What is STIG?

A STIG (Security Technical Implementation Guide) is a set of cybersecurity configuration standards and guidelines developed by the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) to help organizations secure their information systems and IT infrastructure. The STIGs provide specific, detailed instructions on how to configure various systems (hardware and software) to meet the DoD's cybersecurity and risk management requirements.

Each STIG includes:

• Introduction: Provides an overview of the specific system, application, or technology being addressed.
• Security Requirements: Detailed steps and configuration settings that must be followed to secure the system.
• Checklist: A checklist of tasks for system administrators to implement in order to comply with the STIG.
• Risk Considerations: Information on potential risks associated with the configuration settings and mitigations.
• Tools for Implementation: Instructions for using automated tools to check for STIG compliance.

Why is STIG important?

STIGS are of vital important for several reasons:

• Strengthening National Security: STIGs play a crucial role in protecting the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive DoD systems, applications, and data from cyber threats.
• Reducing Attack Surface: By ensuring systems are securely configured, STIGs minimize the risk of successful cyberattacks, reducing potential attack surfaces and vulnerabilities.
• Ensuring Compliance: For contractors working with the DoD, compliance with STIGs is mandatory, and failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in penalties, loss of contracts, or security breaches.
• Best Practices for Cybersecurity: STIGs are considered best practices for securing IT systems, and many organizations, both public and private, refer to them as a benchmark for securing their infrastructure.