What technique is most helpful for risk managers to compare existing security controls to best practice controls?

Gap analysis is the most helpful technique for risk managers to compare existing security controls to best practice controls. This method involves evaluating the current state of security measures against a defined standard or set of best practices. By identifying the discrepancies or "gaps" between current practices and ideal standards, risk managers can effectively understand where improvements are necessary.

This approach not only highlights weaknesses in existing controls but also provides a clear roadmap for prioritizing enhancements. Through gap analysis, organizations can make informed decisions about which areas require immediate attention and investment, aligning their security posture with industry standards or regulatory requirements.

In contrast, a control assessment typically focuses on the effectiveness and performance of specific controls without necessarily comparing them to best practices. A security audit tends to be a comprehensive evaluation of an organization's security policies and practices, which may not specifically target the identification of gaps relative to best practices. Risk evaluation emphasizes the identification, analysis, and prioritization of risks but does not inherently facilitate the direct comparison of current controls against best practices. Thus, gap analysis is uniquely positioned as the most effective method for this purpose.