All cheat sheets

Security Controls Matrix

Every control has a TYPE (how it's implemented) and a FUNCTION (what it does). Here's the full 3 × 3.

Preventive

Stop threats

Detective

Identify incidents

Corrective

Fix & recover

Control typePreventiveDetectiveCorrective
Physical
  • Door locks & key cards
  • Security guards
  • Fences & barriers
  • Biometric scanners
  • Mantrap doors
  • CCTV cameras
  • Motion sensors
  • Badge reader logs
  • Glass break detectors
  • Visitor management systems
  • Emergency response procedures
  • Backup power (UPS/generators)
  • Fire suppression systems
  • Evacuation plans
  • Physical asset recovery
Technical
  • Firewalls
  • Antivirus software
  • Multi-factor authentication
  • Data encryption
  • Input validation
  • Access control lists
  • Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
  • SIEM systems
  • Log monitoring
  • File integrity monitoring
  • Network traffic analysis
  • Vulnerability scanners
  • Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
  • Automated patch management
  • System backups & recovery
  • Quarantine systems
  • Failover systems
  • Incident response tools
Administrative
  • Security awareness training
  • Background checks
  • Separation of duties
  • Acceptable use policies
  • Password policies
  • Security procedures
  • Security audits
  • Log reviews
  • Performance monitoring
  • Compliance assessments
  • Peer reviews
  • Whistleblower programs
  • Incident response teams
  • Business continuity plans
  • Disciplinary actions
  • Policy updates
  • Lessons-learned programs
  • Process improvements

How they interlace

Every control has both a type (how it's implemented) and a function (what it does). For example:

  • A firewall is a Technical control with a Preventive function.
  • CCTV cameras are Physical controls with a Detective function.
  • Incident response teams are Administrative controls with a Corrective function.

Key integration points

  • Defense in depth: use multiple control types for each function.
  • Comprehensive coverage: make sure all 9 cells have appropriate controls.
  • Control dependencies: some rely on others (e.g. SIEMs need logs).
  • Risk-based selection: choose controls based on your risk profile.
  • Regular review: periodically assess the matrix for gaps.