CIS Benchmark for Ubuntu Linux: 20.04, 22.04 and 24.04 Compared

Ubuntu LTS releases power a large share of cloud VMs, containers’ host OS choices, and on-prem Linux estates. CIS publishes Ubuntu-specific benchmarks so teams can harden partitions, SSH, services, PAM, logging, and network posture against a consensus baseline for each LTS line.

This hub compares 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 from a programme perspective: why you must match the CIS PDF to the LTS you run, how Level 1 / Level 2 framing typically applies, and where CyberSilo’s step-by-step guides go deeper. Confirm recommendation sets in the current CIS PDF — avoid quoting counts from secondary summaries.

CyberSilo’s CIS Benchmarking Tool helps assess Ubuntu hosts at scale, detect drift after package updates, and keep scores ready for customers and auditors.

Authoritative source: Exact recommendation IDs, audit commands, and remediation text live in the CIS Ubuntu benchmark PDF/workbook for your LTS version. Official family listing: CIS Ubuntu Linux Benchmarks. Always record the benchmark version you claim in GRC.

Why Ubuntu LTS version matters for CIS

Each LTS ships different defaults, package sets, and security tooling maturity (for example AppArmor profiles, SSH defaults, and systemd unit behaviour). Scoring a 24.04 host with a 20.04-oriented checklist produces misleading gaps. Maintain a matrix of:

Ubuntu LTS and minor/point release where relevant
CIS Benchmark version and profile (Level 1 / Level 2 as published)
Workload class (bastion, app VM, Kubernetes node, desktop if applicable)
Configuration management source of truth (Ansible, cloud-init, Packer image)

Level 1 and Level 2 on Ubuntu

Ubuntu CIS benchmarks commonly expose Level 1 and Level 2 profiles. In typical CIS language, L1 aims for broad deployability; L2 adds stricter controls that may affect usability or legacy integrations. L2 is not a substitute for L1 — programmes usually implement L1 first, then extend. Confirm profile membership in the PDF you assess against. Cross-read: CIS Level 1 vs Level 2 by platform.

No fabricated counts: Recommendation totals differ by Ubuntu LTS and benchmark revision. If a vendor RFP asks “how many CIS checks,” answer from the workbook version in scope — or hedge that totals must be confirmed in the current CIS PDF.

20.04, 22.04, and 24.04 compared

Ubuntu 20.04 LTS

Still common in long-lived estates approaching or past standard support windows depending on ESM choices. Keep the CIS PDF current for 20.04 for as long as you operate the release; plan migration paths so you are not stuck on an abandoned assessment lineage.

Guide: CIS Benchmark for Ubuntu 20.04 hardening guide.

Ubuntu 22.04 LTS

A frequent production default for new and refreshed fleets. Use the 22.04-specific CyberSilo guide for sequenced hardening (patching, access, services, filesystem/network, audit) and lock the matching CIS workbook for automated scoring.

Guide: CIS Benchmark for Ubuntu 22.04 step-by-step hardening guide.

Ubuntu 24.04 LTS

Newest mainstream LTS in many cloud catalogues. Expect CIS guidance to track updated defaults and tooling — treat third-party “new controls” lists as orientation until you confirm the PDF. Bake L1 into images early so drift does not accumulate during rapid scale-out.

Guide: CIS Benchmark for Ubuntu 24.04 hardening guide.

Shared hardening themes across Ubuntu LTS

Initial setup, updates, and repository trust
Filesystem partitions and mount options
Special permissions and access control (users, sudo, PAM)
Network parameters and host firewall
SSH and remote administration hardening
Logging, auditing (for example auditd), and integrity tooling themes as published
Service and daemon minimisation

Exact section titles and order follow the CIS workbook for that LTS — use CyberSilo guides for programme narrative, not as a replacement for assessment procedures.

Programme playbook

Inventory every Ubuntu major version in prod, staging, and golden images.
Assign the matching CIS PDF + L1/L2 profile; forbid cross-LTS scoring.
Encode L1 in Packer/Ansible (or equivalent); track exceptions with owners and expiry.
Re-assess after unattended-upgrades, kernel changes, and image rebuilds.
Centralise logs so audit recommendations produce usable detection evidence.

Automate with the CIS Benchmarking Tool; map customer framework asks via CyberSilo CSA; feed auth and privilege failures to ThreatHawk SIEM.

Broader Linux context

If your estate mixes Ubuntu with RHEL-family or other distros, use the CIS Benchmark for Linux distribution guide to keep scopes separate while sharing operating cadence.

How CyberSilo Helps

Assess Ubuntu LTS fleets with the CIS Benchmarking Tool
Evidence mapping in CyberSilo CSA
Detection and logging proof with ThreatHawk SIEM
Advisory scoping — contact CyberSilo

Assess Ubuntu LTS against CIS

Score Ubuntu fleets, track configuration drift, and keep remediation evidence with CyberSilo’s CIS Benchmarking Tool.

Talk to CyberSilo CIS Benchmarking Tool

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CIS publish official Benchmarks for Ubuntu?

Yes. CIS publishes Ubuntu Linux benchmarks by version. Use the CIS Ubuntu benchmarks listing and the PDF that matches your LTS release.

Can we use one Ubuntu CIS PDF for 20.04, 22.04, and 24.04?

No. Each LTS has its own benchmark lineage. Maintain a version matrix and re-confirm after major upgrades or image refreshes.

Should every Ubuntu host run Level 2?

Not by default. Level 1 is the usual starting baseline. Level 2 adds stricter expectations that may impact operations — expand deliberately with testing and documented exceptions.

How does CyberSilo help Ubuntu CIS programmes?

CyberSilo’s CIS Benchmarking Tool assesses configuration against CIS expectations, tracks drift, and supports remediation evidence. CSA and ThreatHawk help with multi-framework packaging and logging proof.

CIS Benchmark for Ubuntu Linux: 20.04, 22.04 and 24.04 Compared

Why Ubuntu LTS version matters for CIS

Level 1 and Level 2 on Ubuntu