By viLogics Cybersecurity Experts
In an increasingly digital and threat-laden world, cybersecurity is not just a “nice to have”—it’s a business essential. But what happens if your organization doesn’t fall under any current regulatory compliance frameworks? No HIPAA, no PCI-DSS, no DFARS, no SEC mandates—just the wild west of the digital frontier.
If that sounds like your situation, you might wonder: What cybersecurity framework or certification should we follow?
At viLogics, we have a clear recommendation: Start with the CIS Controls Version 8.0.
The absence of regulatory oversight doesn’t mean your business is immune to cyberattacks. Many threat actors specifically target small to mid-sized organizations that don’t have strong defenses, because they know you’re less likely to have the budget or structure for full-time cybersecurity teams.
Ransomware attacks that lock down your operations
Business Email Compromise (BEC) scams that defraud your team
Insider threats that go undetected for months
Data breaches that damage your reputation and bottom line
Adopting a recognized cybersecurity framework is one of a non-regulated business's most brilliant moves. It brings order to chaos, aligns your IT efforts with proven practices, and gives your leadership team confidence that risk is managed.
The Center for Internet Security (CIS) has developed a gold standard for practical, real-world cybersecurity: the CIS Critical Security Controls, now in version 8.0. These aren’t just theoretical guidelines—they’re battle-tested priorities based on what actually works in defending against real-world attacks.
At viLogics, we recommend CIS 8.0 because it provides:
You don’t have to boil the ocean. The CIS Controls are structured into Implementation Groups (IG1, IG2, IG3)—allowing you to start small and scale up based on your resources and risk profile.
CIS Controls are informed by actual incident data and mapped to other frameworks like NIST CSF, ISO 27001, and CMMC. This makes it easier to grow into more complex certifications if your business needs to later.
Cyber insurance providers increasingly recognize CIS Controls as a valid baseline for risk management, which can reduce your premiums or even qualify you for coverage where others might be declined.
CIS Controls 8.0 is broken down into 18 prioritized controls, each focusing on a key area of cyber hygiene and resilience. Here's a brief look at some of the core ones:
Know what devices are on your network. Unauthorized devices are a top vector for breaches.
Manage what software is running. Rogue apps can introduce risk or expose vulnerabilities.
Ensure sensitive information is encrypted, monitored, and safely handled.
Default settings = danger. Harden your systems to reduce exploitable openings.
Limit privileges. Don’t give admin rights to everyone, and monitor for anomalies.
Patch management isn’t optional. CIS emphasizes regular scanning and remediation.
Your people are your weakest link and your first line of defense. Train them.
Have a plan before disaster strikes. Know who to call, what to contain, and how to recover.
And that’s just scratching the surface. CIS provides detailed, practical advice under each control area, making it approachable for teams with limited cybersecurity experience.
| Framework | Best For | Complexity | Regulatory Focus | Maturity Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CIS 8.0 | All businesses | Low–Medium | None | Prioritized IG1–IG3 |
| NIST CSF | Enterprises, Gov contractors | Medium–High | Federal/NIST | Flexible |
| ISO 27001 | Global organizations | High | International/Enterprise | Formal cert |
| CMMC | Defense contractors | High | DoD/DFARS | Rigid |
For most SMBs or mid-market firms with no current mandates, CIS 8.0 is the most accessible and actionable starting point—and it sets you up nicely for scaling toward other frameworks if needed.
One of the most significant benefits of having a cybersecurity framework in place is access to cyber insurance. Many insurers now require proof of security posture before offering coverage or provide deep discounts to companies that show maturity.
At viLogics, we’ve taken this a step further with our Total Secure Office (TSO) fast-track solution.
Access to $1.5 million in cybersecurity insurance
At only $1,700 per year
With minimal paperwork
Powered by a CIS-aligned security posture
With the TSO package, you not only protect your environment, you turn your cybersecurity investment into a competitive advantage that builds trust with customers, partners, and investors.
Implementing CIS 8.0 doesn’t require massive investments or an overhaul of your IT department. viLogics recommends a phased approach that aligns with your current risk level, business size, and growth plans.
Baseline Assessment – Where are you today?
Select Implementation Group – Most SMBs begin with IG1.
Gap Analysis & Roadmap – What’s missing?
Policy Development – Formalize your practices.
Technical Implementation – Deploy tools, configs, and controls.
Training & Awareness – Empower your staff.
Ongoing Monitoring & Updates – Cybersecurity is a living process.
Cybersecurity isn’t just a check-the-box exercise—it’s about protecting your revenue, reputation, and future. Businesses that take a proactive approach by adopting the CIS Controls can enjoy increased peace of mind, greater operational resilience, and better business outcomes.
Even if your industry doesn’t yet require cybersecurity compliance, acting now gives you a head start before the regulations inevitably catch up—or before a breach forces your hand.
Let viLogics help you take the first step. Whether you’re looking for a quick-start program, full compliance consulting, or turnkey protection through our TSO offering, we’ve got your back.
Let’s talk about how TSO empowers CIS 8.0. Let’s talk viLogics.