What must be ensured when verifying control effectiveness?

When verifying control effectiveness, it is crucial to ensure that the control operates as intended. This means assessing whether the control effectively mitigates the identified risks in the way it was designed to do. The primary focus is on its functionality in real-world scenarios, confirming that it achieves the desired security outcomes and aligns with established policies and procedures.

Demonstrating that a control operates as intended involves various forms of testing and validation, which may include simulations, audits, and performance monitoring. This ensures that any vulnerabilities are addressed and that the control adapts appropriately to changes in the threat landscape or operational environment.

While aspects such as cost-effectiveness, user understanding, and proper documentation are valuable in the broader context of control management, they do not directly measure whether a control is effective in preventing, detecting, or responding to risks. Ensuring that the control works as it should is the cornerstone of effective risk management and is essential for maintaining overall security posture.