Security Controls
Security controls are the safeguards or countermeasures your organization implements to protect information systems and data. They can be technical (firewalls, encryption, access controls), operational (procedures, training, monitoring), or management (policies, risk assessments, planning). Together, they form your defense against cyber threats.
In the NIST and CMMC frameworks, security controls are defined, categorized, and assessed systematically. Each control addresses a specific aspect of security, and collectively they create a layered defense that protects your systems from multiple angles.
Why It Matters
Security controls are the concrete actions you take to achieve compliance. Understanding the difference between technical, operational, and management controls helps you assign responsibility and budget appropriately across your organization.