CIS Benchmark Compliance
EXT-07Critical

Detect External Mail Forwarding for CIS Benchmark Compliance

Learn how EXT-07 helps you meet CIS Benchmark requirements for Microsoft 365 and Entra ID security.

Meeting CIS Benchmark standards for Microsoft 365 involves implementing controls like EXT-07 (Detect External Mail Forwarding). This guide covers the specific CIS Benchmark requirements addressed by this control and how to achieve compliance.

How EXT-07 Addresses CIS Benchmark Requirements

CIS Benchmark requires organizations to implement controls around detect external mail forwarding. The EXT-07 control provides:

  • Mailbox forwarding rules to external addresses are identified
  • Inbox rules forwarding to external domains are flagged
  • No unexpected external forwarding rules exist

These measures directly support CIS Benchmark compliance by ensuring proper external security in your Microsoft 365 environment.

Implementation for Compliance

To satisfy CIS Benchmark requirements with this control:

  • **Enable the control** - Follow the manual configuration steps
  • **Document your implementation** - Record how the control was configured
  • **Maintain evidence** - TrueConfig automatically logs compliance status
  • **Monitor continuously** - Track any deviations from the expected state

Evidence Collection

For CIS Benchmark audits, you'll need to demonstrate:

  • Current configuration state
  • Historical compliance data
  • Remediation actions taken
  • Continuous monitoring in place

TrueConfig provides all of this evidence through its audit trail and reporting features.

Why This Control Matters for CIS Benchmark

Attackers commonly set up mail forwarding rules after compromising accounts. These rules silently copy all emails to external addresses, enabling ongoing data theft even after the initial compromise is remediated.

Implementing EXT-07 is an important step toward CIS Benchmark compliance. Combined with TrueConfig's continuous monitoring, you can demonstrate ongoing adherence to CIS Benchmark requirements.

Ready to achieve CIS Benchmark compliance?

TrueConfig continuously monitors your Microsoft 365 tenant for compliance with CIS Benchmark requirements, including this control.