Security Control Validation

Overview, Methodology, and Best Practices

Introduction

• Security Control Validation (SCV) ensures that security controls work as intended.
• Helps organizations verify resilience against real-world attacks.
• Continuous validation strengthens detection, prevention, and response capabilities.

Why Security Control Validation?

• Confirms that security tools are properly configured
• Identifies gaps that traditional audits miss.
• Validates SOC monitoring & alerting.
• Maps defenses against frameworks such as MITRE ATT&CK.
  
• Improves incident response readiness.

Components of SCV

• Control Inventory
• Threat Modeling & Attack Mapping
• Validation Testing (Manual & Automated)
• Evidence Collection
• Reporting & Gap Analysis
• Recommendations & Retesting

SCV Methodology

• Define Scope and Objectives
• Identify Controls to Validate
• Map Controls to Threat Scenarios
• Execute Validation Tests
• Capture Logs, Alerts, and Evidence
• Analyze Findings
• Provide Recommendations
• Retest to Confirm Fixes

Types of Validation Tests

• Endpoint Security Validation (EDR/AV)
• Network Security Validation (FW, IDS/IPS)
• Identity & Access Validation (MFA, RBAC)
• Data Security Controls (DLP, Encryption)
• Cloud Security Controls (CSPM, CWPP)
• Application Security Controls

Mapping to MITRE ATT&CK

• Identify relevant TTPs for your environment.
• Select atomic tests for each TTP.
• Validate visibility & detection in the SOC.
• Document alerts, logs, and defensive responses.

Conclusion

• SCV strengthens security maturity.
• Ensures readiness against evolving threats
• Provides evidence‑based assurance to management.
• Helps maintain continuous security improvement.