How many families are security controls organized into?

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Security controls are organized into 18 families as defined by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in Special Publication 800-53. These families categorize the various controls based on their functions and the type of protection they offer. Each family addresses a specific aspect of security, such as access control, incident response, risk assessment, or system and communications protection.

By organizing security controls into these families, organizations can better understand, implement, and manage their cybersecurity practices in a structured manner. This framework aids in the identification of gaps in security measures and facilitates compliance with federal regulations and standards. This comprehensive approach is crucial for building robust security postures and ensuring that all necessary aspects of information systems security are adequately addressed.