For what purpose is a compensating control used in a cloud environment?

A compensating control serves as an alternative measure or workaround designed to mitigate risk when the primary control is either ineffective, unavailable, or cannot be implemented for some reason. In the context of cloud security, compensating controls are essential for enhancing the security posture of cloud environments by providing additional monitoring, detection, or prevention capabilities.

By creating an additional layer of monitoring, compensating controls help ensure that even if initial controls fail or are circumvented, there is still oversight and remediation in place. This extra layer can involve various techniques such as logging, auditing, and continuous monitoring, which help maintain security integrity.

This strategic approach ensures that risks are addressed comprehensively, maintaining the overall security framework in a cloud environment. Hence, using compensating controls effectively supports a robust security strategy by enhancing initial security measures with supplementary safeguards.