Security controls are essential measures implemented to protect information assets by mitigating risks and safeguarding against threats. These controls are commonly categorized into three primary types:
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Administrative Controls
- Definition: Policies, procedures, and guidelines that define personnel or business practices in accordance with the organization's security goals.
- Examples:
- Security Policies: Formalized statements that dictate acceptable use of organizational resources.
- Employee Training: Programs designed to educate staff about security best practices and protocols.
- Incident Response Plans: Established procedures for addressing security breaches or incidents.
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Technical Controls
- Definition: Security measures implemented through technology to protect information systems.
- Examples:
- Firewalls: Systems that monitor and control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on predetermined security rules.
- Encryption: Techniques that encode data to prevent unauthorized access.
- Access Controls: Mechanisms that restrict access to systems and data to authorized users.
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Physical Controls
- Definition: Measures designed to prevent physical access to IT systems and infrastructure.
- Examples:
- Security Guards: Personnel responsible for monitoring and protecting facilities.
- Surveillance Cameras: Devices that record activities within and around facilities to deter and detect unauthorized access.
- Access Badges: Identification cards that grant or restrict entry to specific areas.
These categories align with the functional objectives of security controls, which can be:
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Preventive Controls
- Purpose: To stop security incidents before they occur.
- Examples:
- Technical: Firewalls that block unauthorized access.
- Administrative: Security policies enforcing strong password requirements.
- Physical: Locked doors restricting access to server rooms.
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Detective Controls
- Purpose: To identify and detect security incidents in real-time or after they occur.
- Examples:
- Technical: Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) that monitor network traffic for suspicious activity.
- Administrative: Regular audits and monitoring of user activities.
- Physical: Surveillance cameras recording access to secure areas.
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Corrective Controls
- Purpose: To respond to and rectify security incidents, restoring systems to normal operations.
- Examples:
- Technical: Applying patches to fix vulnerabilities after detection.
- Administrative: Implementing revised procedures following a security breach.
- Physical: Repairing damaged security equipment.
It's important to note that some controls may span multiple categories. For instance, a firewall primarily serves as a preventive control by blocking unauthorized access but can also have detective capabilities if it includes logging and monitoring features. Understanding these categories and their functions aids in developing a comprehensive security strategy that effectively addresses various potential threats.
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