169.254.130.1 From Baseline to Best Practice: ACSC & CIS via Intune | Cloud Consulting

Published On: September 16, 2025

From Baseline to Best Practice: ACSC & CIS via Intune

Why these two matter for Windows hardening

  • ACSC Windows Baselines give Australian organisations a fast, compliant starting point for Windows security—natively deployable via Intune.
  • CIS Benchmarks add globally recognised depth and flexibility, helping you satisfy international auditors and certifications.

Bottom line: ACSC ensures local compliance; CIS adds global credibility.

ACSC Windows Baselines (for Australia)

How we implement (quickly):

1. Import ACSC Windows baseline JSON into Intune.

2. Roll out in rings (Pilot → Broad → All).

3. Resolve conflicts and track drift via Intune reports.

CIS Benchmarks (global best practice)

  • Global, consensus-based standards (Windows, cloud, apps)
  • Granular levels: Level 1 (low impact) and Level 2 (stricter)
  • Ideal for international recognition, audits, ISO 27001, SOC 2, cyber insurance

How we layer on top of ACSC:

1. Map CIS items in Intune (Settings Catalog / OMA-URI).

2. Apply Level 1 org-wide; reserve Level 2 for privileged or high-risk devices.

3. Document justified deviations and monitor with Intune + Defender insights.

Recommended approach for Australian organisations

1. Start with ACSC as the non-negotiable foundation (compliance and speed via Intune).

2. Overlay CIS for breadth and auditability (L1 everywhere; L2 where risk demands).

3. Operate monthly: update baseline versions, review exceptions, verify control effectiveness, and reconcile drift.

Recommended approach for Singapore organisations

1. Start with Microsoft Security Baselines — Deploy Windows, Edge, and Defender baselines as your secure default.

2. Overlay CIS Benchmarks — Add CIS Level 1 org-wide; use Level 2 only for sensitive or privileged devices.

3. Operate Monthly — Monitor compliance and drift, update baselines in pilot first, and validate with Defender for Endpoint.

At-a-glance comparison (Windows hardening)

Want this implemented end-to-end?

We can deliver a pilot in days—import ACSC, layer CIS, resolve policy conflicts, set up ringed deployment, and build a monthly governance rhythm (reports, exceptions, version updates).

👉 Book a Windows Hardening review and assessment

👉 Talk to Our Security Experts

Recent Posts

Ready To Get
Started?