Definition
Controls are safeguards or countermeasures implemented to protect systems, data, and operations from threats and vulnerabilities. They are designed to prevent, detect, or correct security incidents and ensure the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information assets. In practice, controls are the specific actions, policies, or procedures put in place to manage risk and achieve desired security outcomes. Understanding and applying appropriate controls is crucial for maintaining a secure operating environment and complying with regulations. For instance, multi-factor authentication is a control that enhances login security by requiring multiple forms of verification. Controls are often confused with policies, which define the rules, whereas controls are the mechanisms that enforce those rules. You will encounter controls extensively in domains like Security+ and CySA+.