> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/cortex-cloud-posture-management/compliance/monitor-and-track-compliance-adherence/choose-compliance-standards-from-the-compliance-catalog.md).

# Choose compliance standards from the compliance catalog

Select built-in or custom compliance standards and controls from the compliance catalogs.

The compliance catalogs provide a list of available compliance standards and controls.

Cortex provides lists of available standards and controls in the Standards and Controls catalogs under **Posture Management → Compliance → Catalogs**.

## What are standards and controls?

Standards are guidelines that organizations follow in order to comply with industry best practices and regulations, as well as internal organizational policies and procedures. They improve security and quality in operational practices.

Standards consist of controls, which are measures related to the standard that ensure compliance and mitigate risks. Controls are built from one or more rules, the specific checks that run on an asset. Controls are grouped into categories and sub-categories.

The **Standards** and **Controls** catalogs include built-in industry standards and controls and custom organizational standards and controls.


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