Which type of analysis compares the effectiveness of current controls against desired objectives?

Gap analysis is the correct choice because it specifically focuses on identifying the differences between current performance and desired performance or objectives. In the context of information security, this type of analysis evaluates the effectiveness of existing security controls against the standards or goals that an organization aims to achieve. By conducting a gap analysis, organizations can pinpoint areas where their controls may be lacking or insufficient, enabling them to take targeted actions to improve their security posture.

Impact analysis, while important, primarily assesses the potential consequences of specific incidents or changes rather than comparing current controls to objectives. Threat modeling is a process used to identify and prioritize potential threats to an organization's assets, focusing on understanding vulnerabilities rather than measuring effectiveness against objectives. Risk assessment, on the other hand, involves identifying, analyzing, and evaluating risks, which includes assessing controls but is broader in scope and not specifically focused on measuring against desired objectives.