What is the primary role of a Security Control Assessor (SCA)?

The primary role of a Security Control Assessor (SCA) is to evaluate security controls for effectiveness. This involves assessing whether the implemented security measures are functioning as intended to protect organizational assets and comply with applicable regulations and standards. The SCA uses various methods and tools to test and validate the controls, identifying any weaknesses or deficiencies that may exist.

The evaluation process includes reviewing documentation, conducting interviews with personnel, and performing technical assessments. By examining how well security controls are working, the SCA provides critical insights into the organization's security posture and helps to ensure that risks are managed effectively.

In contrast, implementing security controls is typically the responsibility of an IT security team rather than the SCA. Developing new security policies also falls outside the direct purview of the SCA, as it is usually managed by policy-makers or security leadership. Although overseeing security infrastructure is important, it is more aligned with operational roles rather than the specific function of evaluating control effectiveness that defines the SCA role.