I wanted to try a simple idea: explain a control in everyday language without losing the evidence or glossing over its limits. Pick an example below and follow the connection.
Try a sample
These are fictional examples, not an assessment of a real system.
The sign-in example is readable below. Enable JavaScript to switch between samples.
Sign-in with MFA
01
Technical intent
Require an additional authentication factor when someone signs in to a protected account.
02
Evidence to inspect
Inspect the enforced sign-in policy, check which accounts it covers, and review a test sign-in. Include recovery paths and exceptions in that review.
03
In plain language
A stolen password alone should not be enough to sign in. That adds a barrier between a compromised password and access to the account.
04
What this does not prove
An MFA setting does not prove every account is covered. Some methods can be phished, and recovery paths or existing sessions can still create risk.
Restore from backup
01
Technical intent
Keep recoverable copies of important data and test that they can be restored within the required time.
02
Evidence to inspect
Inspect backup coverage and retention, then review a recent restore test. Check the recovered data and the time it took, rather than relying only on a successful backup-job message.
03
In plain language
If something is deleted or a system fails, the team needs a usable way back. A restore test gives a more useful answer than knowing a backup file exists.
04
What this does not prove
One successful restore does not prove every system can recover or that recovery will meet the business's needs. Untested dependencies and exposed backup accounts can still cause problems.
Least-privilege access
01
Technical intent
Give people and service accounts only the permissions needed for their work, and remove access when it is no longer needed.
02
Evidence to inspect
Inspect effective permissions, including inherited roles. Compare them with current responsibilities and review the records of access changes and removal tests.
03
In plain language
An account should have enough access to do its job without also opening unrelated systems. That can limit the reach of a mistake or a compromised account.
04
What this does not prove
A role name or a completed access review does not prove permissions are appropriate. Inherited access, shared accounts, and changes since the review still need attention.
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