GIAC Foundational Cybersecurity Technologies Practice Test

Which approach is most effective for identifying unauthorized access in a system?

1. Regularly scheduled audits

2. Ad-hoc checks

3. Monitoring user access logs

4. Installing antivirus software

The correct answer is: Monitoring user access logs

Monitoring user access logs is the most effective approach for identifying unauthorized access in a system because it allows for real-time tracking of all user activity within that environment. By regularly reviewing access logs, an organization can detect unusual patterns or anomalies that may indicate unauthorized access, such as access attempts by unfamiliar users, access at odd hours, or operations performed that deviate from a user’s normal behavior. This method provides critical insights into who accessed what, when, and what actions were taken. Automated alerts can also be set up for certain activities, enabling quicker responses to potential security incidents. In contrast, while regularly scheduled audits can help with the overall assessment of security posture, they may not catch unauthorized access in a timely manner. Ad-hoc checks provide a less systematic approach and might miss ongoing unauthorized activities. Although antivirus software is crucial for preventing malware and other malicious software, it does not specifically focus on unauthorized access at the user level. Therefore, monitoring user access logs remains the most targeted and effective method for identifying potential security breaches related to unauthorized access.