Certified Information Systems Auditor Practice Exam

Implementing strong access controls is a fundamental preventive measure against data breaches because it helps ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive information and systems. Strong access controls involve establishing user authentication mechanisms, such as passwords and multi-factor authentication, and defining user roles and permissions to limit access based on individual job responsibilities. This minimizes the risk of unauthorized access, thereby protecting the organization’s data from both internal and external threats.

Moreover, a well-designed access control system allows for continuous monitoring and auditing of user activity. This real-time oversight enables organizations to identify suspicious behaviors or potential vulnerabilities swiftly, which is critical in today’s threat landscape. By restricting access to only those individuals who need it, organizations can significantly reduce the likelihood of data breaches occurring due to compromised credentials or unintentional insider threats.

In contrast, relying solely on antivirus programs does not address the broader landscape of cyber threats, allowing vulnerabilities to persist. Allowing unrestricted access to all users compromises data security by exposing sensitive information to anyone, including potential malicious actors. Disabling firewalls removes a critical layer of defense against external attacks, making systems more vulnerable to breaches.