The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls continue to set the standard for strengthening cybersecurity, and Control 6.3 is a cornerstone of protecting your organization's external-facing applications.

This safeguard is straightforward: require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) for all externally-exposed enterprise or third-party applications. Why? Because MFA is one of the most effective defenses against unauthorized access.

Here’s how it works:

• Externally-Exposed Applications: These are applications accessible from outside your organization’s network—think cloud services, web apps, or third-party tools.
• MFA Enforcement: MFA adds an extra layer of protection beyond just a username and password, such as requiring a code from a mobile app or biometric verification.
• How to Implement: Many organizations already have this covered if they use a directory service like Microsoft Azure AD, Okta, or another Single Sign-On (SSO) provider. These platforms make it simple to enforce MFA for all supported applications.

Why is this so important? External-facing applications are often the first target for attackers, and weak or stolen passwords are a common entry point. Requiring MFA significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access, even if credentials are compromised.

To recap, Control 6.3 is all about securing the front door to your organization’s external systems. By enabling MFA across your externally-exposed applications, you can ensure that your security posture is strong and that users accessing your systems are who they claim to be.