Quick Answer
The answer is device control software that blocks non-approved USB devices. This is the most effective control because it operates at the OS kernel or driver level, enforcing a hardware ID or vendor ID allowlist to prevent unauthorized USB devices from connecting, regardless of user behavior or physical access. On the Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA exam, this question tests your understanding of preventive versus detective or corrective controls within endpoint security and data loss prevention. A common trap is choosing administrative policies or user training, which are weaker because they rely on human compliance rather than automated enforcement. Remember the memory tip: “Kernel-level kill” — kernel-level controls kill the threat before it connects, while user-level controls only hope it doesn’t.
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 of the following is the MOST effective control to prevent unauthorized USB devices from connecting to corporate workstations?
Device control software that blocks non-approved USB devices.
Technical enforcement is most effective.
User awareness training.
Why wrong: Training is important but does not technically block devices.
Physical security guards.
Why wrong: Guards cannot monitor every USB port.
Encrypting all USB devices.
Why wrong: Encryption does not prevent connection.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Device control software that blocks non-approved USB devices.
Device control software (e.g., endpoint DLP or USB whitelisting tools) operates at the OS kernel or driver level to enforce a hardware ID or vendor ID allowlist, blocking any USB device not explicitly approved. This is the only option that provides a preventive, automated, and continuous control against unauthorized USB connections, regardless of user behavior or physical access.
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.
Device control software that blocks non-approved USB devices.
Why this is correct
Technical enforcement is most effective.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
User awareness training.
Why it's wrong here
Training is important but does not technically block devices.
Physical security guards.
Why it's wrong here
Guards cannot monitor every USB port.
Encrypting all USB devices.
Why it's wrong here
Encryption does not prevent connection.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse encryption (which protects data confidentiality) with access control (which prevents connection), or overestimate the effectiveness of training and physical security against a technical bypass like USB autorun or BadUSB.
Detailed technical explanation
Device control software typically hooks into the Windows Driver Frameworks (WDF) or Linux USB core subsystem to intercept Plug and Play (PnP) events, comparing the device's VID/PID (Vendor ID/Product ID) against a centrally managed policy. In a real-world scenario, a sophisticated attacker might use a USB Rubber Ducky that spoofs a keyboard HID; effective device control software can block based on device class or require cryptographic attestation, not just VID/PID.
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 CISA 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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Device control software that blocks non-approved USB devices. — Device control software (e.g., endpoint DLP or USB whitelisting tools) operates at the OS kernel or driver level to enforce a hardware ID or vendor ID allowlist, blocking any USB device not explicitly approved. This is the only option that provides a preventive, automated, and continuous control against unauthorized USB connections, regardless of user behavior or physical access.
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 25, 2026
This CISA practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISA exam.
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