What is a security control?

A security control is fundamentally a measure implemented to mitigate risk and protect information assets. This definition encompasses the various strategies, processes, tools, and policies that organizations use to safeguard their information systems and data from unauthorized access, breaches, and other security threats. Security controls can be categorized into technical, administrative, and physical controls, each playing a vital role in a comprehensive security strategy.

The primary aim of these controls is to reduce the potential impact of security incidents, thereby ensuring the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data. Implementing effective security controls is essential for organizations to manage risk and comply with regulatory requirements, making this answer the most accurate in describing what a security control is.

In contrast, the other options do not appropriately capture the essence of security controls. A checklist for evaluating software performance focuses on functionality and performance rather than risk mitigation. A type of user access credential pertains specifically to identity and access management rather than broader security control mechanisms. Similarly, a hardware solution for increased processing speed relates to performance improvements rather than the protective measures necessary for securing information assets.