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CISA Practice Question: Is the MOST effective control to prevent…
Which of the following is the MOST effective control to prevent unauthorized USB devices from connecting to corporate workstations?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently 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.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
- ✗
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.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.