Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which countermeasure helps manage unauthorized access to systems and applications?

1. Regular audits

2. Define strict access control policies

3. Use of passwords only

4. Implement firewalls

The correct answer is: Define strict access control policies

Defining strict access control policies is essential in managing unauthorized access to systems and applications. Access control policies establish guidelines for who can access information, resources, or systems and under what circumstances. These policies dictate the level of access each user is granted based on their role within an organization, ensuring that individuals only have access to the information necessary for their tasks. By implementing strict access control measures, organizations can minimize the risk of unauthorized access, thereby protecting sensitive data and applications from potential threats. This approach also involves regular reviews and updates to access control measures to adapt to changes in personnel, technology, and security needs, further enhancing the overall security posture. While other options like regular audits and using passwords contribute to security, they do not have the same direct impact on defining access rights as access control policies do. Firewalls can help protect network boundaries but do not specifically address the management of individual access rights within systems and applications.