Security Control Assessment

A security control assessment is the formal process of evaluating whether the security controls implemented on an information system are working correctly, producing the desired outcome, and meeting security requirements. It's a systematic evaluation — not just checking boxes, but verifying that controls actually function as intended in your specific environment.

Assessments involve examining documentation, interviewing personnel, and testing controls through hands-on verification. The results feed into the Security Assessment Report and ultimately inform the authorization decision.

Why It Matters

Regular security control assessments — not just during initial authorization but as part of continuous monitoring — are how you maintain confidence that your security posture hasn't degraded. Finding problems yourself is always better than having an assessor find them.