What is a control in cyber risk management?

In the context of cyber risk management, a control refers to the safeguards or countermeasures that are implemented to mitigate risk. These controls can take various forms, such as technical solutions (like firewalls and intrusion detection systems), administrative measures (such as security policies and training), and physical controls (like secure access to facilities). The primary goal of controls is to reduce vulnerabilities and protect the organization's assets, data, and overall operational integrity from cyber threats.

By implementing effective controls, an organization can lower the likelihood of a cyber incident occurring and minimize the impact should an incident take place. This proactive approach to risk management is crucial for maintaining a secure environment and ensuring compliance with various regulatory requirements.

In contrast, the other options reflect different aspects of business or risk management but do not accurately define what a control is in the context of cyber risk management. For example, financial losses due to cyber incidents pertain to the consequences of inadequate cybersecurity measures, while strategies to improve employee productivity and compliance reports do not specifically address risk mitigation in the cyber domain.