What are security controls designed to mitigate?

Security controls are specifically designed to mitigate security vulnerabilities in various systems and processes. These controls aim to reduce the risk associated with vulnerabilities that could be exploited by threats, leading to potential breaches or unauthorized access to information. By identifying and addressing security weaknesses, organizations can strengthen their overall security posture.

For instance, implementing access controls, encryption, and regular patch management are ways to mitigate vulnerabilities in software and hardware systems. Security controls include preventive measures that can help stop attacks before they occur, as well as detective and corrective measures that can respond to incidents after they occur.

While unauthorized access, data integrity, and network performance are critical factors in overall security management, they are outcomes or aspects that are influenced by how well vulnerabilities are managed. The primary focus of security controls is to reduce and manage vulnerabilities that could lead to these issues.