Can Compensating Controls Be the Answer in a Sea of Vulnerabilities?>
Security Boulevard – Yair Herling
In the face of the overwhelming number of vulnerabilities and the constant stream of cyber security news, organizations often struggle with patching fatigue and the belief that fixing all vulnerabilities is an impossible task
While risk-based vulnerability prioritization (RBVP) is still the primary approach to vulnerability remediation, not all vulnerabilities can be patched immediately or at all
In such cases, compensating controls can be a valuable tool in mitigating the risk posed by unpatched vulnerabilities
Key points:
Compensating controls are alternative security measures implemented when patching a specific vulnerability is too difficult or impractical
They offer several strategic advantages, including prioritization of patching efforts, reduced downtime, and resource optimization
However, compensating controls are not a magic bullet and should not be relied upon solely
Their effectiveness must be thoroughly evaluated and documented, and ongoing monitoring is essential
Implementing and maintaining compensating controls can be resource-intensive, requiring dedicated personnel and expertise
A layered security strategy that includes vulnerability assessment, exposure assessment, compensating controls, and traditional patching is crucial for a robust defense
Organizations must adopt a risk-based approach that prioritizes patching critical vulnerabilities while leveraging compensating controls for those that are unpatchable due to legitimate constraints
The deployment of these measures should be informed by a thorough exposure assessment, which evaluates the potential impact and exploitability of identified vulnerabilities in the context of the organization’s unique security infrastructure.
Link: https://securityboulevard.com/2024/03/can-compensating-controls-be-the-answer-in-a-sea-of-vulnerabilities