Episode 12 — Engineer compensating controls assessors actually approve
This episode focuses on compensating controls, which the ISA exam often tests through scenarios that look reasonable on the surface but fail the strict criteria in practice. You’ll define what a compensating control is, when it is allowed, and why it cannot be used as a convenient workaround for cost or inconvenience. We’ll cover the expected structure of compensating control documentation, including the original requirement intent, the constraint that prevents direct compliance, the alternative control design, and the testing approach that proves the objective is met at an equivalent or stronger level. You’ll work through examples such as legacy system limitations, segmented environments with restricted admin pathways, and operational constraints that require creative design without weakening security. We’ll also cover common rejection reasons like incomplete threat reasoning, weak evidence plans, or controls that shift risk instead of reducing it, so you can build compensating controls that are measurable, testable, and defensible. Produced by BareMetalCyber.com, where you’ll find more cyber audio courses, books, and information to strengthen your educational path. Also, if you want to stay up to date with the latest news, visit DailyCyber.News for a newsletter you can use, and a daily podcast you can commute with.
