What are technical controls in cyber security?

What are technical controls in cybersecurity?

Technical controls are the tools and systems used to protect sensitive information from cyber threats. Just as locks and alarms secure a physical space, technical controls use software and hardware to defend digital data. With cybercrime expected to cost the global economy $10.5 trillion annually by 2025 according to Cybersecurity Ventures, having robust technical defenses is now more important than ever. These controls are essential to any cybersecurity strategy, helping organizations prevent attacks, fix vulnerabilities, and ensure their data remains secure and private.

Breaking down technical controls

Technical controls, also known as logical controls, are the hardware and software solutions that enforce cybersecurity policies. Unlike administrative controls (e.g., policies and training) or physical controls (e.g., locked doors and security cameras), technical controls operate directly within IT systems to manage access, detect threats, and protect data.

Different types of technical controls

Depending on how they safeguard devices, systems, and networks, different technical controls fall under specific categories. These are:

• Preventive controls: Designed to stop cyberattacks before they happen. Examples include firewalls, antivirus software, intrusion prevention systems (IPS), and endpoint protection platforms.
• Detective controls: Identify and send alerts of ongoing or past security incidents. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, intrusion detection systems (IDS), network forensics tools, and network monitoring tools are some examples of detective controls.
• Corrective controls: Help mitigate the impact of a security breach and restore systems to normal operations. Some examples are backup solutions, patch management systems, and disaster recovery tools.

Why technical controls matter

The numbers speak for themselves. A recent IBM report found that the global average cost of a data breach in 2024 is $4.88 million—a 10% increase over the past three years. Technical controls are essential for reducing these risks. Here’s how they make a difference:

Minimize human error

Verizon’s 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report found that 68% of breaches in 2024 involved a human element. Technical controls like multi-factor authentication (MFA) and automated security updates exist to prevent failures due to human limitations and shortcomings.

Rapid threat detection

With cyberattacks occurring every 39 seconds according to a recent study, tools like endpoint detection and response (EDR) systems ensure threats are identified and contained quickly before they become security incidents and disrupt critical business functions.

Regulatory compliance

Technical controls are often required to meet standards and regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, and ISO 27001, helping organizations avoid hefty fines and legal repercussions, demonstrate their commitment and capacity for cybersecurity, and build trust among customers and regulators.

How to implement effective technical controls

To build a strong cybersecurity framework, organizations should:

• Conduct a risk assessment: Identify assets, vulnerabilities, and potential threats.
• Prioritize controls: Focus on the most critical systems and data first.
• Invest in automation: Automated tools reduce response times and human error.
• Regularly test and update: Ensure technical controls remain effective against evolving threats.

Technical controls are crucial for protecting your organization’s digital assets. By implementing strong technical defenses, you can reduce risks and keep your data secure in an ever-changing cyber landscape.

Get started with 6clicks

Enhance your cybersecurity strategy with 6clicks, a comprehensive cyber GRC platform that offers advanced features to manage and implement technical controls effectively.

First, our Security Compliance solution equips you with in-demand frameworks such as ISO 27001, NIST CSF, DORA, and more to help you align control implementation with regulatory requirements and global standards for cybersecurity.

Meanwhile, you can set up and manage your technical controls, link them to risks, assets, and compliance requirements, and assign control tasks to team members within the 6clicks Controls module. Then, conduct automated tests to ensure that controls are working as intended using our Continuous Control Monitoring feature.

Finally, utilize 6clicks' Audit & Assessment capability to validate the effectiveness of your technical controls and verify compliance.

Ready to elevate your cybersecurity strategy? Get started with 6clicks today and protect your organization with our cutting-edge solutions.