ComplianceCustomize Compliance

Set Exceptions on Controls

Set exceptions on controls in a compliance framework and provide justification for your team and auditors

Exceptions let you exclude controls from your compliance score while documenting the reason for your team and auditors. Unlike setting a control out of scope (which hides it from reports entirely), exceptions remain visible in compliance reports along with your justification.

There are two types of exceptions:

  • Risk acceptance: Temporarily exclude a control for a set time period. Use this when you intend to comply with a control eventually but don't want it affecting your score right now.
  • Disable: Permanently exclude a control from your compliance score. A disabled control remains excluded unless you re-enable it.

You can also set exceptions on individual checks within a control for more granular customization. To learn more, read Set Exceptions on Checks.

Set an exception on a control

Note: Only team members with Editor or Owner access can perform this task.

  1. In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to customize.

    Space in the Mondoo Console

  2. In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

    Compliance in the Mondoo Console

  3. Select the framework you want to customize and scroll down to the list of controls.

    Compliance framework in the Mondoo Console

  4. Select the control you want to set an exception for.

    Control in the Mondoo Console

  5. In the top-right corner, select the SET EXCEPTION button.

    Set an exception on a compliance control

  6. Select the exception type: disable the control or accept the risk. If you accept the risk, choose a time period for the exception.

  7. Write a justification for the exception.

  8. Select the SAVE EXCEPTION button.

Set exceptions on multiple controls at once

Note: Only team members with Editor or Owner access can perform this task.

  1. In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to customize.

    Space in the Mondoo Console

  2. In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

    Compliance in the Mondoo Console

  3. Select the framework you want to customize and scroll down to the list of controls.

    Compliance framework in the Mondoo Console

  4. Check the boxes to the left of the controls you want to set exceptions on.

    Select multiple controls

  5. Select the SET EXCEPTION button.

    Set an exception on compliance controls

  6. Select the exception type and time period, then provide a justification. The approver will use this justification when reviewing the exception.

  7. Select the SAVE EXCEPTION button.

Approve or reject an exception

Exceptions take effect immediately. However, as an extra tracking step, a team member can approve or reject an exception:

  • Approve: The exception remains in place.
  • Reject: The exception is removed and the control is re-enabled.

Note: Only team members with Editor or Owner access can perform this task.

  1. In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to work in.

    Space in the Mondoo Console

  2. In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

    Compliance in the Mondoo Console

  3. Select the framework you want to work in and scroll down to the list of controls.

    Compliance framework in the Mondoo Console

  4. Select the control with an exception you want to approve or reject.

    Control with an exception pending approval

  5. Select the Reject button to remove the exception, or select the Approve button to keep it.

Re-enable a control

Note: Only team members with Editor or Owner access can perform this task.

  1. In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to work in.

    Space in the Mondoo Console

  2. In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

    Compliance in the Mondoo Console

  3. Select the framework you want to work in and scroll down to the list of controls.

    Controls in a compliance framework showing a control with an exception

  4. Select the control you want to re-enable, then select Remove Exception and Enable.

    Remove Exception and Enable button on a control


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