What should an organization do to ensure ongoing effectiveness of its security controls?

An organization can ensure the ongoing effectiveness of its security controls primarily by regularly conducting audits and reviews. This practice is essential because it allows the organization to assess the performance of its security measures, identify any weaknesses or vulnerabilities, and determine whether the controls are functioning as intended.

Audits can take various forms, such as compliance audits, risk assessments, or penetration tests. By consistently performing these evaluations, an organization can uncover gaps in security, measure adherence to established policies, and ensure that controls can adapt to changes in the threat landscape or business operations. Furthermore, audits provide a mechanism for accountability and improvement, as they require a thorough documentation of security processes and generate reports that prompt management action when deficiencies are identified.

While other activities, such as periodic training, adopting flexible policies, and encouraging user feedback, can complement the overall security strategy, they do not substitute for the structured evaluations and insights gained through regular audits and reviews, which are vital for maintaining robust security postures.