What is the ultimate purpose of detective controls in risk management?

The ultimate purpose of detective controls in risk management is to identify and respond to risks that have occurred. Detective controls are mechanisms put in place to monitor and review activities, systems, and processes to detect any irregularities, incidents, or breaches that may indicate risk events. This type of control aims to provide timely feedback on the effectiveness of preventive measures and allow organizations to take prompt corrective actions.

Detective controls differ from preventive controls, which are designed to stop risks from occurring in the first place. While compliance with regulatory requirements is important, it is not the primary aim of detective controls. Additionally, communicating risk policies is a crucial aspect of risk management, but it does not fall within the scope of what detective controls specifically address. Instead, detective controls focus on recognizing issues after they have occurred, allowing organizations to minimize damage and improve future prevention strategies.