Great question! and one that requires a bit of explaination. Controls and Objectives are terms that are sometimes used interchangeably but actually work together in the sense that a “Control” or action/process helps fulfill an “Objective” or goal/requirement.

Below is a definition from AI that does a really good job of illustrating the point of how they are similar but work together.

In ControlMap the Objectives come from a “Framework” and tend to contain the language of the requirement of the Framework. The Controls exist to fulfill that Objective and ideally an organization has 1 ControlSet that can map to multiple Framework Objectives - such as 1 process like Backups or Endpoint Protection to fulfill multiple Objectives from multiple frameworks.

This sounds straightforward enough but in many frameworks this line blurs and Objectives are written like Controls and vice versa. For instance in CIS or NIST the Objectives are basically the Controls as they are written in a prescriptive fashion where as in SOC 2 the Objectives require Controls to fulfill them.

In ControlMap we attempt to work from Framework Objectives as the standard as most orgs focus on single Frameworks with a singular focus of Objectives and keep Controls as an advanced feature when needed for SOC 2 or for 1 to many relationships or for custom control sets that a partner might have. 

The name “ControlMap” comes from mapping controls to Objectives and evidence and policies etc.. 

Here is the help article for Controls: 

https://help.controlmap.io/hc/en-us/articles/18161969142299-Controls

And Help article for Frameworks where Objectives are set: 

https://help.controlmap.io/hc/en-us/articles/18161192714651-Frameworks

A.I. Generated Definition Below:

Objectives

• What they are: High-level goals or desired outcomes that an organization wants to achieve to ensure information security.

• Purpose: They define why a security measure is needed.

• Example: “Ensure only authorized users have access to sensitive data.”

Controls

• What they are: Specific actions, mechanisms, or processes put in place to achieve security objectives.

• Purpose: They define how the objectives are met.

• Example: Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) to control access.

🧩 2. Relationship

• Objectives set the direction, and controls are the means to reach those objectives.

• Think of objectives as destination points, and controls as the vehicle and route used to get there.

3. Scope and Granularity

• Objectives are broad, strategic, and often fewer in number.

• Controls are specific, tactical, and numerous — often nested under a single objective.

️ 4. Examples (Side by Side)