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

-
In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

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

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

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

-
Select the exception type: disable the control or accept the risk. If you accept the risk, choose a time period for the exception.
-
Write a justification for the exception.
-
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.
-
In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to customize.

-
In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

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

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

-
Select the SET EXCEPTION button.

-
Select the exception type and time period, then provide a justification. The approver will use this justification when reviewing the exception.
-
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.
-
In the Mondoo Console, navigate to the space you want to work in.

-
In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

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

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

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

-
In the side navigation bar, select Compliance.

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

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