Overview

As cybersecurity threats continue to increase in volume and complexity, the need to find creative, collaborative and effective solutions has never been greater. A not-for-profit (NFP) structure to meet the ever-increasing cyber security challenges facing entities was recommended by the Center for Strategic and International Studies Commission’s Report on Cyber Security for the 44th Presidency and the recommendation for an NFP to serve as a trusted third party, essential for public-private partnerships, was called for in the President Obama's Sixty-Day CyberSpace Review.

In response, in late 2010, the Center for Internet Security (CIS) underwent a transition, combining three successful cybersecurity programs into a newly constituted CIS. The new organization encompasses the Security Benchmarks division (the legacy CIS), the Multi-State Information Sharing and Analysis Center,and the Cybersecurity Workforce Development division.Through each of its business units, CIS has responsibility for development and distribution of benchmarks that establish standards for the secure configuration of information technology systems; provision of cybersecurity services for state, local, tribal and territorial governments; and the identification and development of talent for the cybersecurity workforce of the future.The synergies among these programs will facilitate our collective ability to be a valued partner with both the public and private sectors by building upon the successes of each initiative to foster even greater collaboration.

Mission

The mission of the Center for Internet Security is to enhance the cyber security readiness and response of public and private sector entities, with a commitment to excellence through collaboration.