Quick Answer
The answer is access control policy and security awareness training. These are correct because administrative controls focus on managing human behavior, organizational policies, and procedural frameworks rather than hardware or software mechanisms. An access control policy defines rules for who can access resources and under what conditions, while security awareness training educates users to recognize threats like phishing, directly reducing risk through informed decision-making. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish administrative controls from technical controls (like firewalls) or physical controls (like locks). A common trap is mistaking training for a technical control, but remember that any control involving policy, procedure, or user guidance falls under the administrative domain of the CIA triad’s governance framework. For a quick memory tip, think “People and Paper” — administrative controls always involve people, policies, or training, never devices or software.
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of governance, risk and compliance. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Which TWO of the following are examples of administrative controls? (Select TWO)
Firewall rules
Why wrong: Technical control
Encryption of data at rest
Why wrong: Technical control
Security awareness training
Administrative control
Access control policy
Administrative control
Intrusion detection system
Why wrong: Technical control
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Security awareness training
Security awareness training (C) is an administrative control because it involves policies, procedures, and human behavior management rather than technical mechanisms. It educates users on security risks and compliance requirements, reducing the likelihood of social engineering or policy violations. This aligns with the administrative domain of the CIA triad's governance framework.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Firewall rules
Why it's wrong here
Technical control
Encryption of data at rest
Why it's wrong here
Technical control
Security awareness training
Why this is correct
Administrative control
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Access control policy
Why this is correct
Administrative control
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Intrusion detection system
Why it's wrong here
Technical control
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between administrative, technical, and physical controls, and the trap here is that candidates confuse technical controls like encryption or firewalls with administrative controls because they are both part of a defense-in-depth strategy, but only administrative controls involve human processes and documentation.
Detailed technical explanation
Administrative controls, also known as procedural controls, are documented policies, standards, and training programs that guide human behavior and organizational processes. They form the foundation of a security program, as technical controls like firewalls or encryption are only effective if properly configured and maintained through administrative oversight. For example, an access control policy (D) defines roles, responsibilities, and approval workflows, while security awareness training (C) ensures users understand phishing risks and password hygiene.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
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Governance, Risk and Compliance — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Governance, Risk and Compliance — This question tests Governance, Risk and Compliance — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Security awareness training — Security awareness training (C) is an administrative control because it involves policies, procedures, and human behavior management rather than technical mechanisms. It educates users on security risks and compliance requirements, reducing the likelihood of social engineering or policy violations. This aligns with the administrative domain of the CIA triad's governance framework.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CAS-004 exam.
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