In cybersecurity, a control is any measure, policy, or mechanism put in place to reduce risk and protect information systems. Controls are designed to prevent, detect, or respond to cyber threats, such as unauthorized access, data breaches, or malware attacks. They can be technical, like firewalls and encryption; administrative, like security policies and training; or physical, such as locked server rooms. By implementing effective controls, organizations can safeguard sensitive data, ensure compliance with regulations, and maintain the integrity and availability of their systems.