2
Types
Preventive controls stop issues; detective controls find them quickly.
Your riskcontrolstoolkit
Design preventive and detective safeguards.
Learn what risk controls are, how to design effective control activities, and how to test ownership and performance.
What are risk controls?
Risk controls are the policies, procedures, and activities that prevent, detect, or correct issues before they impact objectives.
%
Effectiveness
Measure control performance through success rates or exceptions.
Owner
Accountability
Each control needs an assigned owner and reviewer.
WHY IT MATTERS
Why strong risk controls reduce exposure
Protects value. Controls keep errors, fraud, and downtime from impacting customers or revenue.
Satisfies regulators. Documented controls are required for audits, certifications, and due diligence.
Supports assurance. Effective controls make internal and external assurance smoother.
DESIGN
How to design effective risk controls
- Start with risk Tie each control to residual risk and appetite statements.
- Keep it practical Use automation or checklists that fit day-to-day workflows.
- Document ownership Record who performs, reviews, and tests each control.
CADENCE
How to test and monitor controls
- Schedule testing Run periodic sample testing or continuous monitoring depending on risk.
- Track exceptions Log failures, root causes, and remediation tasks.
- Review effectiveness Use dashboards showing pass rates, automation coverage, and backlog items.
- Refresh design Update controls after incidents, system changes, or regulator feedback.
Risk control quick wins
Catalogue controls
List every control with objective, frequency, and owner.
Tag preventive/detective
Ensure each risk category has an appropriate mix.
Automate reminders
Use workflow tools to schedule evidence collection and approvals.
RISK CONTROL GLOSSARY SNAPSHOT
Risk control glossary snapshot
Preventive control. An activity that stops an error or breach before it occurs.
Detective control. An activity that flags errors or breaches quickly.
Control owner. The person responsible for performing and maintaining a control.
FAQS
Risk controls FAQs
How do we know if controls work?
Measure pass rates, exception counts, and remediation times during testing.
How often should controls be reviewed?
High-risk controls quarterly; lower-risk at least annually or after major changes.
What’s the difference between control environment and activities?
The control environment is culture and governance; control activities are the specific tasks and checks.
Do we need technology?
Automation helps with evidence and alerts, but even smaller teams can start with shared checklists and logs.
Drova RunSafe captures control owners, evidence, and remediation tasks automatically.
Ready to track controls and testing?
GRC 101 HUB
Explore related topics
Risk management basics
See how controls reduce residual risk.
Risk register template
Map controls to each risk entry.
Compliance risk overview
Pair controls with obligations.
Operational risk guide
Design controls for daily processes.
Inherent risk explainer
Understand baseline exposure before controls.
Residual risk guide
Measure what is left after controls operate.
