What are compensating controls used for in security practices?

Compensating controls are implemented in security practices to provide an alternative method of achieving the desired security outcome when the primary security controls are deemed insufficient or ineffective. This means that if a specific security measure cannot be applied, or if it fails to deliver the needed level of protection, compensating controls act as a backup to maintain security integrity.

For example, if an organization cannot implement a strong physical security control like biometric authentication due to budgetary constraints, it might use a combination of other measures such as increased surveillance or access controls to ensure that unauthorized access is still effectively managed.

This is distinct from monitoring security events, which would focus more on detection and response activities, and from enhancing incident response, which aims to improve the speed and effectiveness of responses to security incidents. While discouraging security breaches is a broader goal of an organization's security posture, it does not specifically define the role of compensating controls, which are tactical measures taken in the absence or failure of a primary control.