The Center for Internet Security (CIS) Controls emphasize not just identifying vulnerabilities but also addressing them promptly. Control 7.7 focuses on remediating detected vulnerabilities in software to reduce risk and maintain a strong security posture.

This safeguard requires organizations to act on identified vulnerabilities through defined processes and tools.

Here’s how to implement this:

• Remediation Process: Leverage your documented remediation strategy (see CIS Control 7.2) to prioritize and address vulnerabilities based on their risk level.
• Tooling: Use vulnerability management tools to track and manage remediation efforts efficiently. Many tools also provide guidance on resolving specific vulnerabilities.
• Regular Cadence: Address vulnerabilities on a monthly basis or more frequently for critical or high-risk issues. The goal is to close security gaps as quickly as possible.

Why is this important? Detecting vulnerabilities is only half the battle—remediation is where risk reduction happens. Regular, timely remediation ensures vulnerabilities are addressed before they can be exploited, helping you stay ahead of attackers.

To recap, CIS Control 7.7 ensures your organization remediates detected vulnerabilities through a structured process, leveraging tools to resolve issues promptly and maintain a secure environment.