Administrative controls, also known as management controls, are security measures that focus on policies, procedures, and guidelines established by an organization to manage and reduce risk. These controls form a critical component of a comprehensive security program and represent the human and org…Administrative controls, also known as management controls, are security measures that focus on policies, procedures, and guidelines established by an organization to manage and reduce risk. These controls form a critical component of a comprehensive security program and represent the human and organizational aspects of security management.
Administrative controls include several key elements. First, security policies establish the foundation by defining the organization's security objectives, acceptable use guidelines, and expected behaviors for all personnel. These policies provide direction and set expectations for how security should be implemented across the organization.
Second, procedures and standards translate policies into actionable steps. They outline specific methods for accomplishing security tasks, such as incident response procedures, change management processes, and access request workflows.
Third, personnel security involves background checks, security clearances, employment agreements, and termination procedures. This ensures that individuals with access to sensitive systems and information are trustworthy and understand their responsibilities.
Fourth, security awareness training educates employees about security threats, organizational policies, and their role in maintaining security. Regular training helps create a security-conscious culture and reduces human error.
Fifth, risk management activities include risk assessments, business impact analyses, and the implementation of appropriate countermeasures based on identified vulnerabilities and threats.
Sixth, separation of duties and least privilege principles ensure that no single individual has excessive access or control over critical functions, reducing the potential for fraud or misuse.
Administrative controls work in conjunction with technical controls (such as firewalls and encryption) and physical controls (such as locks and surveillance systems) to create a layered defense strategy. While technical controls may seem more tangible, administrative controls are essential because they govern how people interact with systems and information. Effective administrative controls establish accountability, ensure compliance with regulations, and create a framework for consistent security practices throughout the organization.
Administrative Controls - SSCP Exam Guide
What Are Administrative Controls?
Administrative controls, also known as management controls or soft controls, are security measures implemented through policies, procedures, standards, guidelines, and training programs. These controls govern how people behave and operate within an organization to protect information assets.
Why Are Administrative Controls Important?
Administrative controls form the foundation of any security program because they:
• Establish the rules and expectations for security behavior • Provide a framework for consistent decision-making • Define accountability and responsibility for security • Enable compliance with laws and regulations • Create a security-aware culture within the organization • Guide the implementation of technical and physical controls
How Administrative Controls Work
Administrative controls operate through several mechanisms:
Policies: High-level statements of management intent that define what is and is not acceptable behavior. Examples include acceptable use policies, information security policies, and access control policies.
Procedures: Step-by-step instructions that explain how to implement policies. They provide detailed guidance for completing specific tasks securely.
Standards: Mandatory requirements that specify how policies should be implemented. They define minimum levels of security that must be met.
Guidelines: Recommended practices that provide flexibility in how security objectives are achieved. They offer suggestions rather than requirements.
Security Awareness Training: Programs designed to educate employees about security threats, policies, and their individual responsibilities.
Background Checks: Pre-employment screening to verify candidate suitability and trustworthiness.
Separation of Duties: Dividing critical tasks among multiple individuals to prevent fraud and errors.
Job Rotation: Periodically moving employees between different roles to detect irregularities and reduce single points of failure.
Mandatory Vacations: Requiring employees to take time off so others can review their work and detect potential issues.
Exam Tips: Answering Questions on Administrative Controls
1. Identify the control type: When a question describes a security measure involving policies, procedures, training, or human behavior management, think administrative controls.
2. Distinguish from other control types: Remember that technical controls involve technology (firewalls, encryption), physical controls involve tangible barriers (locks, guards), while administrative controls involve people and processes.
3. Look for keywords: Terms like 'policy,' 'procedure,' 'training,' 'background check,' 'separation of duties,' 'job rotation,' and 'awareness program' indicate administrative controls.
4. Consider the hierarchy: Policies are at the top, followed by standards, then procedures, and finally guidelines. Know the differences between these.
5. Remember that administrative controls support other controls: Technical and physical controls are often implemented based on requirements defined in administrative controls.
6. Separation of duties scenarios: If a question asks about preventing a single person from having too much control over a process, separation of duties is the answer.
7. Least privilege questions: When asked about granting minimum necessary access, this is an administrative principle implemented through access control policies.
8. Training-related questions: Security awareness training is the most common administrative control for addressing human vulnerabilities and social engineering threats.
9. Watch for 'best' or 'first' questions: Administrative controls often come first in establishing a security program before implementing technical solutions.
10. Compliance context: When questions mention regulatory requirements or audits, administrative controls like policies and procedures are typically central to demonstrating compliance.