CIS Controls Ambassador Spotlight: Eric Woodard

 

The CIS Controls Ambassador program is an initiative of the Center for Internet Security (CIS) that focuses on enhancing the adoption of key cybersecurity best practices. A CIS Controls Ambassador serves a crucial role in this endeavor, contributing their expertise and knowledge to foster awareness, adoption, and community involvement around cybersecurity.

The primary responsibility of a CIS Controls Ambassador involves advocating for robust cyber security measures grounded in the 18 CIS Critical Security Controls (CIS Controls). These Controls represent a set of strategic guidelines aimed at protecting digital networks against common cyber threats. The ambassadors work with various stakeholders including businesses, government organizations, and educational institutions to help implement these measures effectively.

Moreover, they play an instrumental role in providing feedback from their respective communities to enhance the development and relevance of future control iterations. This ensures that the program stays dynamic and current with ever-evolving cybersecurity risks.

CIS is excited to introduce its newest Controls Ambassador, Eric Woodard, the dynamic CEO of Protek Support. A dedicated advocate for cybersecurity, Woodard has carved a niche for himself through his consistent efforts in advocating and adopting the CIS Controls.

Eric Woodard stands as the epitome of path-breaking leadership in the cybersecurity space with 20+ years in the IT industry. His tenure as founder and CEO of Protek Support has witnessed the company's exponential growth and transformation into a resilient fortress against cyber threats. Under his stewardship, Protek Support has developed effective strategies to safeguard their clients against even the most sophisticated cyber attacks.

Woodard's expertise isn't limited to leading his team at Protek; he’s also been an active volunteer for 4+ years in service of the CIS Controls.

“I have discovered that standing behind a framework is far more effective than trying to create our own security recommendations. It is important to build a culture of continuous learning," said Woodard. “IT Security is a journey not a destination.”

As a CIS Controls  Ambassador, he uses his influence to promote internationally recognized best practices for securing IT systems and data — something he is truly passionate about.

“I have been actively supporting the CIS Controls through various initiatives and public engagements. My efforts extend beyond our Protek clients, reaching a broader audience to promote cyber resilience and security best practices to my clients and MSP peers.”

The CIS Controls, with their simplicity and proven effectiveness, are built upon shared expertise derived from actual attacks and defenses. These Controls serve as a guide for organizations to ensure their cybersecurity resilience is robust and up to date.

Woodard’s advocacy for the CIS Controls hasn't gone unnoticed. He’s been very active in panel discussions and presentations on cyber resilience, best practices for selecting a quality MSP, CIS Controls version 8.1, and the CIS Masters Class at Right of Boom 2025 — just to name a few.

“The more we share our experiences and educate others, the more we ourselves grow and learn. It's not just a goal but a continuous practice that benefits you, your business, and your community.”

As the owner of a managed service provider (MSP) in Salt Lake City, Woodard has also successfully implemented Implementation Group 2 (IG2) of the CIS Controls in his MSP and offers IG1 as a service to his clients. “About 25% of our MSP clients subscribe to CIS IG1 from us,” said Woodard.

As a CIS Controls Ambassador, he works tirelessly to share knowledge about these Controls with other companies and professionals in the field. He believes that widespread adoption of these guidelines is key because if one organization falls victim to a cyber threat, it impacts us all.