Security baselines: CIS vs Microsoft Secure Score

Overview

Clients compare you to benchmarks. CIS (Center for Internet Security) and Microsoft Secure Score measure different things—know how to explain both without promising false equivalencies.

Secure Score (Microsoft)

• Measures Microsoft 365 / Azure configuration against Microsoft’s recommendations.
• Great for cloud service posture and executive dashboards.
• Not a full “secure company” score; can rise with partial controls.

CIS Controls / CIS Benchmarks

• Broader security program lens (controls) and deep OS/app hardening checklists (benchmarks).
• Often requested in cyber insurance or vendor security questionnaires.

How to use them together

1. Use Secure Score for prioritized Microsoft cloud remediation backlog.
2. Map CIS IG** or selected benchmarks to Intune baselines and GPO where Windows hardening is required.
3. Never claim “CIS compliant” unless you’ve done formal assessment and evidence collection.

Engagement tips

• Propose a phased baseline project with pilot ring devices.
• Tie recommendations to risk: regulated data, remote workforce, legacy apps.

Deliverables

Baseline report, exception register, remediation sprint plan, and re-score cadence (quarterly).