizations of all sizes manage and reduce cybersecurity risk. 

Key Features: 

• Five Core Functions: Identify, Protect, Detect, Respond, Recover 
• Customizable: Tailored to fit any organization 
• Widely Adopted: Used by governments, enterprises, and critical infrastructure sectors 

Best For: 

• Large organizations 
• Government contractors 
• Businesses needing a strategic, long-term cybersecurity plan 

What Are CIS Controls?

The CIS Critical Security Controls are a set of 18 prioritized actions developed by the Center for Internet Security. They’re designed to stop the most common cyberattacks and are more prescriptive and practical than NIST.

Key Features: 

• 18 Actionable Controls (e.g., inventory of devices, secure configurations)
• Implementation Groups (IGs): Tailored guidance based on your organization’s size and resources
• Quick Wins: Focused on fast, effective improvements

Best For: 

• Small to mid-sized businesses
• Organizations with limited cybersecurity resources
• Teams looking for a clear, step-by-step guide

CIS vs. NIST: What’s the Difference? 

CIS Controls = Your Cybersecurity Cardio 

The CIS Critical Security Controls are like your go-to cardio workout: fast, effective, and focused on immediate results.

Why CIS is Like Cardio: 

• Quick Wins: Just like a 30-minute run, CIS helps you burn off the most obvious risks quickly.
• Structured Routine: It gives you a clear, step-by-step plan—18 prioritized controls that are easy to follow. 
• Great for Beginners: Whether you’re a small business or just starting your security journey, CIS is accessible and practical. 

Example “Cardio Moves” in CIS: 

• Inventory and control of hardware and software assets 
• Secure configurations for devices and applications 
• Continuous vulnerability management 

 These are the cybersecurity equivalents of jumping jacks and sprints—simple, effective, and essential. 

NIST CSF = Cybersecurity Strength Training 

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework is your weight training program. It’s about building a strong foundation that supports long-term growth and resilience.

Why NIST is Like Strength Training: 

• Strategic Focus: NIST helps you develop a strong core—your risk management processes. 
• Customizable: Like a personal trainer, it adapts to your organization’s size, industry, and goals. 
• Builds Maturity: It’s designed to scale with you as your cybersecurity program evolves. 

Example “Strength Moves” in NIST: 

• Risk assessments and governance 
• Incident response planning 
• Business continuity and recovery strategies 

 These are your deadlifts and squats—complex, powerful, and essential for long-term success. 

Why You Need Both: A Balanced Cybersecurity Workout 

Just like in fitness, focusing only on cardio or only on weights leaves you vulnerable. You might be fast, but not strong. Or strong, but not agile. 

The Perfect Cybersecurity Routine: 

• Start with CIS to get your heart rate up and tackle the basics.
• Add NIST CSF to build strength, structure, and long-term resilience.
• Together, they create a balanced, sustainable cybersecurity program. 

Final Reps: Your Cybersecurity Fitness Plan 

If you’re just starting out, CIS Controls will help you break a sweat and see results fast. But to truly build a resilient, future-ready cybersecurity posture, you need the strength and structure of NIST CSF.

So don’t choose one over the other, combine them.
💡 CIS tells you what to do now.
💡 NIST helps you plan for what’s next. 

Together, they’ll keep your cybersecurity program lean, strong, and ready for anything. 

Ready for a Cybersecurity Personal Trainer? 

Need a coach to help you reach your cybersecurity goals? Book a consultation with Creospark. We’ll help you build a strong, secure foundation—keeping your organization in peak cyber-shape and ready for anything.