What is the aim of security controls as outlined in document numbered 800-53?

The aim of security controls as outlined in document number 800-53 is to provide security mechanisms. This document, which is published by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), establishes a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems and organizations. It emphasizes the implementation of security controls to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information.

These controls are designed to be implemented across various areas of organizational security, ensuring that adequate measures are in place to mitigate risks associated with information systems. By focusing on security mechanisms, 800-53 helps organizations develop frameworks to safeguard their data against unauthorized access, breaches, and other potential threats.

While audits, performance assessments, and risk management processes are essential aspects of an organization’s overall security strategy, they serve different purposes. Audits are focused on evaluation and assurance, performance assessments measure the effectiveness of controls, and risk management processes identify, assess, and prioritize risks. The core intention of NIST 800-53, however, is centered on the provision of actionable security mechanisms to fortify information system protection.