What does the term "compensating controls" refer to?

The term "compensating controls" specifically refers to alternative measures that are put in place when primary controls cannot be applied, are not effective, or are impractical in a certain situation. These controls serve the purpose of providing a similar level of security or risk mitigation as the original intended controls.

For instance, if a company is required to implement multifactor authentication but cannot due to software limitations, they may choose to implement a more stringent password policy as a compensating control. This ensures that even without the primary control, there is still an attempt to manage risk and maintain security.

Understanding this concept is crucial for security control assessors, as they need to evaluate whether compensating controls provide adequate risk mitigation in the absence of primary controls. This understanding reflects a comprehensive approach to risk management, where alternative solutions can effectively address potential vulnerabilities.