What is the term for the measure of effectiveness of cybersecurity controls?

The measure of effectiveness of cybersecurity controls is best captured by the concept of a security audit. A security audit involves a systematic evaluation of an organization’s information security policies, procedures, and controls, determining how well they are functioning to protect against threats and vulnerabilities. Through audits, organizations can assess the adequacy of their security measures, compliance with regulatory requirements, and identify areas for improvement.

A security audit typically includes reviewing the deployment and management of security controls, as well as their alignment with established cybersecurity frameworks or best practices. This process helps organizations gauge the current level of defense against potential threats and provides insights into the effectiveness of the overall security posture.

While risk assessment and vulnerability assessment are essential components of the cybersecurity process, they focus on identifying potential risks and vulnerabilities rather than measuring the effectiveness of existing controls. Security effectiveness measurement appears as a more general term but is not commonly used as a specific process in cybersecurity terminology. A security audit is the most formalized and recognized method for assessing the effectiveness of cybersecurity controls.