Which process involves evaluating the effectiveness of security controls?

The process that involves evaluating the effectiveness of security controls is a security audit. A security audit is systematic assessment designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an organization’s security measures, policies, and procedures. During an audit, various aspects of security controls are examined, including their deployment, operation, and overall effectiveness in providing protection against threats and vulnerabilities.

This process typically includes reviewing documentation, interviewing personnel, and testing systems to ensure that controls are functioning as intended. The aim is to identify any gaps or weaknesses in the security posture, which can then be addressed to improve overall security.

In contrast, risk assessments focus on identifying and analyzing potential risks to the organization, without necessarily assessing the controls' effectiveness. Threat modeling is more about identifying and prioritizing potential threats to a system, while vulnerability testing is aimed at discovering weaknesses in systems that could be exploited by attackers. These processes each have their distinct focus and do not primarily evaluate the effectiveness of existing security controls.