What do technical controls in cybersecurity encompass?

Technical controls in cybersecurity are essential components that focus specifically on the technological aspects of securing information systems and data. This includes the use of hardware and software solutions that are designed to protect, detect, and respond to potential security threats. Examples of technical controls encompass firewalls, intrusion detection systems, encryption software, antivirus programs, and secure access controls—essentially any tool or system that directly aids in safeguarding digital resources.

While policies and procedures play a crucial role in guiding behavior and compliance (the first option), employee training is vital for fostering a security-aware culture (the third option), and physical security measures protect the environment in which systems operate (the fourth option), it is the hardware and software solutions that constitute the direct technical controls that enforce security measures in operational practice. This strong focus on technology is what defines the category of technical controls.