What does a control effectiveness review evaluate?

A control effectiveness review primarily focuses on assessing how well the implemented security controls operate in practice. This includes evaluating their performance, reliability, and their ability to mitigate identified risks. The review identifies whether the controls are functioning as intended, whether they are maintaining a level of performance that meets requirements, and if they are consistently effective in preventing or detecting security incidents.

Such reviews are crucial for organizations because they help in identifying any gaps or weaknesses in the controls, allowing for timely adjustments to enhance security postures. While user satisfaction, cost-effectiveness, and alignment with strategic goals are important aspects of a comprehensive risk management strategy, they are not the primary focus of a control effectiveness review. Instead, this review is specifically aimed at understanding the real-world efficacy of the security controls that have been put in place.