Cisco Cyber Security Practice Exam

Which of the following is a valid countermeasure against unauthorized access?

1. Open access to network resources

2. Define strict access control policies

3. Set default permissions for users

4. Eliminate user authentication

The correct answer is: Define strict access control policies

Defining strict access control policies is indeed a valid countermeasure against unauthorized access. Access control policies establish guidelines that dictate who can access specific resources and under what conditions. By implementing these policies, organizations can ensure that only authorized users have access to sensitive data and critical system functions, thereby reducing the risk of unauthorized access. Strict access control policies can include measures such as role-based access control, where user permissions are assigned based on their roles within the organization, and least privilege access, which grants users only the permissions necessary for their tasks. This ensures that even if an account is compromised, the potential damage is limited. In contrast, options such as open access to network resources or eliminating user authentication create vulnerabilities by allowing unrestricted access, which directly opposes the principle of securing sensitive information. Setting default permissions for users can be problematic as well, as these defaults may not align with the specific security requirements of an organization, potentially leading to excessive access rights being granted unintentionally. Thus, the approach of defining strict access control policies stands out as the most effective countermeasure against unauthorized access.