Evaluating the effectiveness of controls involves what key action?

Evaluating the effectiveness of controls is fundamentally about understanding the mechanisms already in place to mitigate risks and ensure business continuity. Identifying the existing controls allows for an assessment of how well these measures are functioning in practice. This foundational step enables the organization to determine if the controls are adequate, appropriate, and aligned with the evolving risk landscape.

By pinpointing the specific controls that exist, an organization can analyze their effectiveness, identify gaps, and recognize areas for improvement. This process is essential for continuous improvement in business continuity planning and can guide future strategies, including the potential implementation of new technologies or refinement of existing procedures.

While examining past incidents and conducting employee interviews can provide valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of existing controls, the primary action revolves around first recognizing what those controls are. This ensures that any evaluation is grounded in a clear understanding of current capabilities.