CIS Benchmark

Table of contents

What is the CIS Docker Benchmark?

The CIS Docker Benchmark is part of the globally recognized CIS Benchmarks, developed by the Center for Internet Security (CIS). It defines recommended secure configurations for all aspects of the Docker container ecosystem, including the container host, Docker daemon, container images, and the container runtime.

Why CIS Benchmark compliance matters

Following the CIS Docker Benchmark helps organizations:

  • Reduce security risk with widely recognized hardening guidance.
  • Meet regulatory or contractual requirements that reference CIS controls.
  • Standardize image and Dockerfile practices across teams.
  • Demonstrate audit readiness with configuration decisions grounded in a public standard.

How Docker Hardened Images comply with the CIS Benchmark

Docker Hardened Images (DHIs) are designed with security in mind and are verified to be compliant with the relevant controls from the latest CIS Docker Benchmark (v1.8.0) for the scope that applies to container images and Dockerfile configuration.

CIS-compliant DHIs are compliant with all controls in Section 4, with the sole exception of the control requiring Docker Content Trust (DCT), which Docker officially retired. By starting from a CIS-compliant DHI, teams can adopt image-level best practices from the benchmark more quickly and confidently.

Note

The CIS Docker Benchmark also includes controls for the host, daemon, and runtime. CIS-compliant DHIs address only the image and Dockerfile scope (Section 4). Overall compliance still depends on how you configure and operate the broader environment.

Identify CIS-compliant images

CIS-compliant images are labeled as CIS in the Docker Hardened Images catalog. To find them, explore images and look for the CIS designation on individual listings.

Get the benchmark

Download the latest CIS Docker Benchmark directly from CIS: https://www.cisecurity.org/benchmark/docker