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Policies and Controls: Two Sides of Security
Strong cybersecurity requires both direction and action. In government, that’s the difference between a policy—a rule or expectation—and a control—the safeguard that enforces it.
What’s the Difference?
- Policy: Defines what should happen.
Example: “Sensitive data must be encrypted.”
- Control: Ensures it happens.
Example: Encryption is automatically applied before data is stored or transmitted.
Policies set the “what.” Controls deliver the “how.”
Why Both Are Needed
A policy without controls is guidance without teeth. Controls without policy lack purpose. Together, they create accountability—ensuring that systems are secure and expectations are consistently met.
For government, this isn’t just a technical exercise. It’s about protecting services people rely on every day.
GovRAMP’s Role
GovRAMP provides a trusted framework that helps agencies and providers:
- Write clear, effective security policies
- Pair those policies with tested, validated controls
- Build confidence that cloud systems meet a consistent standard
This alignment ensures security isn’t just aspirational—it’s operational.
The Bottom Line
Policies set the rules. Controls make them real.
In cybersecurity, both are essential for protecting systems—and the public trust that depends on them.