The Drata Control Framework (DCF) is Drata’s proprietary, framework-agnostic control catalog. It serves as the foundation for your compliance program within the Drata platform, designed to streamline and accelerate your security and compliance journey.
Think of it as a master library of security and compliance activities. These activities are developed to satisfy the requirements of numerous frameworks, standards, and regulations simultaneously. You can read more about why multiple DCF controls can map to a single framework requirement here.
Key Characteristics of the DCF
Centralized and Framework-Agnostic: DCF controls are not tied to a single security framework. They are designed to address similar requirements across the widest possible range of frameworks (like SOC 2, ISO 27001, etc.). This means you can implement one DCF control to satisfy multiple requirements, saving significant time and effort.
The Core of Your Compliance Automation: The DCF acts as the central "hub" for Drata's automation. Each control is a primary node that connects to all other related elements of your compliance program, including:
Framework Requirements
Internal Risks
Company Policies
Automated Monitoring Tests
And other Drata features
Accelerates and Standardizes: By providing a comprehensive set of pre-built controls, the DCF helps accelerate your initial setup and standardize your ongoing compliance efforts. This reduces compliance fatigue by creating a consistent, repeatable process for managing security controls.
A Living Framework: Customization and Updates
The DCF catalog is a powerful starting point, but it is neither prescriptive nor exhaustive. Every organization is unique, and you are encouraged to evaluate the suggested controls within the context of your own business, technology stack, and risk appetite. You can and should customize your control selection as needed.
Drata's security and compliance experts continuously maintain and evolve the DCF catalog. It is periodically updated to ensure it reflects the current security landscape.
Factors that drive these changes include:
New Frameworks: The addition of new frameworks to the Drata platform.
Framework Updates: New versions or updates to existing frameworks, standards, and regulations.
Industry Evolution: Developments in industry standards, definitions, and emerging technologies (e.g., Artificial Intelligence).
Platform Alignment: Realignment of DCF controls with other connected Drata features (like monitoring tests or policy templates).
General Maintenance: Administrative updates, scope calibration, and the removal of redundancies to keep the catalog efficient and effective.
Key Takeaway
While the Drata Control Framework is a powerful tool for automation and centralization, it's important to remember that DCFs are, at their core, CONTROLS. They are the specific safeguards and countermeasures you implement to protect your information systems and meet your compliance goals.