What are security controls?

Security controls are defined as safeguards or countermeasures used to protect information and information systems. They play a critical role in risk management and help ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. By implementing various types of security controls, organizations can mitigate vulnerabilities, defend against threats, and comply with legal and regulatory requirements to protect sensitive information.

These controls can take multiple forms, including administrative controls (policies and procedures), technical controls (firewalls, encryption, and access controls), and physical controls (security guards, locks, and surveillance). The overall goal is to create a security posture that reduces the chance of breaches and enhances the organization's ability to respond to incidents.

Other options offered do not accurately encapsulate the definition or purpose of security controls. For instance, while enhancing user experience may include some security measures, it is not the primary goal of security controls. Similarly, technological advancements in cybersecurity can contribute to the effectiveness of controls but do not define what security controls are. Regulatory compliance documents represent the rules and standards that organizations must adhere to but do not inherently describe the protections that controls provide.