Why Redeemer Cyber Standardized on the CIS Microsoft 365 Benchmark

Kyle Cira
Aug 27
2 min read

At Redeemer Cybersecurity Consulting, we don’t believe in guessing when it comes to protecting your M365 tenant. That’s why we’ve standardized on the CIS Microsoft 365 Foundations Benchmark—the most trusted, comprehensive, and actionable security benchmark available for Microsoft 365.

Here’s why we not only use it—but contribute to it.

Thorough: 400+ Pages of Real Guidance

The CIS M365 Benchmark isn’t just a checklist—it’s a complete guide. Each control includes:

A clear description of what it does
Rationale for why it matters
Impact statements so you understand trade-offs
Audit procedures to check your current state
Remediation steps to fix any gaps

From frontline technical teams to compliance officers, this structure ensures everyone can understand and act on each recommendation.

Trusted: Built by Community, Not Just Vendors

The CIS Benchmark is developed by a global community of cybersecurity experts—including Microsoft MVPs, blue teamers, compliance professionals, and yes—Redeemer Cyber is an official contributor.

That means the controls we use and recommend aren't just theory—they’re battle-tested by practitioners in the field.

Extensible: Mapped to NIST, CIS Controls, and More

Each CIS M365 control maps directly to the CIS Critical Security Controls (Top 18), which in turn align with frameworks like NIST SP 800-53, ISO 27001, and others.

This makes the benchmark not only useful for hardening Microsoft 365, but also for meeting broader compliance obligations—without duplicating effort.

Cutting Edge: Updated Every Six Months

Microsoft 365 is constantly evolving. So is the threat landscape. That’s why the CIS M365 Benchmark is refreshed every six months, ensuring your organization is aligned to the latest security recommendations and product changes.

You’ll never be stuck using outdated guidance when trying to secure your M365 tenant.

Final Thoughts

We’ve reviewed and tested many frameworks—but none strike the balance of practicality, precision, and credibility like the CIS Microsoft 365 Benchmark.

It’s the foundation for every Microsoft 365 Security Assessment we conduct at Redeemer Cyber—and the reason our clients gain peace of mind knowing their environment is hardened against real-world threats.