Security controls form the backbone of any effective cybersecurity strategy. These measures, also known as safeguards or countermeasures, ensure that an organization’s assets remain protected from malicious activities. However, with various security control types available, it’s essential to understand how each functions to ensure an effective, layered defense.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into six primary types of security controls:
- Preventive Controls
- Deterrent Controls
- Detective Controls
- Corrective Controls
- Compensating Controls
- Directive Controls
Each category offers a unique approach to security. By the end, you’ll understand how these controls work, why they matter, and how they complement each other to create a well-rounded security strategy.
1. Preventive Controls: Stopping Threats Before They Start
Preventive controls aim to thwart security incidents before they can occur. These are the front-line defenses, often integrated directly into systems and applications to prevent unauthorized access or actions.
Characteristics of Preventive Controls
- Objective: Stop security incidents proactively.
- Common Tools: Firewalls, antivirus software, and access control mechanisms.
- Method: Blocks or restricts access based on predefined rules or criteria.
Preventive controls serve as the primary barrier to security incidents. By denying unauthorized access, these controls minimize potential damage and ensure that only authorized individuals have access to sensitive resources.
Examples of Preventive Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Firewalls | Blocks unauthorized network traffic. |
| Antivirus | Detects and neutralizes malware. |
| Access Control | Restricts access to sensitive areas. |
Relevant Resource: For more on preventive controls and their role in cybersecurity, see the NIST framework on cybersecurity standards (NIST CSF).
2. Deterrent Controls: Discouraging Malicious Actions
Deterrent controls don’t necessarily block unauthorized actions but aim to dissuade individuals from attempting them. These measures create an environment where the consequences of malicious behavior are clear and likely.
Characteristics of Deterrent Controls
- Objective: Discourage malicious behavior by increasing perceived risks.
- Common Tools: Warning signs, security cameras, and policies.
- Method: Creates awareness of security measures, making attacks less appealing.
Examples of Deterrent Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Cameras | Monitors and records activity. |
| Warning Signs | Informs potential intruders of security measures. |
| Security Policies | Outlines consequences for misconduct. |
By creating a perceived level of surveillance, deterrent controls influence potential attackers to think twice before taking harmful actions.
Relevant Resource: Learn about the psychology behind deterrent controls in cybersecurity (CSO Online).
3. Detective Controls: Identifying Threats and Incidents
Detective controls come into play when preventive and deterrent measures fail, identifying unauthorized or suspicious activities. These controls do not prevent attacks directly but allow organizations to quickly detect and respond to incidents.
Characteristics of Detective Controls
- Objective: Identify and alert on suspicious or unauthorized activities.
- Common Tools: Intrusion detection systems (IDS), audit logs, and security monitoring.
- Method: Monitors activity and generates alerts for unusual behavior.
Detective controls are invaluable because they enable quick responses, minimizing potential damage by flagging suspicious activities early.
Examples of Detective Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Intrusion Detection | Monitors network for suspicious activity. |
| Audit Logs | Tracks access to systems and files. |
| Monitoring Software | Provides real-time alerts. |
Detective controls complement preventive measures by ensuring that threats are identified even if they breach the initial line of defense.
Relevant Resource: For insights on detective control implementations, see the SANS Institute’s guide on intrusion detection (SANS Institute).
4. Corrective Controls: Responding to Security Incidents
Corrective controls are designed to minimize damage and restore normalcy after an incident has occurred. These actions work in conjunction with detective controls to ensure that systems recover quickly.
Characteristics of Corrective Controls
- Objective: Restore affected systems to normal functionality.
- Common Tools: System patches, antivirus cleanups, and backup restoration.
- Method: Fixes vulnerabilities or clears threats from affected systems.
Corrective controls act as a “damage control” measure, repairing harm and enabling continued operations without prolonged disruption.
Examples of Corrective Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| System Patches | Fixes vulnerabilities post-incident. |
| Backup Restoration | Restores lost or compromised data. |
| Antivirus Cleanup | Removes malicious software. |
Relevant Resource: For a relevant resource on corrective controls,you may find helpful information at the Center for Internet Security’s guide on incident response and system recovery practices (CIS Controls).
5. Compensating Controls: Filling the Gaps in Security
Compensating controls provide alternative security measures when primary controls cannot be fully implemented. These controls “compensate” for gaps in coverage, often due to budget constraints, technical limitations, or other challenges.
Characteristics of Compensating Controls
- Objective: Support security when ideal controls are unfeasible.
- Common Tools: Multifactor authentication (MFA), access monitoring, and physical access restrictions.
- Method: Adds extra security to compensate for weaker areas.
By supplementing existing controls, compensating controls allow organizations to maintain security standards, even with limited resources.
Examples of Compensating Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| MFA | Adds authentication steps to sensitive areas. |
| Access Monitoring | Tracks and records access attempts. |
| Physical Security | Locks down critical infrastructure. |
Relevant Resource: For additional information on the role of compensating controls, read up on NIST’s guidelines (NIST Special Publication).
6. Directive Controls: Setting the Security Framework
Directive controls provide guidance and structure to help prevent incidents and guide actions. While they don’t physically prevent access, directive controls play an essential role in establishing a proactive security posture by setting clear expectations.
Characteristics of Directive Controls
- Objective: Provide instructions and guidelines to prevent incidents.
- Common Tools: Security policies, employee training, and standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Method: Establishes an environment where roles and responsibilities are clear.
Directive controls emphasize the importance of guidelines and policies to maintain a secure organization. By educating users and setting protocols, directive controls reduce the chances of human error leading to security incidents.
Examples of Directive Controls
| Control Type | Description |
|---|---|
| Security Policies | Sets rules for acceptable behavior. |
| Employee Training | Educates staff on security best practices. |
| Standard Operating Procedures | Outlines specific response steps. |
Relevant Resource: To create effective directive controls, see the resource on security awareness training by ISACA.
Comparing Security Controls: Summary Table
Here’s a quick comparison of these six types of security controls to illustrate their distinct roles within a security framework:
| Control Type | Primary Purpose | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Preventive | Stop unauthorized actions. | Firewalls, Antivirus |
| Deterrent | Dissuade malicious behavior. | Security Cameras, Warning Signs |
| Detective | Identify and alert on incidents. | IDS, Audit Logs |
| Corrective | Fix issues post-incident. | Patches, Backup Restoration |
| Compensating | Support security gaps. | MFA, Physical Security Measures |
| Directive | Guide behavior and prevent errors. | Policies, Employee Training |
Creating a Comprehensive Security Strategy
Combining all six types of security controls creates a more comprehensive security strategy. Preventive controls stop attacks, deterrent controls discourage them, and detective controls alert us to breaches. If an incident does occur, corrective and compensating controls come into play, while directive controls guide all users within the organization.
When integrated, these controls form a layered defense, making it difficult for malicious actors to bypass every barrier. Organizations should prioritize controls based on their specific needs, risks, and resources, but ideally, all six types play a role in any well-rounded cybersecurity framework.
Conclusion
Each type of security control plays a vital role in a robust cybersecurity framework. By understanding preventive, deterrent, detective, corrective, compensating, and directive controls, organizations can implement a strategic defense that addresses both technical and human vulnerabilities.
A layered security approach, informed by a clear understanding of these controls, is essential in today’s threat landscape. For a secure organization, combining these measures ensures preparedness, resilience, and proactive defense.