A successful risk management strategy requires a strong internal control environment. The risk control matrix (RCM) format emphasizes that strong and risk-oriented internal control environments are often optimized with automated/manual controls, depending on the situation.

An RCM provides an overview of different control objectives that organizations should take into consideration and the corresponding controls to safeguard the company against risks, which may arise if not checked timely. Once customized to an organization, this document can help the user in assessing each control. The control assessment can then also be summarized to develop an action plan. 

This document outlines risks and controls common to the 4.2.2 Manage Security and Privacy process in a risk control matrix (RCM) format.

Sample risks include:

• An effective security administration group has not been established to create accountability for control activities and to allow a channel of communication for identified security issues.
• Authorized user accounts may be composed of individuals without rights to the system.
• Authorized users may retain access to the systems upon termination of employment.
• The security architecture is not configured to properly prevent inappropriate and/or unauthorized access.

This document can be used as a sample RCM and is not meant to be an exhaustive list of risks and controls. The KnowledgeLeader team will periodically update this RCM with new content. Organizations should select, update and modify the risks and controls included in this document to ensure that it reflects business operations.