Once you have obtained the templates, follow these steps to deploy them safely:
Some organizations, such as the University of California (CalNet AD) , share their tailored CIS-based GPO templates publicly, though these may require customization for your specific environment. How to Implement Downloaded CIS Templates cis benchmark group policy template download
While the PDF versions of benchmarks are free for non-commercial use, the automated GPO "Build Kits" are a benefit of CIS SecureSuite Membership. Once you have obtained the templates, follow these
As a free alternative, Microsoft offers Security Baselines which closely align with CIS standards and include GPO backups and Policy Analyzer tools. Securing your IT environment is a marathon, not
Securing your IT environment is a marathon, not a sprint, and implementing (officially known as CIS Build Kits ) is one of the most effective ways to cross the finish line. These templates automate the rigorous hardening recommendations found in the CIS Benchmarks , saving your team from hundreds of hours of manual GPO configuration. Where to Download CIS Benchmark GPO Templates
Access these through the CIS WorkBench .