What are “Common Controls” within the context of CAP?

In the context of the Certified Authorization Professional (CAP), "Common Controls" refer to security controls that are not specific to a single system but rather are designed to be utilized across multiple systems within an organization. These controls are implemented to enhance the overall security posture of the organization and provide a baseline of protection that multiple systems can inherit.

Common Controls are essential for ensuring consistency in security practices across different systems and applications, which helps streamline authorization processes and compliance efforts. By using a common set of controls, organizations can reduce redundancy in security measures and focus their resources more effectively on areas that require tailored controls.

Additionally, organizations can simplify their risk management strategies as they can assess the effectiveness of common controls across the board rather than dealing with unique controls for every individual system. This approach promotes efficiency and better alignment with security frameworks and standards, which is crucial for effective governance and risk management in an organization.