What are compensating controls?

Compensating controls refer to alternative measures implemented to achieve compliance with a required control when the primary control is not feasible due to certain constraints, such as resource limitations, technology gaps, or specific risks associated with an organization's operations. These alternatives are designed to mitigate the risks that remain unaddressed by the primary control, thereby ensuring that the overall risk management strategy remains robust.

Organizations may implement compensating controls in situations where a required control cannot be executed for practical reasons. For instance, if a business is unable to install specific security software due to budget constraints, it might adopt a compensating control like increased monitoring or manual processes to ensure that security risks are still managed effectively.

The other options do not accurately define compensating controls. While additional controls that enhance system security can be important, they are not specifically compensating controls unless they replace a primary control due to its unfeasibility. Temporary controls during audits serve a different purpose, focusing on meeting audit requirements rather than compensating for a lack of primary controls. Lastly, controls focused solely on detection do not encompass the broader necessity of managing risks effectively; compensating controls may include preventive measures as well.