IFS Food
GFSI standard for food safety and quality compliance
CIS Controls
Prioritized cybersecurity framework for cyber resilience
Quick Verdict
IFS Food ensures food safety and quality certification for manufacturers via annual audits, while CIS Controls provide prioritized cybersecurity safeguards for all organizations. Food firms adopt IFS for retailer access; all use CIS to reduce cyber risks efficiently.
IFS Food
IFS Food Version 8 Standard
Key Features
- Product and Process Approach with traceability tests
- Minimum 50% on-site production area evaluation
- Risk-based HACCP and operational controls
- Annual audits with unannounced Star status option
- Governance KO requirements and scoring levels
CIS Controls
CIS Critical Security Controls v8.1
Key Features
- 18 prioritized controls with 153 actionable safeguards
- Implementation Groups IG1-IG3 for scalability
- Offense-informed from real attack data
- Mappings to NIST CSF, ISO 27001, PCI DSS
- Free Benchmarks and Navigator tools
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
IFS Food Details
What It Is
IFS Food Version 8 is a GFSI-benchmarked certification standard for auditing food product and process compliance. It focuses on food safety, quality, legality, authenticity, and customer requirements in manufacturing sites. Employs a risk-based Product and Process Approach (PPA) with on-site verification.
Key Components
- Organized into governance, HACCP/PRPs, operational controls (e.g., allergens, fraud, defense), and performance monitoring.
- Over 200 checklist requirements with 10 Knock-Out (KO) criteria.
- Built on HACCP principles, prerequisite programs, and annual audits.
- Scoring model (Higher/Foundation levels) with Majors/KOs blocking certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets European retailer demands for market access.
- Reduces duplicate audits, enhances supply chain trust.
- Mitigates recalls, fraud risks; builds resilience.
- Boosts competitiveness via Star status from unannounced audits.
Implementation Overview
- Phased gap analysis, FSMS development, training, internal audits.
- Site-specific for food processors; annual certification by accredited bodies.
- 6-12 months typical; emphasizes validation, traceability tests.
CIS Controls Details
What It Is
CIS Controls v8.1 is a community-driven, prescriptive cybersecurity framework of prioritized best practices to reduce attack surfaces and enhance resilience. It applies to all industries and organization sizes via Implementation Groups (IG1–IG3), using actionable Safeguards derived from real-world threats.
Key Components
- 18 Controls across asset management, access control, vulnerability management, incident response.
- 153 Safeguards scaled by IG1 (56 essentials), IG2, IG3.
- Built on offense-informed prioritization; maps to NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS.
- No formal certification; self-assessed compliance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates 85% common attacks, cuts breach costs.
- Supports regulations like HIPAA, GDPR; enables Safe Harbor.
- Builds efficiency, insurance discounts, partner trust.
- Strategic ROI via automated hygiene, maturity progression.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, gap analysis, IG1 foundational (3-9 months), IG2/3 expansion.
- Involves inventories, configs, training; tools like Benchmarks, Navigator.
- Universal applicability; SMBs focus IG1, enterprises IG3.
Key Differences
| Aspect | IFS Food | CIS Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Food safety, quality, process compliance in manufacturing | Cybersecurity best practices, asset protection, threat defense |
| Industry | Food manufacturing, global retailers, site-specific | All industries, global, scalable by organization size |
| Nature | GFSI-benchmarked certification standard, voluntary | Prioritized cybersecurity framework, voluntary guidance |
| Testing | Annual on-site audits, product sampling, traceability tests | Self-assessments, continuous monitoring, penetration testing |
| Penalties | Certification loss, market access denial | No formal penalties, increased breach risk |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about IFS Food and CIS Controls
IFS Food FAQ
CIS Controls FAQ
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