What defines a ‘security control baseline’?

A ‘security control baseline’ is fundamentally defined as a set of minimum security controls that are established based upon specific system categorization levels. This means that for any given system, security controls are tailored according to the level of assurance required, which is influenced by the categorization of the system—whether it is low, moderate, or high risk. These baselines provide a standardized approach to implementing security measures that ensure a baseline level of protection is consistently achieved across systems within that categorization.

Such a baseline is crucial because it not only facilitates compliance with regulatory requirements but also aids organizations in systematically assessing and managing security risks associated with their systems. By establishing a minimum level of security controls, organizations can better allocate resources, prioritize areas of concern, and implement necessary security measures in alignment with risk management practices.

This understanding distinguishes the concept of a security control baseline from other potential choices. For instance, the collection of advanced security measures for high-risk systems represents a higher level of security that may build upon a baseline but does not define it. Similarly, an overview of all possible security controls would be too broad to serve as a specific standard, and a list of security risks for an organization does not pertain to the implementation of controls but rather focuses on identifying threats and