Control tests are periodic evaluations that verify whether security controls are operating effectively as designed. They range from automated technical checks (such as verifying that encryption is enabled on databases) to manual assessments (such as reviewing access rights quarterly) and simulation exercises (such as phishing tests or disaster recovery drills).
Regular control testing is a requirement of ISO 27001 and SOC 2, and provides evidence that controls are not just implemented but genuinely effective. Test results feed into the continuous improvement cycle, identifying controls that need strengthening, updating or replacing. Modern GRC platforms automate many control tests, enabling organisations to shift from periodic manual testing to continuous automated validation.