What is a mitigating control?

A mitigating control refers to measures implemented to lessen the impact, likelihood, or consequences of a risk. This definition encompasses a range of actions, such as physical security enhancements, improved policies and procedures, employee training, or advanced technological solutions, which aim to manage potential threats effectively. The focus of mitigating controls is to address vulnerabilities by reducing their severity, ensuring that while risks may not be completely eliminated, they can be made more manageable.

In the context of risk management, options that imply eliminating all risk or merely complying with legal requirements do not capture the essence of mitigation. Total risk elimination is often impractical, and compliance alone does not necessarily reduce risk severity or frequency. Measuring effectiveness is crucial but does not directly contribute to mitigation; it is more about assessing existing controls rather than implementing new ones to reduce risk. Thus, the correct answer rightly identifies mitigating controls as those actions taken specifically to manage and diminish risk in a proactive manner.